Overview of the Collection
The focus of my U.S. federal patch collection is on embroidered insignia that reflect the history and heraldry of federal agencies. Over the years, federal agencies have issued embroidered insignia as part of uniforms to signify authority and mission. My collection includes variations of patches that have evolved alongside their respective agencies, showcasing changes in design, function, and symbolism.
This collection encompasses various types of patches, including shoulder, back, breast, hat, and arm bands. I am particularly interested in patches that vary in size, shape, color, content, or backing. While most patches are fully or semi-embroidered, some older examples involve silk-screen processes. Notably, I am proud to own over 550 bullion-style patches, which are handmade using fine metallic wire, primarily in India and Pakistan. These rare pieces add a unique dimension to the collection.
Historical Context and Production
Federal patches are issued for identification and display purposes. Typically, they are affixed to uniform shirts, coats, vests, jackets, or hats to associate the wearer with their agency and mission. Some commemorate specific anniversaries, events, or operational missions, while others are distributed to promote agency recognition or support joint ventures. Task force patches, for example, highlight investigative or regulatory collaborations.
Many patches are limited in production and are intended for display rather than wear. Some are created to support collectors and traders, while others serve as embroidered mementos for retirement plaques or framed displays. Unique prototypes, or “sew-outs,” are also part of my collection. These one-of-a-kind samples, created by manufacturers for client approval, reflect the creativity and precision involved in insignia design.
Collection Highlights
NASA
My NASA patch collection includes 225 insignia items. The focus is limited to patches associated with NASA headquarters, facilities, administrative staff, safety, and police/security/fire departments. Space mission patches, which are widely produced, are not included.
Department of Energy
The Department of Energy collection comprises 660 items, including over 200 rare silk-screen patches from the 1950s and 1960s. These patches are linked to nuclear weapons production and testing initiatives in Nevada and New Mexico.
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense and military service patches total over 3,200 items. This collection is primarily focused on military/civilian police, government or contract security, intelligence, and fire departments. Notable pieces include vintage patches from World War II.
U.S. Coast Guard
My world-class U.S. Coast Guard collection includes over 4,400 patches representing all branch components. Recognized as the largest private collection of USCG insignia in the world, it traces the agency’s history from its 1790 origins to its modern role under the Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. Secret Service
The U.S. Secret Service collection is my primary focus, comprising 840 items, including 40 bullion patches and 20 back patches. It features vintage insignia from the defunct White House Police, Treasury Guard, and Security Forces, as well as the Executive Protection Division and Uniformed Division.
Collection Scope and Methodology
Most of the patches in my collection were acquired through direct purchases or trades with agencies, employees, and collectors. Online auction sites like eBay also contributed significantly. With over 24,000 federal patches, my collection is unmatched in size and scope. These patches have been meticulously cataloged and displayed in a consistent format to preserve their historical and aesthetic value.
Display and Organization
Each patch is affixed to an 8.5” x 11” sheet of plain white bond paper using two-sided plastic carpet tape. The sheets are then placed in top-loading, clear plastic sleeves for protection and organized into three-ring binders with labeled covers and spines. The binders are grouped alphabetically by federal agency and stored in six wooden bookcases.
For example, my FBI collection fills 13 binders, categorized as follows:
- Headquarters and branches: 3 binders
- National Academy staff and Quantico, VA: 1 binder
- Field divisions/resident agencies: 8 binders, organized alphabetically by city
- Washington, D.C., task force initiatives: 1 binder
eBook Project
The Encyclopedia of U.S. Federal Patches is a collector-friendly digital resource showcasing over 30,000 federal patch images. Each patch is digitally photographed and assigned a unique reference number. Contributions from 24 advanced collectors are acknowledged, with their initials credited in the database.
Contributor Guidelines
To enhance the eBook’s value, we welcome new patch image submissions. Please send digital photographs in .jpg format on plain white backgrounds, if possible. Contributors will receive recognition in the Acknowledgements section, and their initials will be added to reference numbers for their submissions.
Prologue
This Encyclopedia aims to document the rich history and diversity of U.S. federal patches. While we strive for accuracy, constructive feedback is encouraged. Future updates will include additional patches and dimensions for current entries. For corrections or contributions, please contact Steve Petro at [email protected]. Together, we can continue to expand this unparalleled resource for collectors and historians alike.