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Harley Davidson Head Badge Controversy

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@hoofhearted Patric man :)
@47jchiggins Todd man :)
@Freqman1 Shawn man:)

Very nice catching up with all of you and sharing dialog over this badge. We can agree to disagree on this and very likely things in the future, it's what keeps the juices flowing, or like Patric would say "makes your socks go up and down", LOL.

Rock on my Bicycle and Military Brothers.


Just to clarify the discussions, the badge this thread is about is #1 pictured below.

Later days and better lays
Peace,
Ivo
20171124_230802.jpg
 
A big THANKS to all who have contributed to this thread and keeping an open mind. To Patric @hoofhearted, thank you for taking the time to comment and for posting your Mystery HD Badge, it is quite unique and very interesting to say the least. This is a “ Take no Prisoners” forum and my only regret is how I started this thread. The wording I chose came across “snarky” and for that, I apologize. We still have a lot to learn about these bikes and probably just scratching the surface of the information that could be out there. For example, not long ago, I acquired and posted a 1917 HD Bicycle parts list which was part of a Dealer Binder from 1917-1919, ironically, the only item NOT listed on the parts list was the badge.
Todd
 
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Good schtuff - Ivo, Todd and all .....

Am reminded that in order to create an omelette, we have to break
out the egg beaters.

And even 'tho the true-reality of those badges (that were discussed)
may never be known ... I have enjoyed each and everyone's contribution
to the clarifying and possible de-mystification of those badges that go
bump in the night.


....... patric






853987-600x600-A  egg.jpg




 
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These badges were not made by the H-D factory.
They were made sometime in the 1990's.

Solid copper ... smooth on backside ... very-deep
relief.

Not stamped .. not acid-etched .. not debossed.

Have heard the term, chemical milling, used in re-
lation to these badges.

Not seen in any commercial parts / accessories
catalog.

Screw-holes match-up with the die-stamped, factory
badge.


The original supply may have dried up ... the very
last specimen is a lost-wax / cast specimen ... see all
of those surface flaws.

I wonder if a dental technician ... someone who makes
dentures, maybe ... could have done a better job than
that last specimen ?

....... patric

thumbnail h-d 004.jpg


thumbnail h-d 002.jpg


thumbnail h-d 007.jpg


thumbnail h-d 008.jpg


9482929080_51a4e9cfaf_b   h-d.jpg






 
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Unlike the original badge...whom ever did the lettering didn't have a understanding of typography glyphs and kerning...close but no cigar!


Carlton ... which specimen are you referring to ?



So, am googling away when I run into Kern Type, the kerning game.

Gave it a whirl .....

A minute and a half later I was realizing, Oh Wha Tay Goo Siam.

Decided to kern my WWJD bookmarker ..... a misfortunate move.

Thought I'd give a solid re-try ... this time with my WWCD bookmarker.

Pitiful ... jus' pitiful.






WHAT WOULD CLEMENZA DO.jpg



 
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I'm sorry I was referencing this badge
HD BADGE.jpg



Below you can easily discern the font differences when shown side by side.
Badge A. The above badge, the letters are straight and narrower. They appear if they were drawn with a ruler, the descenders of the E and D do not fall below the base line. Plus the serifs are chopped on several letters.
Badge B. The Original, Is hand drawn! The letters flow properly. The curves are correct and more organic. Note the letters L,V and I and D, they're curved...not straight.

SIDE BY SIDE.jpg
 
Below you can easily discern the font differences when shown side by side.
Badge A. The above badge, the letters are straight and narrower. They appear if they were drawn with a ruler, the descenders of the E and D do not fall below the base line. Plus the serifs are chopped on several letters.
Badge B. The Original, Is hand drawn! The letters flow properly. The curves are correct and more organic. Note the letters L,V and I and D, they're curved...not straight.

SIDE BY SIDE.jpg


Wow !! ... with your graphic manipulation, just a comparison of
the two-''V's'' is plenty of evidence the fonts do not match ....


Brilliant ... just brilliant, you are ....


Thank YOU - Carlton .....

....... patric
 
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