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Offered here is an extraordinary vintage Cub Scout "brag vest" — a hand-decorated red felt vest covered edge-to-edge in patches, pins, and awards, assembled by a scout (or scouting family) in the Northwest Suburban Council, Illinois, during the early-to-mid 1990s.
This is the most densely patched brag vests you'll ever find! The back panel alone features an intricate hand-sewn spiral/sunburst of dozens upon dozens of small Cub Scout Academics & Sports belt loop-style achievement patches, radiating out from a central BSA compass emblem in concentric rings. The front panels are packed with council patches, camp patches (including Lakota Resident Camp, Camp-O-Rama, Bode Lake Scout Lunkerama), den number tabs, activity patches (Hiking, Boating, Aviation Fun, Skiing, Bicycling), a ribboned award medal, and a variety of pins and tabs. In total, this vest holds an estimated 200+ individual pieces.
Highlights include:
Northwest Suburban Council patches and multiple dated camp/event patches (1992–1996)
Illinois Railway Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Field Museum souvenir patches
Den 3 / Den 5 tabs and Pack activity patches (Pinewood Derby, Blue & Gold, Popcorn sales)
Gateway Arch 30th anniversary commemorative patch
Dozens of small belt-loop-style achievement patches arranged in an elaborate spiral design
A ribboned award medal
Condition: Pre-owned, vintage. Please examine all photos closely — this is a well-loved, well-worn vest showing age-appropriate wear. Some patches may show minor edge lifting or loose threads consistent with age; overall the piece displays beautifully.
A fantastic find for:
Scouting memorabilia collectors
Patch collectors looking for a huge lot in one piece
Vintage/Americana decor buyers (fantastic wall or man-cave display piece)
Anyone who appreciates handmade scouting craftsmanship
This is a one-of-a-kind, hand-assembled piece of scouting history — no two brag vests are alike. Sold as-is, exactly as pictured. Please review all photos carefully as they are part of the description.
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