Copies and replicas of parts

Each restauration project has some parts that can’t be restored to original or are economically unreasonable to restore. In most cases we are talking about the exhaust system. Original systems tend to be bent, dented, rusted and covered with thick soot. Basically, the only option we, pre-1945 NSU owners, have is to buy a reproduction exhaust set. When it comes down to reproduction parts, restores, who are after high originality on their motorcycles, prefer reproductions that are really close to originals. These kind of reproduction parts are usually expensive. But is the most expensive part out there the best and the most similar to the original? Are you able to compare when you don’t own the corresponding original part? That’s the question I tend to ask each time I buy reproduction parts.
This is how I found myself in need of the low-situated exhaust system with later styled exhaust mufflers for my 1937 501 OSL.