Scout Patch Collectors

1950s Texas Boy Scout OA Lodge Chief Collection Unboxing

In this unboxing, I open a vintage Boy Scout collection from Edgar Metcalf of Troop 17 in Beaumont, Texas. This collection includes items from his Scouting career in the 1950s, including his time at the 1953 National Scout Jamboree at Irvine Ranch, his Eagle Scout materials, Order of the Arrow items, merit badge sash, camp patches, and a very special Senior Scout jacket that I’ve been searching for a long time.

In this video you’ll see:

1953 National Scout Jamboree memorabilia
Paperwork and correspondence showing how patch trading worked in the 1950s
Order of the Arrow lodge patches and OA items
Edgar’s Eagle Scout materials and merit badge sash
Vintage camp patches traded from around the country
Civil Air Patrol and aviation-related items
Scout rings, pins, medals, books, and neckerchiefs
A rare baby blue Senior Scout jacket used as a vintage “brag jacket”
A great time capsule of early Scout patch trading history

One of the highlights is seeing how Scouts traded patches through the mail and at Jamborees long before the internet. This collection gives us a look at how the hobby developed and how special these personal Scouting collections can be when they are preserved.

If you recognize any of the mystery patches or can add more information about the items shown, please leave a comment. I always enjoy learning from other collectors in the hobby.

I’m always looking to buy vintage Boy Scout, Order of the Arrow, camp, Jamboree, merit badge, and Scouting memorabilia collections. If you have a collection you are considering selling, I’d be happy to talk with you.

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