opinions. Is this true vintage or replica?

[satellite]

This thing was hanging on my mother's wall since 1981. I assume it is an Indian Motorcycle gas tank logo but due to the condition, damn near pristine, it seems like a replica. Pictured are the obverse and reverse of this emblem. I don't recall a resurgence of replication for this type of thing since the millennium change. I don't know. I have never experienced the biker culture. Opinions? Buyers? lol Thanks for looking.

 

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[Kenosha Kid]

Improperly listed as an oil tank cover:

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-indian-motorcycle-emblem-oil-tank-chain

They are actually "tank badges" from Royal Enfield motorcycles...made as Indian motorcycles from 1956 to 1959 (sold in the USA until 1960), including the Indian Chief, Indian Trailblazer, Apache, Hounds Arrow, Fire Arrow, Lance Arrow, Patrol Car, Tomahawk, Woodsman, Westerner models:

http://www.re-indian.com/faparts.html

http://www.re-indian.com/tbparts.html

This is a remanufactured / rebuilt set:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Indi...tZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQQxZ0QQyZ2

Shown on a 1959 Indian Chief 700cc:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...vXEDQ&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0

"In 1960, the Indian name was bought by AMC of England. Royal Enfield being their competition, they abruptly stopped all Enfield-based Indian models except the 700 cc Chief. Their plan was to sell Matchless and AJS motorcycles badged as Indians. However, the venture ended when AMC itself went into liquidation in 1962".

If they've been hanging on your mother's wall since 1981, all indications are that they are genuine 1955-1959 parts (since the Indian Motorcycle Company of America didn't make a comeback until 1999) ... and they are sought after by collectors and/or those restoring old bikes.