I want to jump back in here because I fear my original admonition for Rev to 'hold off' on buying the VS Stark shield has become a starting point for a lot of negativity in regard to VS that I never intended. Again, I suggested waiting for the next production run in order to assure that concerns with the finish on the first batch were addressed by the factory. As for using prototype pics for promotion of their items, I would be curious to know what else they could use for items that have yet to be produced. They get the prototypes made and approved, have them professionally photographed, and post them. Once available for preorder, they open up the page for sales.
Of course, some other vendors do wait for the actual item to be in hand before posting pics--I'm talking to you, KOA--and that is really cool, but I can't understand how you would e xp ect the manufacturer to post preorder photos of items that have yet to be produced other than in prototype. So, that seems like a moot point to me. As for the shield not meeting e xp ectations, I was disappointed as was VS. They are correct, however, that the seemingly glaring differences are less so in full natural lighting. Finally, GuardianWolf commented that the embossing and detail work was poorly executed on the shield. I have to quibble with that. The embossed sigil of the Stark direwolf and the details around the shield rim are very well done and exactly as pictured in the promotional materials. The only problem I have is with the finish, and, for that, I wish they had offered me a discount or something, but I'm not that upset nor am I planning to return mine. Frankly, the quality is AT LEAST as good as the first edition of the LIMITED edition of the UC 2nd Age Gondorian Shield. That thing is so poorly made that the paint and "wood" chips if you look at it too long.
Now, as to 'dissing' the company or their other products in general, I have to say I have had a long and very good relationship with VS. I currently own their entire line save for the Catspaw dagger. The shield was not exactly as e xp ected, but is very nice all the same. Also, I just got my latest replica from VS, the Helm of the Hound, and it is one of the finest prop replicas in my collection!
That is no mean feat considering I own (or have owned) the ENTIRE UC LOTR line. I recently sold Val my Wiki Helm, but I still have all the others and this beast from VS is as good as it gets! Being a tourney great helm design that includes the neck armor (gorget) it is absolutey HUGE! The piece is so well executed that it is fast becoming my favorite helmet bar none. So, that is just a few more thoughts on the VS debate. I'll be posting a pic of my helm soon and hope to get others up of the shield and my VS wall.