My S&L Round Needle Theory Reference Thread

[Mike Yokum]

Hi Mike,

Thanks, I understand your helpful description. It's just that I haven't yet seen good illustrations of this difference in crispness and finish that may be related to the thicker pin stock. Like Karsten I was hoping for some other correlations as well to firm the theory up a bit, like the association with rivet types, etc.

But I understand this is a work in process and I just have to be more patient, and we'll see what evolves?

Best regards,
---Norm

Hi Norm,

Yes, patience is the key here. This will be an ongoing process that will either prove or disprove the theory. From my own observations, involving my own collection only, I see much promise for it being correct, but obviously more data is needed to come to a firm conclusion. As I mentioned previously, the only exception I've seen personally is that my BKA has the finest finish of any of my badges, lending to a very early production date and yet has a smaller needle.

This is Luud's baby though, so I'm very content to let him take the lead on it and he happens to be on holiday this week. When he returns, images and more detailed info are sure to follow.

In the meantime, anyone who has badges with round needles, please take measeurements and share the data on size and type of tool mark.

THANKS!!!

[LuckyLuudje]

I forgot about this thread. I think I need another holiday.
What am I saying....I have "another" 2 week holiday on monday

This theory is based on my badges but lets test it with all your pieces.
I think a FJ badge is the easiest to use because most members have a few of them and the type of eagle also says something about the period (earliest has the flawed wings).

So please post your FJ badges to see if the flawed eagles are mainly (or solely) on thick needles and the unflawed eagles on thin needles.

I will start with one of mine.
It has the flawed eagle and it has the thick needle with long scratch mark!

[Mike Yokum]

Good to bring this back up Luud.

I'm still waiting for my second para badge with flawed eagle, but here are the measurements of the one I currently have.

Clearly showing the larger needle.

[Tom C.]

i have yet to get one of these fine machines but a good quote would be
"meassure twice cut once" (just don't cut your pin)

fantastic thread really interesting reading (and looking)

regards
tom

[Mike Yokum]

Adding to this thread, my newly arrived early, S&L, FJ badge with wartime leftover, heavily flawed eagle. Accepted as the earliest para badges, this one also has the thicker pin.

[Norm F]

Just adding to this interesting thread, both of my very early S&L Minesweepers with high quality finish have the thicker pin and the long tool marks.