There are a number of people who like to collect different types of military patches. For many people this is one of the best hobbies and it is certain that they like to collect different types of patches. Hundreds of collectors buy and sell such patches in the online and offline world and exchange their collections with other collectors. Apart from this, you can also get started with collecting military patches that are related to World War II. When collecting original patches you need to keep in mind that you always make sure that you have purchased authentic patches that are original and distinct. Hundreds of patches were actually issued to many people working in military services or other services related to serving the nation at the time of war.
In the online world you can try and view images of military patches starting from army tank emblems to missile emblems and Luftwaffe patches. As these patches can be expensive so it is certain that you should have the ability to identify original piece and its counterfeits. Investing big amount of money in purchasing counterfeits might not be considered as best investment for anyone. This means that before you make the purchase you need to get familiar with genuine military patches. One of the best ways to get familiar is to try and go through collector’s books and reference books. It is important that you should actually be aware of original patches that were used by different air, land and sea services at the time of World War II. You can also try and collect more information about the allied and axis forces and the types of military patches they used during this time. To make sure that you have come across original patch you should try and compare it with images of original piece. Many reference books and collectors guide provide with images of both authentic and replica patches. If you want to avoid investing money on fake military patches you should try and look closely into differences and similarities both types offer with. If the patch is original then it is certain that you should be able to identify it the moment you have a look at it. Apart from this, you can also try and look around for other signs that are marked at the back of the patch.
As these patches were launched during Second World War so it is certain that the date of their manufacturing might have been printed on is back side. If the military patches you purchased displays the war years then it is certain that it is not fake. Most military patches produced during this time were also marked with white green background at the back side. The edge is also marked with cut appearance and a very distinct yolk border. You need to keep in mind that as these patches were mass produced so they were first embroidered on the cloth and then cut separately. The fabric quality is also one of the best ways to identify fake one from authenticone.
In present time, people make use of different tools and techniques to promote their business and brand names. Some of the best tools have been used for a number of years and with changing times, people simply change the way they like to implement promotional campaigns. With time, it is certain that flag patches have managed to evolve to a greater extent. Presently, many manufacturers create these patches in different colors and styles. Some of the best patches look amazing and offer you with best results to run your promotional campaigns effectively. You can get custom made and designed according to your requirements and needs. It is also possible to have them made in different sizes and shapes. So it might not be wrong to say that these patches are very much portable tools to run your campaign.
Any flag patch is designed in such a way that it displays relevant set of information. It is also true that flag patches are very much economical and cost effective. You certainly can get started by looking around for quality patches in the market for affordable price range. These patches can also be used as your ID patches and carry your name or designation on them. Many organizations provide their employees with such patches the moment they hire them. As they are only created on fabric material so they are also cost effective. Purchasing these patches in bulk saves lots of money and time for employers. Apart from this such patches can also display special identification number of your employee and his rank. We make these flag patches depending on the requirements and requests made by the customer. It is also possible to try and blend flag patches with other materials like plastic or metal to make them more durable as they are going to be used for longer period of time. The logo of the company can easily be printed on the flag and a special single line slogan can also be added to it. This is the best way to convey the message of your company for your employees. The flags can be worn on the vest or uniform or even on the neck area. As flag patches are smaller in size so it is also possible for anyone to pin them on the shirt pocket or on the cap.
You can try and purchase embroidered patches that are more elegant. These patches are used by many people in different ways to promote the brand names. If the patch is longer in size then you can also try and print your personal messages on them. You can make use of these patches in many different ways to promote things. One main benefit of getting them custom made is that you can have your own desired size and shape. Flag patches are also available in the form of metallic badges. In general, such types of patches are not colored and are not expensive options for anyone. They can also be distributed to others at the time of promotional events and ceremonies.
Variety, scarcity and connection to historic events are some of driving factors behind valuable and collectible military patches, according to experts in the field. These experts also say many collectors are drawn to the hobby because of the relatively low entry price of general insignia—many patches can be purchased for just a few dollars.
Nick Hatch, owner of Kilroy’s Footlocker in Doniphan, Mo., said collecting military patches “provides veteran collectors a chance to broaden their collections for a modest fee and offers those people new to militaria collecting an affordable entry into the hobby.” He said U.S. Army patches from World War II are the primary sellers at his shop, but he also does a brisk business in World War II U.S. Navy rates and marks as well as U.S. military Vietnam War-era patches.
“The World War II period has always captured the hearts of militaria collectors, frequently because of a father or other family member who was in the service then, and also because everyone came together to win that war against aggression,” Hatch pointed out. “The Vietnam War has recently become of more interest to the baby boomers because it was ‘their’ war of that generation and its significance to history is becoming more apparent as time goes on.”
Ed Hicks of Warpath Military Collectibles in Fayetteville, N.C., said he sees “the patches from elite units, and especially the smaller ones like the OSS, Rangers, Airborne and all combat aviation squadron units, as wildly popular” with collectors. “There is a common desire to associate your collecting with the best examples possible and this extends to seeking the uncommon insignia, which are the most difficult to obtain,” he added.
Bob Chatt of Vintage Productions in Huntington Beach, Calif., said military patches have been heavily collected since just before the Second World War.
“It was a major hobby for young kids to collect patches during World War II and many different businesses popped up to supply them,” Chatt said. “Or the kids would write to soldiers or commanding officers, asking for one of their patches. There is a reference to this type of collecting in a World War II issue of Life magazine.”
The popularity of collecting patches has remained strong from then until today, Chatt said. “The most desirable patches and the hottest right now are World War II aviation squadron patches, Airborne and elite unit patches, and original Vietnam-made unit patches,” he added.
Collector and online dealer John Casino of Warrington, Pa., said patches and cloth insignia are more affordable than other militaria and enable the collector to assemble a wider array of units, and are also are more easily managed and stored.
Casino, who sells mainly German shoulder boards and collar tabs which show arm and service affiliation in the same way as sleeve patches of U.S. forces, said collectors have been seeking many of the lower ranks insignias and those affiliated with the elite services, such as armor, recon and paratrooper.
“I am seeing the availability of all original militaria decreasing,” Casino said. “Patches no one wanted 10 years ago are now even in short supply. Original examples never increase, but the collectors buying them do. Many collectors are introduced into the hobby through the many cable history channels that spark interest.”
Casino said a pair of German armor enlisted man’s shoulder straps, which sold at $100 three years ago, is now priced at close to $300. Such straps, he added, even at the increased price, sell briskly.
Cyrus Galletta of West Nyack, N.Y., an avid military patch collector and dealer, said he thinks the ease of obtaining and handling cloth insignia are probably the most popular reasons for collectors to get into military patches. But, he also said he thinks there is a glut of military collector supplies that has cooled off buyer interest. “My response to that situation is to offer uniform jackets with the insignia still on them,” Galletta said. “It is a more difficult way to sell uniform patches, but the buyer gets an unquestionable original.”
Galletta said he thinks the insignia that have been attracting the most attention from collectors are those seen most in the public eye, like in the television series Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose, or in the movie Saving Private Ryan by Steven Spielberg with Tom Hanks.
Galletta’s World War II division patches sell from $3 to $12, while there are some rare commands that are in the $35 to $75 range. He said he has always been interested in aviation, so most of his personal collecting centers around squadron and group U.S. Army and Navy patches from both world wars.
“These insignia have increased in value enormously to the $200 to $400 range,” he noted. “The fighter squadrons are in the $300 to $400 range, depending on their rarity and association with famous pilots. The bomber squadrons and groups are the same prices, even though they had greater numbers of members when they were active.”
Galletta has unusual patches in his collection, including ones on Australian battle jackets issued to American soldiers early in World War II. He has a jacket with a squadron patch for the 321 Bomb Squadron on one pocket and the 90 Bomb Group insignia on the other. Both insignia are very rare because the designs were not recorded during the war since the group flew from small islands where there were no manufacturing facilities to make large numbers of patches.
Hatch said he sells his World War II-era patches in the $5 to $10 range, with Army Air Force, Ranger and Airborne patches going in the $15 to $35 range. An unusual patch he once sold was a second style Merrill’s Marauders patch for $75, as well as a 1st Special Service Force patch that sold for the same price. He’s sold bullion patches of the 8th Army Air Force and the 10th Army Air Force in the $60 to $80 range.
One of the most interesting and unusual examples of military patches Hatch said he has acquired was a World War II-era blanket covered with more than 200 original Second World War Army patches, ranging from common division patches to rare Airborne and Special Forces types.
“Blankets like these were of varying sizes and quite often were made of actual U.S. Army woolen blanket material, and a G.I. or loved one back home would sew on collected patches,” Hatch pointed out. “They are not commonly found and usually bring high prices, depending on the types, number and condition of the patches they hold.”
More Images:
Insignia of the 149th Air Ambulance. Courtesy of American Patch Company
F1-16 Fighting Falcon patch of the 282nd Tactical Fighter Wing. Courtesy of American Patch Company
Areospace Defense Command shoulder patch. Courtesy of Le Voyageur.
US Air Force Special Operations Command patch. Courtesy of American Patch Company
An instructor's insignia for the Sea Dragon helicopter. Courtesy of American Patch Company
For centuries, military insignia has symbolized rank, commanded respect and displayed accomplishments for proud soldiers of all nations. Today, militaria collectors also take pride in these badges, often out of respect for and remembrance of those who served and sacrificed.
Variety, scarcity and connection to historic events are some of driving factors behind valuable and collectible military patches, according to experts in the field. These experts also say many collectors are drawn to the hobby because of the relatively low entry price of general insignia—many patches can be purchased for just a few dollars.
Nick Hatch, owner of Kilroy’s Footlocker in Doniphan, Mo., said collecting military patches “provides veteran collectors a chance to broaden their collections for a modest fee and offers those people new to militaria collecting an affordable entry into the hobby.” He said U.S. Army patches from World War II are the primary sellers at his shop, but he also does a brisk business in World War II U.S. Navy rates and marks as well as U.S. military Vietnam War-era patches.
“The World War II period has always captured the hearts of militaria collectors, frequently because of a father or other family member who was in the service then, and also because everyone came together to win that war against aggression,” Hatch pointed out. “The Vietnam War has recently become of more interest to the baby boomers because it was ‘their’ war of that generation and its significance to history is becoming more apparent as time goes on.”
Ed Hicks of Warpath Military Collectibles in Fayetteville, N.C., said he sees “the patches from elite units, and especially the smaller ones like the OSS, Rangers, Airborne and all combat aviation squadron units, as wildly popular” with collectors. “There is a common desire to associate your collecting with the best examples possible and this extends to seeking the uncommon insignia, which are the most difficult to obtain,” he added.
Bob Chatt of Vintage Productions in Huntington Beach, Calif., said military patches have been heavily collected since just before the Second World War.
“It was a major hobby for young kids to collect patches during World War II and many different businesses popped up to supply them,” Chatt said. “Or the kids would write to soldiers or commanding officers, asking for one of their patches. There is a reference to this type of collecting in a World War II issue of Life magazine.”
The popularity of collecting patches has remained strong from then until today, Chatt said. “The most desirable patches and the hottest right now are World War II aviation squadron patches, Airborne and elite unit patches, and original Vietnam-made unit patches,” he added.
Collector and online dealer John Casino of Warrington, Pa., said patches and cloth insignia are more affordable than other militaria and enable the collector to assemble a wider array of units, and are also are more easily managed and stored.
Casino, who sells mainly German shoulder boards and collar tabs which show arm and service affiliation in the same way as sleeve patches of U.S. forces, said collectors have been seeking many of the lower ranks insignias and those affiliated with the elite services, such as armor, recon and paratrooper.
“I am seeing the availability of all original militaria decreasing,” Casino said. “Patches no one wanted 10 years ago are now even in short supply. Original examples never increase, but the collectors buying them do. Many collectors are introduced into the hobby through the many cable history channels that spark interest.”
Casino said a pair of German armor enlisted man’s shoulder straps, which sold at $100 three years ago, is now priced at close to $300. Such straps, he added, even at the increased price, sell briskly.
Cyrus Galletta of West Nyack, N.Y., an avid military patch collector and dealer, said he thinks the ease of obtaining and handling cloth insignia are probably the most popular reasons for collectors to get into military patches. But, he also said he thinks there is a glut of military collector supplies that has cooled off buyer interest. “My response to that situation is to offer uniform jackets with the insignia still on them,” Galletta said. “It is a more difficult way to sell uniform patches, but the buyer gets an unquestionable original.”
Galletta said he thinks the insignia that have been attracting the most attention from collectors are those seen most in the public eye, like in the television series Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose, or in the movie Saving Private Ryan by Steven Spielberg with Tom Hanks.
Galletta’s World War II division patches sell from $3 to $12, while there are some rare commands that are in the $35 to $75 range. He said he has always been interested in aviation, so most of his personal collecting centers around squadron and group U.S. Army and Navy patches from both world wars.
“These insignia have increased in value enormously to the $200 to $400 range,” he noted. “The fighter squadrons are in the $300 to $400 range, depending on their rarity and association with famous pilots. The bomber squadrons and groups are the same prices, even though they had greater numbers of members when they were active.”
Galletta has unusual patches in his collection, including ones on Australian battle jackets issued to American soldiers early in World War II. He has a jacket with a squadron patch for the 321 Bomb Squadron on one pocket and the 90 Bomb Group insignia on the other. Both insignia are very rare because the designs were not recorded during the war since the group flew from small islands where there were no manufacturing facilities to make large numbers of patches.
Hatch said he sells his World War II-era patches in the $5 to $10 range, with Army Air Force, Ranger and Airborne patches going in the $15 to $35 range. An unusual patch he once sold was a second style Merrill’s Marauders patch for $75, as well as a 1st Special Service Force patch that sold for the same price. He’s sold bullion patches of the 8th Army Air Force and the 10th Army Air Force in the $60 to $80 range.
One of the most interesting and unusual examples of military patches Hatch said he has acquired was a World War II-era blanket covered with more than 200 original Second World War Army patches, ranging from common division patches to rare Airborne and Special Forces types.
“Blankets like these were of varying sizes and quite often were made of actual U.S. Army woolen blanket material, and a G.I. or loved one back home would sew on collected patches,” Hatch pointed out. “They are not commonly found and usually bring high prices, depending on the types, number and condition of the patches they hold.”
Hicks said he thinks pricing of patches is not always predictable. More than 20 years ago, he said he paid well over $1,000 for a 509th Parachute Battalion Airborne jacket. “But I recently acquired another example of the same patch for far less,” he said. “It’s largely desire and timing.”
Hicks said he also has several unusual patches, including a one-of-a-kind Vietnam War insignia for the Special Forces A-Team at Camp Ba Xaoi. The unit was overrun by Viet Cong and nearly wiped out. Another rare patch he has is a bullion 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion shoulder patch, purchased many years ago.
Chatt probably takes the prize for the most expensive patch sold — a Vietnam elite unit patch, of which only three examples are known to exist. Chatt sold the patch for $4,500. He has also sold hard-to-find World War II patches in the $1,000 to $3,000 range.
Price aside, perhaps Hicks expresses military patch collecting best when he said all collecting starts with one item.
“Whether it be a patch or a medal or anything else,” Hicks said, “sooner or later the collection starts to form and — bam! — it’s too late. You’re a collector and hopelessly involved with forces you can neither comprehend nor change. Affliction becomes an addiction.”
More Images:
Insignia of the 149th Air Ambulance.
F1-16 Fighting Falcon patch of the 282nd Tactical Fighter Wing. Company
Areospace Defense Command shoulder patch.
US Air Force Special Operations Command patch.
An instructor's insignia for the Sea Dragon helicopter.
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