Replica

A replica is an exact reproduction (as of a painting) executed by the original artist or a copy or reproduction, especially one on a scale smaller than the original. A replica is a copy closely resembling the original concerning its shape and appearance. An inverted replica complements the original by filling its gaps. It can be a copy used for historical purposes, such as being placed in a museum. Sometimes the original never existed. Replicas and reproductions can be related to any form of licensing an image for others to use, whether it is through photos, postcards, prints, miniature or full size copies they represent a resemblance of the original object.

"Not all incorrectly attributed items are intentional forgeries. In the same way that a museum shop might sell a print of a painting or a replica of a vase, copies of statues, paintings, and other precious artifacts have been popular through the ages.

However, replicas have often been used illegally for forgery and counterfeits,especially of money and coins, but also commercial merchandise such as designer label clothing, luxury bags and accessories, and luxury watches. In arts or historic cars, the term "replica" is used for discussing the non-original recreation, sometimes hiding its real identity.

Because of gun ownership restrictions in some locales, gun collectors often create non-functional legal replicas of illegal firearms. Such replicas are also preferred to real firearms when used as a prop in a stage performance, generally for safety reasons.

A prop replica is an authentic-looking duplicate of a prop from a video game, movie or television show.