Officer Polizei Bullion Sleeve Eagle

[TP Alexander]

Any thoughts/opinions on this sleeve eagle?
The backing seems a trifle strange to me.
Someone wants me to buy it for $140.
Tim

[W.Unland]

Hello,

I believe the eagle is an original low end fire officer's insignia. It appears to me that the way too large cord defining the wings has been added. That's why it looks odd on the reverse. When it was added, I have no clue, but it doesn't appear to be original to the piece.

Regards,
W.Unland

[TP Alexander]

Thank you for commenting.
I’ll pass on it since it’s been messed with.
Tim

[Dave C.]

That's an odd one for sure with the think wing divider and strangely added. I agree with Bill on it being possible good and for the fire police. Bill doesn't that big wing divider cord sort of remind you of that used in the later machine woven examples?

[W.Unland]

Dave,

Yes the large braid looks similar BUT it is thicker I believe. Impossible for my old eyes to judge. The way the cord is "passed through" the wings would require a large hole at each end, and then this large braid is just extended over to the other side and the punching holes and passing the braid is repeated.

No self respecting purl (bullion wire) worker would do this. It creates a bulge in the middle of the insignia where the braid passes form one side to the other. There are other ways less damaging than punching large holes, and dragging the braid from one side to the other.

Might it have been done during the period, of course, but not by the original maker in my opinion for what that is worth. just too sloppy. A wife fixing an insignia, sure, maybe. More likely a collector repairing or thinking he is making the insignia look better.

These aren't rare so personally a more traditional example would be a better purchase in my opinion.

Just my thoughts.

Regards,
W. Unland