Vintage patches - where to buy?

[cgreen]

Morning All,

Rain here in Toronto, hope you're being treated to something a bit nicer. I'm interested in picking up a dozen or so vintage moto patches for a leather jacket - I've searched eBay in several countries and have found a few interesting pieces but I was wondering if anyone has thoughts on a shop local to where you live that might offer other options.

An old motorcycle sales or repair shop, or a vintage store that maybe specializes in Moto gear - something I would never have opportunity to discover outside of this forum. If you all have a moment I'd appreciate the thoughts. The patches can be motorcycle manufacturers, clubs, parts/oil manufacturers, rally's, etc. Anything interesting and unusual is great, thanks very much, looking forward to the suggestions. Speak soon.

CG

 

[Dumpster D]

Could you please post some photos or patches you're looking for, anything specific?

 

[cgreen]

Hi Dumpster D,

Thanks much for getting back to me, I appreciate that. Enclosed are a handful of examples that I found - again, I'm looking for either unusual brands, or well-known brands with unusual patches. Would love your additional thoughts, thank you.

CG

 

[cgreen]

Here are three more

 

[Dumpster D]

There's a bi-annual Bike show sometimes at the Exhibition. or maybe ask around at the racetrack where they're doing vintage class events. There's Shannonville or Mossport for example.

Sometimes I see some biker patches at a few of the booths at the motorcycle shows, but they're for Harley guys Generally...If you're looking for vintage patches you'll have to go on a Safari, I mean find some little old Barn antique flea market hidden way out there, north of 7 and that's still a long shot.

I don't come across these patches in the wild. Assuming these things are 'out there' in peoples collections, might have to wheel and deal.

I'll ask around locally, there's a few antique barns, it's still rare to find a stash of 'good' patches, nothing like these vintage patches ever turned up, I would have found them by now...and I don't have anything in my collection whatsoever. I have seen Repro stuff, so there's hope.

Last time I saw some Race patches was out near Enterprise, but when I asked the guy how much, he said

"Oh, those aren't supposed to be in there, these were mine from the 70's and I can't sell them"

So basically it will take ages, slow and steady all the way.

 

[cgreen]

Thank you, I appreciate the thoughts - I’ll search up some vintage races and see what it brings, might ask my folks down in San Antonio to be on the hunt as well.

You’re right that the HD guys seem to have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to patches - almost too many to even contemplate. I’m not a HD guy necessarily, i’m more 1970s and ‘80s sport and race bikes. Some of the skull and crossbones are cool just because they are, and I’m all about unique oil and parts patches - too cool.

Will keep the forum posted on my progress and interesting treasures. Thanks again, enjoy the evening.

CG