I am a little late getting this issue out but I was determined to hold off until I published a new video interview that I’ve been sitting on for months. I think you’re going to like this one. Episode 5 of Thread Heads is an interview with John Ortt on what many of us call Caldwell Pins. In the interview John set’s everyone straight on that.
I have really good timing for this video because today eBay is awash in great OA auctions. If you are like me when it comes to the insignia that came before patches – the early pins – then your experience is lacking. The interview with John is really informative and includes some close up pictures of his collection.
I should give lots of credit here to Bill Topkis in that he inspired John to begin collecting OA pins. To me this serves as a shining example of why we collectors must display our collections when possible and educate others about the history of Scouting.
I’ll give you antithesis of this from my own lodge. There is only one known OA totem pin from Santee 116. The collector who swindled it away from a charter member won’t show it to anyone or even acknowledge it’s existence. He has put it into a black hole and won’t share any information out of a sad pathetic hoarders mentality. So don’t be like Phil – share your knowledge and display your collection whenever you can.
CLICK HERE TO OPEN THE APRIL 3, 2015 ISSUE OF THE SCOUTING HOT FINDS NEWSLETTER