Union Kepi Insignia/ Authentic?

I recently acquired this kepi insignia, 69th Irish Brigade. I've been seeing various Irish Brigade insignia over a number of years, this one struck me as being "rare", only, because I had not seen it before......Can anyone interested, offer an opinion as to authenticity? I have seen period pieces offered as "old Bannerman stock".........Please view photos, the insignia is in pristine condition, lending to the notion of being"new old stock", Bannerman OR other manufacturer. Thanks for any advice offered.

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There is a webpage SOMEPLACE on the interweb,,I cannot find it anymore,,but the author had mentioned the attachment loops on the back are squared off a bit on original insignia,,and the reproduction insignia has perfectly curved attachment loops. I dont know if that is actually true or simply a baseless opinion,,,but maybe it could be an Avenue to pursue,,which may help you verify its authenticity, based on the loops.
 
There is a webpage SOMEPLACE on the interweb,,I cannot find it anymore,,but the author had mentioned the attachment loops on the back are squared off a bit on original insignia,,and the reproduction insignia has perfectly curved attachment loops. I dont know if that is actually true or simply a baseless opinion,,,but maybe it could be an Avenue to pursue,,which may help you verify its authenticity, based on the loops.
Unfortunately there is no basis in fact about the squared loops. There is a wonderful book that deals with headgear insignia, by Mike O’Donnell that should be a must for those interested in that field of collecting.

Most original insignia that I have seen or own have rounded loops, there was not a specification as far as I know, but a mandrel would be used to bend the loops. I imagine the mandrel size was fairly consistent among the various insignia manufacturers.
 
There is a webpage SOMEPLACE on the interweb,,I cannot find it anymore,,but the author had mentioned the attachment loops on the back are squared off a bit on original insignia,,and the reproduction insignia has perfectly curved attachment loops. I dont know if that is actually true or simply a baseless opinion,,,but maybe it could be an Avenue to pursue,,which may help you verify its authenticity, based on the loops.
Thanks Jack, certainly worth looking at.......in my case it would point to the insignia being a "repro". Thanks for taking the time, I value opinion, as I am not an expert.
 
Unfortunately there is no basis in fact about the squared loops. There is a wonderful book that deals with headgear insignia, by Mike O’Donnell that should be a must for those interested in that field of collecting.

Most original insignia that I have seen or own have rounded loops, there was not a specification as far as I know, but a mandrel would be used to bend the loops. I imagine the mandrel size was fairly consistent among the various insignia manufacturers.
Thanks Package4, more "food for thought"....I will look for book by Mike O'Donnell
Ebay is certainly not a good place for shopping by the novice collector, as in my opinion the majority of the items are fake or of later vintage than advertised. But there are some good items and good sellers, and if you have the experience, reference books, and patience, you can get some good items. But if you are a beginner, get the advice of an experienced collector before making a purchase. Don't believe item descriptions or feedback.
Will Do! Bob........Good Advice, no doubt!
 
I don´t collect, but I´ve spent a lifetime looking at Civil War stuff. I have a rule of thumb: if I´ve never seen one before, it´s either incredibly rare, unique and unused (which is to say virtually unassociated with the actual Civil War) or a fake. Another rule I use is if it´s associated with a famous individual (or who became famous after the war) or a famous unit, it´s probably fake. It´s been over 150 years; I´m gonna go out on a limb here and say most of the good stuff has been purchased and documented by somebody.
On the other hand, your pin is really, really pretty. You can use it as a kilt pin or pin it to scarf or hat and not feel bad about it. My first 2 thoughts when I saw the picture was ¨Wow - I don´t think that´s authentic, but it is really pretty.¨
I have a hand made repro of a 69th NY Irish Brigade battle flag, made by a fella in the Carolinas I'll probably pin the Kepi insignia to it. Thanks for your thoughts. BILL.
 
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