Out of all the types and varieties of Boy Scout items very few of them are really valuable as collector’s items. Most patches, badges, and other items are really quite generic and easy to find for a serious collector so there’s not a real reason to pay much for them, when they can be traded for a $5 patch you can buy whenever. Listed below are the types of items that can be valuable and what makes them valuable.

Order of the Arrow Lodge Flaps – Most of these will not be of particular value, but “First Flaps” as they are known are very desirable. These are pocket flaps that were the first issue by a Lodge, and in mint, unsewn condition there is demand for them from collectors. Other Flaps or Special-Issue Patches from Lodges that have been merged or did not exist for long are also valuable, depending on their rarity. We can help you identify the age and value of OA Lodge Flaps.

Council Shoulder Patches – CSPs as it is often abbreviated are similar to OA Flaps, but instead of being worn on a pocket flap they would be worn on the scout’s left shoulder to show which Council they belonged to. As you would expect, old and rare patches are more desirable and worth more money. Some Councils have special shoulder patches to commemorate anniversaries, jamborees, or other events. Occasionally these can be valuable as well.

National Officer Badges or Patches – Patches and Badges from National Officers are generally hard to find and are valuable depending on their age.

Old and Rare Merit Badges, Rank Insignia, and Awards – This is a broad category but in general items from the time of Boy Scout’s founding in 1911 up to 1940-1950 can be valuable because of the age and relative rarity. If you need help to figure out how old or valuable your items are, please contact us for assistance.