Hat Eagle/Pin

[dixieflyer]

OK, I'm getting down to the finer points of getting my impression together for this. Most all of my old sources have disappeared, and I was wondering:

- Do any of y'all have a favorite dealer/seller for these pins used to pin up the brim of the regulation dress hat?? I know in looking at past posts, etc. it seems the quality of these things can vary quite a bit from pretty good down to trash. I know we're not supposed to post a "who makes the best (whatever)" question, but at the same time I don't have money to waste.

Ideas on good repros?

[4VADRUMMER]

Warren, I believe "he who shall not be named" AKA ****** sells some great hat badges. You may want to check his site out.

[Silas]

This isn't a "who makes the best" question. Based upon prior discussion, it appears there is a correct eagle flying with a bunch of readily available junk. The question is, who is selling the correct eagle?

I've been waiting for the bully buy on that one for my Hardee hat even though I'm not going to wear it at this event. (For my officer impression, I'm going likely going to wear a forage cap instead.) I've also had people in my company ask me the same question. I've told them to wait for the eventual bully buy as one is likely to occur.

[pvt_jb]

NJS does not show any brass insignia but he does have very nice embroidered insignia which is not correct for the enlisted impression. I heard S&S Sutler has some nice ones but I have not seen them myself. However, they all have the wrong attachment so it is the sharpness of the stamping that is being compared.

Is a eagle bully buy for sure? I plan to do a bulk buy for everyone in my company that needs one.

[dixieflyer]

Well, I assume everyone has gotten the off-forum e-mail regarding the "Bully Buy" from Matt, however the deal is for a hat & pin combo. I already have a decent hat, just need the pin. Thanks!

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Does anybody have some good front and back photos of an original?

[dixieflyer]

Robert, I've seen some on the net, but none that are mine to post on here.

[CompanyWag]

Here's one that I have. Note the hook at the bottom for the brim of the hat.
Front:
FRONT..jpg
Back:
BACK..jpg
Hook Detail:
HOOK..jpg

Paul McKee

[dixieflyer]

Thanks Paul! All of the ones of original I found had the hooks or pins broken off.

[ohpkirk]

Anyone with soldering capabilities can refurb existing pins. 1/16" brass wire can be found at numerous sites on the interweb, my favorite is speedymetals.com.

On a side note, only a small percentage of what NJ Nick offers is listed on his site. Your best bet would be to email him directly.