The most common associations with Boy Scouts are symbols like campfires, masterful knot-tying, and various merit badges that can be acquired through impressive teamwork, grit, and maybe some luck. For collectors out there, though, the very things like merit badges can end up fetching some pretty pennies. These 10 Boy Scout items are each their own sound investments in looking ahead to those future days.
1. Merit Badges
The early merit badges, and especially the ones that feature unique designs or that are made out of felt, are commonly referred to as a “holy grail” amongst Boy Scout collectors. A 1940s collection that’s listed on an online marketplace like an eBay can end up selling for almost a hundred dollars too.
2. Canteens and Gear
Early camping gear — such as canteens, first aid kits, binoculars, and tents — are also popular among collectors for their practicality and historical significance. Items bearing the official Boy Scout logo are especially valuable, as they were used by scouts during the organization’s formative years. Vintage pieces, like these field glasses from the 1920s, can sell for close to $200.
3. Early Boy Scout Hats
These wide-brimmed hats, often referred to as “Smokey Bear” hats, were the first standard issue headgear given to all recruits in the 1920s and beyond. Made of sturdy wool felt, these hats are loaded with nostalgia and early scouting adventures. This campaign hat by Stetson sold for $110 at auction, while you might find others in mint condition listed for close to $300 on eBay.
4. Original Boy Scout Uniforms
Complete uniforms dating back to the 1920s, and those ones that have the original insignia and accessories that are still intact, can summon sizable offers.
5. First Edition Boy Scout Handbooks
The first edition handbook from 1911 is a cornerstone of scouting history. Written by Ernest Thompson Seton, it laid the foundation for the scouting movement in America. Copies in good condition (or even with some wear and tear) are incredibly rare, as evidenced by this copy that’s selling for a whopping $3,500 on Scout Stuff 4 Sale (talk about a niche market).
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6. Early Boy Scout Patches (Pre-1940s)
Patches from the early days of scouting, particularly those from regional councils or special events, are also sought-after thanks to their rarity and nostalgic appeal. Patches featuring intricate designs and needlework, like the “Star Life Eagle” patch from 1937, can command prices soaring past $600 (and even more if they’re still attached to their original uniforms).
7. Vintage Boy Scout Knives
The official Boy Scout pocketknife, which was produced by acclaimed brands like Remington and Camillus, is another rare gem among collectors. Early models from the 1920s to ’40s are especially valuable thanks to their craftsmanship and historical significance. Some rare models, like the UMC Remington, are listed for around $100 online.
8. Early Medals and Awards
Medals from the early days of scouting (especially those from the 1920s and ’30s) are also hot commodities among Boy Scout aficionados. Rare medals, like this early 1B Eagle Scout medal (listed for almost $1,300 on eBay) or other achievement awards featuring unique clasps, have been known to sell for hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, on resale sites.
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9. Compasses
These early navigation devices are also cherished among collectors. Early compasses made by reputable brands like Silva or Marbles are especially valuable. If you own one still in its original box or packaging, it can sell for around $75.
10. Vintage Boy Scout Posters
Early promotional posters are celebrated for their vibrant artwork and nostalgic charm. Featuring idealized and patriotic images of scouts in action, these posters played a key role in promoting the values and spirit of the organization. A well-preserved poster can sell for over a hundred dollars, like this “Can’t Wait” Normal Rockwell print that’s listed for $120. Even Boy Scout-related posters, like this Norman Rockwell poster, are coveted; it sold for $850 in 2024.
Curious about other vintage oddities?
These 12 Vintage Uranium Glass Pieces With Radioactive Charm are a quirky collectible for some folks, while others might enjoy 10 Vintage Erector Sets You’ll Wish You Kept From Your Childhood. And be sure not to miss 19 Photos That Show What Being a Boy Scout Looked Like Across the Decades.
