UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Police Uniforms Forum WSP Eagle - Help

Saw this eagle advertised for sale on the web and was wondering what you guys thought of it. It has some traits that I like (like the body of the eagle) and some that worry me a bit (like the acorns). Is this a known repo or an original variation that I have not seen?
Thanks, Doug

Pic2...

Dear Doug,

This is not a known reproduction. It is very close to a known original pattern as shown here.

The acorns are really bad, but I just can't say this isn't a manufacturing variation. I haven't seen enough of this pattern to say.

If it were offered to me I would take a chance with it.

Regards,
Bill Unland

Here is a side by side. Slight differences, but very, very close.

GEEZ, I wish I could figure out how to get a little larger photo in!

Regards,
Bill U

Here are a few more of this pattern. All similar, but all with slightly different wreath details. The green one has thin acorns similar to the incident eagle.

Bill,

thanks for the quick reply. Nobody knows their eagles like you do. I think this one might have a shot.

Doug

I believe this one is a reproduction, the embroidery looks very thin, and there are obvious gaps in the embroidery, which I have never seen on this type of eagle before, Keep your eyes open for this one, I got an idea this will be one of those that is going to fool a lot of people.

Gary,

You could be right. I just can't be sure without holding the thing.

I am fearful that the expert repro-er has broadened his field of patterns and may just be doing this one along with the big head and the famous repro, the pot belly amongst others. Without looking at it closely it would be impossible to tell. The "gaps" may just be visable just because of the blue background.

I have a feeling this guy, who appears to be in Germany, is in the custom patch embroidery business and makes these as a sideline. You know the "we will embroider your design for $5 each, minimum 20" type of set up using visual scans and computerized embroidery.

If this IS a reproduction it is EXTREMELY close to the good one. The acorns are ugly though, and I will grant you that the embroidery looks sketchy/thready compared to the good one, same as the famous repro. Maybe an artifact of the machine he is using. It would be interesting to see if this has a "filled in" body on the reverse which all of his other repros do.


Regards,
Bill Unland

I'd have to side with Gary on this one and also believe that it is a reproduction. At least until proven otherwise!

In a few minutes of catch-up surfing, I found the above in question and then the below...they seem to share some common traits.

Reverse

Dear Dave,

That eagle has been for sale for a LONG time. I don't think anyone is willing to take a chance on that one!

That said, except for the stringy embroidery I don't find it all that bad. I have seen worse. It's ugly, but so are a lot of good ones. The guaze backing is spot on. Placement on the oval correct. It's not such an easy call for me.......believe it or not.

It is becoming increasingly impossible to tell a phony on a one look basis on many of these. AH for the good old days when this stuff was worthless and nobody bothered reproducing it!

Regards,
Bill Unland

Well, since we had some differences of opinion on this one, here are some additional pictures that may help us all sort it out.
Doug

Close-up...

Even Closer...

Lower section...

Reverse...

Doug I do not like this one at all, sorry, a bad one in my opinion.