SACO patch on eBay

[Tonomachi]

As everyone knows SACO insignia is very sought after and very pricey. I only have one in my collection as I refuse to pay those ridiculously high prices. However I have kept my own reference on SACO insignia in case I come across something inexpensive which is how I ended up with my only SACO patch that everyone else missed as it was misidentified. Currently on eBay is a SACO patch that someone in the past, who other collectors know as having sold copies of rare insignia in the past, either tried to or actually did sell this same patch to an unsuspecting buyer. Someone has cut away some scorched material off of the back since it was sold the last time. For this reason I am skeptical about the authenticity of this patch.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/s/202480457377?nordt=true

 

 

 

[Tonomachi]

Back

 

 

[Tonomachi]

Here is the same patch which sold a number of years ago but has the scorching I spoke of on the back material before it was cut off.

 

 

[Tonomachi]

Back

 

 

[tredhed2]

About as real as the tooth fairy. Looks like a third grade sewing project. Period originals were made flat, perfectly round, out of quality materials - silks**. Period originals were not made using cord on junk cloth found on the floor. If you have ever seen the skills of Chinese silk emb, you would know what I mean.

 

** have also seen a painted on leather.

 

There is an article on SACO and their insignia, which should be considered the Bible on the two subjects, in the Oct-Dec 2018 issue of The Trading Post. There are several period originals depicted. Another benefit to being an ASMIC member. Non-members can buy the issue. Send me a PM for info.

[Bob Hudson]

Some fools and their money...

 

[walika]

When I first saw this on eBay I concluded it was a copy (or outright fake) and not an original period piece. I checked with a few collectors to confirm my thoughts and they agreed. This is an example of everything opposite of what should be expected of an original: crude, amateruish embroidery, incomplete lettering, incorrect border stitching, unfinished back, etc. Theater-made Chinese patches of this era were made on the finest silk available, expertly embroidered.

 

If you are unable to compare to an original, a good rule of thumb in ferreting out fakes, across all theaters of the war, all styles of manufacture (embroidered, multi-piece leather, hand-painted, etc.) is to remember the patch was considered by the wearer as a badge of honor and represented team comaraderie, something proudly worn. A patch, like the above, that appears amateurish, or crude in construction, or poorly executed artisticly (embroidery, paint or otherwise), or incomplete in design or execution, should be highly suspect, as its poor quality could not be proudly worn for this would bring dishonor to oneself and his unit. Think of a sports team. Members are proud of their team, its spirit, and its symbols. I plan a post highlighting SACO and will include some of the fakes out there for comparison.

[Bill Scott]

Rick not only are you a great collector you also write explanation and observations down beautifully.Your comments on this SACO patch are Spot On.Scotty

[mortaydc60]

The tip off is if you known the Chinese characters you would see it says "Sum Dum Bui "

[firefighter]

Rick not only are you a great collector you also write explanation and observations down beautifully.Your comments on this SACO patch are Spot On.Scotty

 

 

Totally Agree. Excellent job and a great eye for detail.