101st Airborne Screaming Eagles

[davesmedals]

I have acquired a few medals and badges from a house clearance, and among the badges were 4 of these 101st eagles, however they all seem to be slightly different, three are very similar and one looks to be made of felt.

I was told yesterday ‘if’ the white tongue eagles are genuine they could be quite rare. Does anyone know if these are good or bad?

[3battalion]

Hi Dave,

The 101st 'white tongue' patches are a more uncommon version of the patch. I'm unsure if these are good or not but will get the books out later and get back to you.

The felt patch is a nice original Brit made version. Let me know if you intent to move it on.

Paul

[davesmedals]

Thanks Paul, these were also with them

[crest-insignia]

Hi Dave
I am sorry to break the news, but I think both the U.S. Airborne ones are from a batch we had made up especially for the re-enactors market some time ago.

I believe that both types, in their issued format, come as 2 pieces, i.e. the 'Airborne' tab is separate from the main badge. We made them as 1 piece purely so as they could not be 'aged' and sold as original [by cutting the tab off, you would damage the badge].

Regards the white tongue version, there are 2 opinions on this;
1] They were purely used by the Pathfinder units
2] Quite simply, a manufacturers error.
I will allow those more expert in the field to 'declare judgement' on which is correct.
T

[davesmedals]

Hello T,

I assume your referring to these two?

Please can I ask what year you made the badges you are referring to?

Also if the badge was one you made how would it react to the lighter test?

Kind regards Dave

[crest-insignia]

Dave
These 2 [hopefully attached].

They were probably done about 10-12 years ago, think Band of Brothers / Saving Private Ryan era. WWII American re-enactment was at it's Zenith about then.
T