OK, firstly I am not trying to start an international incident with this thread, just wanting to openly discuss a topic relating to our hobby.
Having said that, there is a seller on an online auction site that sells painted scenes ( vignettes if you will ) on relic helmets and other artifacts. Here are some examples .....
He / she / they are of course catering mainly for the general public but regularly realise prices in the many hundreds of dollars, far outstripping the value of an unadorned piece of rusted metal. As we know, where there is demand .........!!!!
Now, doing this would go against the grain for most collectors but one has to admit there is a good degree of artistry involved in producing them. I for one would NOT buy one as I like a relic "in the raw" but I can see the appeal they have to some people ( even some collectors )
The reason for this thread is to discuss the general feelings of the forum - is this art?.... or wanton destruction / defacement of a relic? Does it enhance or detract from the piece by turning it into a canvas?
Spleen venting or high praise are both welcome....... :)
Dan
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