The Deals Keep Coming??

OA Lodge 440 Chinchewunska Flap

Auction from Ebay -> BSA OA FLAP #440 Chinchewunska Lodge VERY RARE

Can lightning strike in the same place twice? I had a hard time finding a flap from this lodge for under $100 mint for my own collection. I do not think I have seen one go this cheap before? Anyhow, the starting bid was $40.00 with a BIN (Buy It Now) for $50.00.

As stated from the Auction: "This Chinchewinska Lodge #440 was merged with Lodge 37 back in the 1970's and is very rare.The flap was from Hudson Hamilton Council in New Jersey. The flap is in mint condition."

Click Here for Ebay Auction 440 Flap

I just hope the Seller's description of this item is better than his spelling of the lodge name....other than that its appears to be a good deal. Not as great as the one from two weeks ago but surely should make a decent dupe.

After my recent strings of lucky finds with BIN auctions I think I will to pay more attention to them first when searching on Ebay. Granted only 4 people saw this auction before me...yet none of them seemed that interested in purchasing it.

Christmas in July? Still a few good deals left on Ebay...

Chief Shabbona T-1


OA Lodge 120 Chief Shabbona A-1

Auction from Ebay -> Vintage Boy Scout Patches Cards Medal-1940-1960

Really... I think I finally know what Christmas in July feels like. The Chief Shabbona CSP and Arrowhead were both on Ebay. What makes that so unique you might ask?... Well, these two patches and about 50 more were in a one lot and the starting bid was $49.00 bucks with a Buy It Now of $99.00 dollars. Yeah, I know $99.00... Believe me, I am still stunned over that myself. The Chief Shabbona CSP was surprisingly in Mint Condition. The Chief Shabbona arrowhead appears to have been sewn; however, is stiff with some box soiling on it but those two patches are only the beginning of this lot. There is some Region patches, National Jambo patches, a few old camp patches, some rank patches and even a pin for crying out loud!. If you really want to see everything that was in this lot then visit below:

Click Here for Ebay Auction Lot of Old Patches


Sample of Some Patches From the Auction

Its nice to hit a good deal like this. I thought getting an Amangi Mos flap back on Yahoo Auctions in the day for about $25 bucks was a steal but this was just on another whole level.

What has me really puzzled is SIX people actually viewed this auction before I did. Why none of them chose to purchase this lot of goodies is beyond me...

Needless to say I am extremely pleased with this purchase... Right Place..Right Time!

Another Black Eagle Lodge Patch Emerges...

Black Eagle Lodge #482 2006 LLD Activity Round Patch

John's Back~! - another unknown Black Eagle Lodge patch...at least to those not living overseas. John also mentioned there is another LLD patch for the 2007 event but does not currently have one in order to provide me with a scan yet.

I haven't officially given this patch a classification yet; however, based off my past experiences with the lodge the training events are typically at the very beginning of the year. This patch will likely end up becoming the eR2006-1.

More information on Black Eagle patches as I hear about them.

Below is a picture preview of the mystery Black Eagle item last mentioned in my blog.


Black Eagle Lodge #482 1971 Flecha Roja Slide

New Flap from Black Eagle Lodge #482

Black Eagle Lodge #482 John Watsek Memorial Flap

At last, some news from the home lodge. John Woughter contacted and filled me in on a few things.

The below is in reference of the above flap...

"It was given to each participant in the 2007 Spring Fellowship at Camp Freedom. About 100 ordeal candidates (myself included, as an adult) participated, with a similar number of Scouts and Scouters who were already OA members. I don't know if there were extras that were then sold.

Notice the embroidered JW just above the WWW ... that stands for John Watsek, who as I'm sure you know was Lodge Chief and killed in an accident in March, 2007. Notice also the misspelled LDDGE (2 D's) ... that error was noticed when the patches and OA handbooks were being handed out and I believe they all have the misspelling (I'd be curious if there were any that were spelled correctly ... they would likely be are.)"

As you may have noticed no classification has been issued to the patch yet. I have yet to determine if the lodge considers this a fellowship patch or a lodge issue.

John Woughter has also informed me that the new Chapter Wa-Sha-She, which replaced Nacha Chuppecat, put out their first chapter flap. Unfortunately, I do not have a picture to show everyone of the flap yet. John said he would try to get a scan of the flap and all other new issues he gets a hold of.

Thats all for now. Speaking of new discoveries. How about an "old" but "new" discovery. A couple months back on Ebay a couple of Flecha Roja neckerchiefs slides were put up on Ebay...but I will save that for another day.

A Mile Swim Like No Other

Intercontinental Swim Medal Asia to Europe 1967

Mile Swim Award Requirements:

1.) Explain how regular exercise contributes to good health and why swimming is one of the best forms of exercise.

2.) Tell what precautions and procedures a swimmer and escort must follow for distance swimming over open water.

3.) Under the supervision of a currently qualified certified aquatics instructor, BSA or equivalent, participate in four hours of training and preparation for distance swimming (one hour a day maximum).

4.) Swim 1 mile (1,600 meters) over an approved, measured course.

What do you remember about the days when you earned your Mile Swim award? In my father's day he thinks it was 22 laps around the pool at Camp Currier in Eudora, Mississippi. During my summer camp at Camp Freedom, Dauphte, Germany, (affectionately known as Damp Freezedom), seldom did anyone complete the mile swim as you would most likely suffer from hyperthermia due to the cool weather at camp. However, during the 1960's and 1970's when the Transatlantic Council held summer camps in the Istanbul area, they really had the mile swim to beat all mile swims. To earn the award, you had to swim from Asia to Europe. Sounds kind of daunting, yes?

Actually, the distance across the Bosporus Strait was approximately 1 mile. That being said, however, did not make it easy. You see it was also a ship channel and you did have to fight some currents as well. Boats had to go out with each swimmer to make sure they didn't swim into a path of an oncoming vessel.

To my knowledge, no records were ever kept of who complete this scoutly challenge. I recently purchased a rather non-descript medal that has only the Fleur de lis on the front. On the back simply says Boy Scouts 1967 Intercontinental Swim Asia to Europe.

By the way, my claim to fame is I canoed from Germany to France down the Lauter River. Ok, so it was only around 20kms as the crows flies.

Should Patch Sellers Be Role Models of the Hobby?

Auction from both TSPA (406) and Streamwood (339)


Auction from both TSPA (406) and Streamwood (339)

Ebay Hall of Shame

I really do not like to do things like this but I have really had it. Seriously, who do these sellers think they are and why anyone would look up to these folks and call them leaders of the hobby has me thinking...Are you serious? What is so sad about this is they do a lot of big things for the hobby but seem to forget the little things are just as important.

Recent Auctions on Ebay:

EBAY AUCTION Chickasah 406 Flap From TSPA

I have had issues with TSPA for quite some time. In fact, I was banned from bidding on their auctions years ago. I won several auctions with them in a 36 hour period and combined the total costs and with the correct shipping all on one money order and they said I didn't pay for half of the patches. I sent them a scan of my money order with the break down and did eventually receive my patches. What made the experience so horrible is they tried to make it seem like it was all my fault. I left them negative feedback for their lack of common sense and haven't been able to bid on their auctions since. I was upset by this at first and then realized TSPA isn't the only seller in the world to obtain rare patches. The above patch was won by my father and while he may not care as much about the writing on the back as I do...its still wrong and its not the first time TSPA has done this. The lodge 46 Eriez flap in my collection was also purchased from them with nice a gluey substance on the back of it...also omitted from the listing.

Reality Check: Dear TSPA,

As a bidder, I assume all patches are MINT unless otherwise noted. Mint means to me as "New right off the loom". Patches in pristine condition are important to your buyers. As a trader, I can not trade these patches without disclosing the full condition of the patch and this will lesson its desire by another trader. As a collector, I wouldn't not want a patch written all over it in my collection. I want the patches in my collection to be museum pieces. While you can argue that your listing is not in error, the lack of quality information speaks GREAT volume about TSPA and its lack of concern for the items you are selling. TSPA does not alway sell quality patches and frankly does not seem to care if they do. I am quite sure TSPA would be most unhappy to receive a check with the words VOID on it without me informing them first. I do suppose you could see the irony in that.

How to Fix the problem: Spend 30 more seconds on a listing to describe the back of the patch if it has been tempered with. You don't even have to include a picture.

Final Thoughts: Has TSPA has become to big for themselves? You don't hear more complaints from TSPA auctions because they seem to ban their customer base if they have legitimate issues with them. I have received some quality patches from TSPA to include a Pristine MINT Black Eagle F-2 and it took me years to find a Mint one to my satisfaction. The $5.00 patches are just as important too.


EBAY AUCTION 339 Amo'Chk Woven Flap

Streamwood simply caught me on a bad day. I never really had an issue with them before and I honestly love what they do...Please..Please I beg of you....do not get lazy and turn into TSPA. If you got time to make funny merit badges and to organize a TOR or two you can afford a few extra seconds to describe the condition of your patches. A picture of the front alone isn't enough.

I do prefer mint patches for my woven collection...I am currently putting less than mint flaps simply to fill the holes. It is disappointing to receive a patch in less than mint condition when your not expecting it. Its like a kid opening up a Christmas present and a piece of the toy is missing and it doesn't work. This does not work.

Recent Lodge 558 Ahoalan-Nachpikin Issues

Ahoalan-Nachpikin NCLS Flap S-45

I know little of the flap other than what I was told and what I have observed. From a collecting stand point this is going to be a difficult issue to obtain from the lodge. This lodge has a history of low run issues but this is out of the normal even for this lodge. They must of had a small contingent that went to this event. Believe it or not this lodge has had several issues with 100 or less made in their past. I suppose what makes it so shocking to me is the small number of them. There were 50 flaps made. If you ever find this patch on Ebay for less than $100.00 consider yourself lucky.


Ahoalan-Nachpikin LOAC XII Flap eS2008-1

The latest in LOAC flaps from the lodge. The flap was described in their lodge history as "Frozen version of the standard flap. Icebergs in background. First use of the BSA security backing. FDL 300 units made. 128x57mm. Rd Bdr, Pb"


Security Seal Mentioned Above

Speaking of number made...300 is pretty typical for this lodge. As a collector, I know its hard to lay off of new issues when they first appear on Ebay but I really recommend it to some of the collectors out there. This LOAC XII flap went for $61.00 on its first appearance on Ebay. Someone had a LOAC II flap at the same time out there (400 made) and went under $30.00. Believe me the LOAC II flap is a far better deal. Why? Because you could easily trade a LOAC II flap to someone in the lodge for the new LOAC XII flap...its what I did. Of course, if you don't mind spending that kind of money on a new issue..by all means. :) Even if I didn't trade for one of these flaps I still wouldn't have paid more than $25.00 for it. While 300 does not sound like a lot of patches...you will be surprised how many of them will float around for the next few years.


Lodge 558 Ahoalan-Nachpikin A-1

First appearance of an arrowhead issue for the lodge. Apparently, there was some debate on what to call it. I believe it was first issued at a fall fellowship. I thought it was a fellowship patch at first. Anyhow, the wise sages for the lodge labeled it an arrowhead and it certainly shaped like one. The lodge refers to the patch as The Lodge Stamp, "Used as logo or brand for 2007. Concept by Patrick Howie. 300 made, hang loop, 134x70mm, CE, Pb."

Old..But New Black Eagle Camp Staff Flap on Ebay

Black Eagle Flap Camp Staff Flap 2005?

Ebay Auction

This is the first time I am seeing this flap. I know..its bad. I claim to be a Black Eagle expert and not even sure what it is I am looking at... *Blink*. Well, hopefully my information will be more up to date as I am finally in contact with the Trading Post Manager for the lodge. I knew there was a 2005 and 2006 staff flap but it took almost 3 years to finally at least see a picture of both.

Recent Camp Staff Flap on Ebay:

EBAY AUCTION Black Eagle Lodge 2005 Camp Staff Flap?

Its a pretty simple design. Reminds of the 2004 camp staff flap with the tent design. It has the OA Arrow symbol on it. The lack of a lodge number is a huge one. Not a big fan of the number not being on the flap. It is also strange that the camp names are more pronounced than the lodge name. The scan on Ebay isn't the best but I can't make out a Fdl or a BSA on the flap.

I have no idea how much this will go for. Oddly, the Lodge Chief Flap auction ended on a flat note:

Previous Entry on Lodge Chief Flap


The end price was only $46.00 for a flap that requires you to be a Lodge Chief from Black Eagle to receive one. If that wasn't insulting enough it also had a Transatlantic Volksmarch Medal and an Intercamp Patch from 1994. If your an Overseas collector that was a bargain. The lodge chief auction was not marked very well but could still be easily found if you collected Black Eagle items. Its hard to picture this auction going for more than the Lodge Chief Flap auction...but no one said people were sane.

New Moswetuset Lodge #052 Flap Patch

New Moswetuset Lodge #052 Flap (07 Scouting Hall of Fame)

Ebay Auction

A lot of patches are first discovered on Ebay these days. This was the first time I saw this specific Moswetuset Flap. A few other 07 Scouting Hall of Fame flaps appeared months ago but not this specific issue.

The Ebay Seller said very little about the patch. "Moswetuset Lodge flap from the 2007 New England Scouting Hall of Fame dinner. Very limited. Mint condition." The seller listed the patch 1 or 2 more times. He even dropped the price $5.00 but no one else bought one. I thought that was a horrible showing on any fellow collectors for this lodge. Who knows...it could be a while before you get another chance to buy one. Either no one else noticed...or no one else cared. I figure it is time to change that.

I think Moswetuset Lodge patches are very collectible. They have unique designs and have a certain unique look that has attracted my attention. Apparently, there is not a lot of folks collecting these patches. I know there are a couple but the exposure on their patches isn't as wide spread as some of the other lodges I collect. This is the main reason I decided to publish information about their patches when I can get my hands on it.

A Parting Gift from Canadian Scouts in Europe

I really do not know much about the neckerchief. All I know is my father gave several patches to some Canadian Scouts while they were still stationed in Europe before withdrawing home. In return the scouts gave my father this neckerchief. I post it here because I thought it was a nice piece as someone went to a little effort to make the neckerchief.

(Click on Picture for Larger Scan if Available)

Transatlantic Red & Whites Reborn

I wonder if these CSP's have been cataloged. I do not know since I didn't get around to buying the last CSP book. Recent debate and discussions about Red & Whites made me think about this 12 Piece Friends of Scouting (FOS) set. Few have this set. I know I don't. It is awarded to folks who donated $500 dollars to the Transatlantic Council. Its a good deal since you get 12 issues and they will probably be even more rare then the original Red & White Denmark and England because so few will own the set and at least these are 100% real. The only way to get this set is to donate $500 dollars. Different FOS strips are given for the $100 donations which changes every year using a different part of the Scout Law.

DID YOU KNOW? The reason the original Red & White Denmark is so hard to find today is that there was only 1 Troop in Denmark and it only had 7 youth members. The troop only existed a couple years before being discontinued or it ended up being absorbed into what was called the Direct Service District thus probably ending any further need of Denmark Red & White Strips.

To tease a fellow collector...you will notice the lack of an England strip in this collection too... ;)

(Click on Picture for Larger Scan if Available)

Why is there no Black Eagle Fellowship Patches for 1990?

Why is there no fellowship patches? Al Opstal took the time a while back to explain. While this may not be a mystery to some Black Eagle Collectors, I do believe that is something not widely spread. If you weren't at the lodge around this time period you probably don't know this.

Al reports...

"The BEL LEC decided to ceate a large patch as a fellowship patch for the 1990 Fellowships. The patch is classified as a backpatch [J-2 BB] but is really a fellowship patch for 1990 (See Attached Below).

It was only issued in 1990 for that specific year. Everyone could buy the patch, but if you went to the fellowships you'd get pin for each event.

The objective was to place the pin on the patch to indicate you had participated in the event. It is no coincidence that the images on the pins matches those on the patch."

(Click on Picture for Larger Scan if Available)

UPDATE: *** Winner *** Black Eagle Lodge 2006 NOAC Flap.

Black Eagle Flap S-33 2006 NOAC

Ebay Auction

Can't say I didn't warn my fellow Black Eagle Lodge Collectors. I won the auction on Ebay. I suppose the only one laughing in the end is the Ebay Seller who was selling the patch. I won the auction for a whopping $140.95. The only patches I paid more from Black Eagle were the F-1, F-2, R-1, R-2, and the YS-6 (45th Ann Blue Prototype). Considering the rarity of the some of the items that I have I feel extremely fortunate to have made friends from new and old members who generously donated, traded and sold their patches to me at affordable prices. In case your wondering my high bid for this patch was $182.50. I refuse to pay anymore than that because I only paid $250 and $200 each for the Black Eagle R-1 and R-2 rounds.

I can honestly say that the Lodge Chief flap on Ebay is a far rarer patch than the 2006 NOAC flap. Doesn't get any harder than becoming a lodge chief to get a patch...am I right? I am interested to see if it was the NOAC collectors that pushed this auction so high or the Black Eagle Collectors. I will find out soon enough when the Lodge Chief Flap ends. At least I have one of those already. *whew!*

ITS A FAKE!!! Transatlantic England R&W

Transatlantic England Red & White Sold on Ebay Recently

Ebay Auction

John Shaw Reports

"I recently picked up a TAC England patch on that auction site that was a newly made item. I used paypal and the AMEX card as I was a little nevrous to send such big money. I confronted the seller who started the refund process before I sent the patch back. I want to stop this seller even though I got my money back. Any one know a legal authority in Seattle or the State of Washington I can pursue this transaction with? Is it worth my time to stop this guy. I think he (Fernando Turin) may use other sales id's ichimac, turinartola. Any other information is helpful if this moves forward."


Transatlantic England Red & White (Real)

What is so disturbing about this auction on Ebay is the seller clearly tried to fool potential buyers (at least that is the impression I got). The recent ISCA Journal that came in the mail describes that patch as solid based patch.

Here is the sellers exact words describing the patch.

"I got this patch several weeks ago, I found it in my grandfather's house while it was being vacated to be sold. The only information that I have about this patch, is that it belongs to the American Boy Scout unit stationed in Heyford England."

Here is the auction if you want to see it. (Click Below).

EBAY AUCTION Fake Transatlantic England

I hope the buyer gets his money back. What most collectors do not realize is...that the Transatlantic England Red & White strip has no paperwork or reference that the council ever ordered a Transatlantic England Red & White. Its purely been spread by collectors. While lack of proof doesn't mean its fake it is odd how I have the first order form reference from the Transatlantic Trail Newspaper when the Council first switched from community strips to the Red & Whites it does not list England as an option. It has Great Britain on the order form.

Here is article from the Fall 1957 Transatlantic Trail:

"The Executive Board of the Transatlantic Council has approved the wearing of the Local Council Shoulder Insignia by the entire council membership in place of the community strips.

The Council Strip (Cat.#157) contains the name of our council and the country in which your unit is located. Council Strips are now available for Italy, Libya, Spain, France, Germany, Morocco, Great Britain, Austria, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark. They may be ordered in any quantity at 15¢ each for immediate shipment from the Council Office."

Who knows for sure. An England may have been created later along with the Crete, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Moscow, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Sweden, Turkey, Switzerland, and Yugoslavia. My theory if one was ever made and issued it was made at the same time as the Scotland and Ireland one but those two strips appear to be a dime a dozen while a country as large as England is virtually unseen. It so odd its almost fishy.

At least you can be sure the Denmark is real...Yay! If your going to spend big money for Denmark and England I would go with the Denmark one first. At least there is a reference to it.