I was at a garage sale recently (it's that time again) when I stumbled across a gentleman selling a collection of Boy Scout patches. I wasn't all that impressed until I dug deep into the box and found some Order of the Arrow (OA) stuff that was about 30 years old. For those who don't know, the OA is a special group within the Boy Scouts comprised of the "best of the best." In order to be an OA member Scouts must be nominated by their troops, approved by the local lodge, and submit to a weekend "Ordeal" that tests their toughness and survival skills.
What makes OA patches so valuable is their rarity. They are nothing like standard BSA stock patches that every Boy Scout wears on his uniform. Each lodge has its own set of patches completely unique from all the others. Throw in the fact that the OA has limited membership and it's easy to see why these patches are hard to come by.
I didn't bother to make the owner an offer but I did educate him a bit on what he had in the box. Most of the patches in the OA collection were worth between $8 and $15 apiece. A couple of them might have even been worth several hundred dollars or more. Acting on my advice the man pulled those patches out and kept them separate from the rest.
I'll close this post by reminding readers that patch collecting is a great hobby. If you're a biker, why not start with a couple dozen stock patches and then start collecting additional items at all of the annual rallies and shows. Before you know it you'll have a sizable collection you'll be proud to wear and display.
