Insignia A convocation of eagles!

[Trooper "D"]

Thanks, the variations are what draws me to them. I know what you mean about the reproduction ones. Sometimes it's plain to see the difference, other times it take a little detective work but the one thing that always stands out is that the the original bullion is clearly spiraled while the reproduction bullion seems tubular in appearance.

Well, they repro ones that I have, which is a Jr. Officer open wreath, is extremely heavy and the the branches are like...branches. I wish I would have bought all that the man has to offer. It wasn't much but the Officer hat cords and the wreath hat badges were really all I needed at the time. This was in the 1990s. I have had quite a few comments on my wreath since then. It really stands out obviously as a quality item. After seeing your collection of Hardee Eagle patches I'm not sure I will be happy with the repro ones available from Sutlers and uniform houses.
Cheers!

 

[Salterr]

It's interesting that there are so many variations of these. Do you know who made what variation? Or is that lost in time?

Hey Larry, I'm not sure but that's a great question. I've been able to see some that have the same style eagle and would think they were made by the same company because of the consistency in design. I'm sure there were price differences the officers paid when selecting their insignia and that probably reflects the quality of what insignia you got. When you find multi border shoulder boards they are referred to as rich and extra rich for 2 and 3+ borders. Well to do officers sometimes chose fancier insignia but there are examples of insignia where brigadier generals had chosen very plain options.

I'm sure the embroidery was hand done by skilled workers and the big names like SH&G distributed them but by what individual I'm not sure. I bet somewhere in the world there is a receipt or bill that has the information on who to submit payment to for an order of insignia, maybe by the officer or some quartermaster. I wonder if anyone out here has an answer for us?????

 

[Salterr]

Well, they repro ones that I have, which is a Jr. Officer open wreath, is extremely heavy and the the branches are like...branches. I wish I would have bought all that the man has to offer. It wasn't much but the Officer hat cords and the wreath hat badges were really all I needed at the time. This was in the 1990s. I have had quite a few comments on my wreath since then. It really stands out obviously as a quality item. After seeing your collection of Hardee Eagle patches I'm not sure I will be happy with the repro ones available from Sutlers and uniform houses.
Cheers!

It definitely sounds like you have some quality items. It's pretty nice how your insignia has the high details of the branches. That's usually missing from the more modern pieces. Did you get the officers hat cords with the gold and black in them to go with the wreath?

They're getting better at making the eagles. I think njsekela makes pretty good ones but the real ones aren't too pricey either as a collectors piece if you're interested. They're about the same as a real US puppy paw buckle

 

[Trooper "D"]

It definitely sounds like you have some quality items. It's pretty nice how your insignia has the high details of the branches. That's usually missing from the more modern pieces. Did you get the officers hat cords with the gold and black in them to go with the wreath?

They're getting better at making the eagles. I think njsekela makes pretty good ones but the real ones aren't too pricey either as a collectors piece if you're interested. They're about the same as a real US puppy paw buckle

Yes, I got gold and black braided ones. They ended up on a different hat though. The hat with the wreath has a set of Confederate Cavalry Officer's cords as that is what I was doing back then. Both the Cav cords and the standard ones have small acorns. I find the newer made repros hat cords have really large acorns. Hard to fit with some hats. I am looking at shaping an officer's felt hat with one side pinned up and an eagle and stars patch affixed. Your collection photos will help in my search for a good one. An original might be the way to go.
Cheers!

 

[Salterr]

Yes, I got gold and black braided ones. They ended up on a different hat though. The hat with the wreath has a set of Confederate Cavalry Officer's cords as that is what I was doing back then. Both the Cav cords and the standard ones have small acorns. I find the newer made repros hat cords have really large acorns. Hard to fit with some hats. I am looking at shaping an officer's felt hat with one side pinned up and an eagle and stars patch affixed. Your collection photos will help in my search for a good one. An original might be the way to go.
Cheers!

That's a great catch about the acorn sizes. I appreciate your attention to the tiny details. There are distinct differences between enlisted, field officers and generals hat cords that get overlooked.

I'm glad to share anything that might help someone with their impressions or collections. If you are looking for a real eagle badge for yourself, I might be able to help. I'm always searching for them myself but can call around to see if anyone has one you might like.

 

[Trooper "D"]

That's a great catch about the acorn sizes. I appreciate your attention to the tiny details. There are distinct differences between enlisted, field officers and generals hat cords that get overlooked.

I'm glad to share anything that might help someone with their impressions or collections. If you are looking for a real eagle badge for yourself, I might be able to help. I'm always searching for them myself but can call around to see if anyone has one you might like.

I may take you up on that one day. Unfortunately my Mother is on hospice care at her home and I am catching the train tonight to be with her. Don't know how long I'll be there.
Thanks for them offer and support.
I did take a look at my newer embroidered hat badges. They definitely look "crafty". The small cavalry badge is actually pretty good. There are no little shiny plastic discs sewn in. Just sabers and the outer gold braid. I knew my purchase of the wreath patch was awesome at the time but I really didn't know how awesome at really is.
Cheers