Rings for the Eagle Scout
This author has not seen much, if any, identification of the various types of Eagle rings. Therefore we offer the following guidelines for the collectors. This guide will build over time as more research and input from the collecting community becomes available. Collectors are encouraged to contact the author with different types or other knowledge with the possibility of sharing images and information on this site. Photographs for sharing are greatly encouraged.
The dates given are collected from other sources as well as personal investigation. By the 1960's many custom made designs were becoming available.
Use of this site: Permission is granted to use the photo's and information presented on this site if the user acknowleges www.eaglescoutbadge for its content.
Type 1 'The Knot Ring' 1930-1940
The Type 1 'Knot Ring' was the first official ring produced. It was manufactured by the Robbins Company and came in sterling silver and 14kt white gold. It is characterized by the overhand knots on the sides. The design is very reminiscent of the early hat pins with the stars and texture in the oval. Overall a very pleasing design, the authors favorite.
So far 4 sub-types have been recorded:
Type 1a (left) is very scarce. At least one author describes this ring as the first Eagle Scout ring. It is most easily identified by the rope lanyard on the sides of the ring shaped like a figure 8 tied at the center. Early Norman Rockwell paintings show the 'ideal scout' with this rope lanyard affixed to his web belt. I believe this lanyard is a take-off of that image. 'BSA' on the front. Very tough ring to come by. Photo used by permission.
Type 1b (left) has 'BSA' on the chest and a light radial linework inside the oval. This ring is marked 'STERLING' on the interior band with no hallmark.
Type 1c (left) has 'BSA' on the chest and a prominent radial linework texture in the oval.
Type 1d (left) has no 'BSA' on the chest and a smooth texture in the oval. This ring is marked 14k on the interior band with the Robbins hallmark.
Type 1e (left) has no 'BSA' on the chest and a beaded texture in the oval. Available in 14K white gold.
Type 2 'The Deco Ring' 1937-1957
By 1937 an alternate design was offered. The Deco Ring had a blocky, angular somewhat 'deco' style. It was made by the Robbins Company and had the familiar red/white/blue enamel backing similar to the hat pins. These rings appeared with and without the 'BSA' on the eagles chest.
Type 2a has 'BSA' on the chest. This type has been reported well into the 1940's.
Type 2b eliminated the 'BSA' on the chest. The Eagle Medal by the Robbins Company would be without the 'BSA' until about 1970. It is assummed but not yet documented that the 'BSA' removal and later reintroduction was in sync with the redesigns of the Eagle Medal. This type has been documented through the 1940's.
Type 3 'The American Ring'
The Type 3 is an entirely new design. It is first characterized by the painted background instead of enamel. The 'American Ring' refers to the strong eagle motif on the sides of the ring and prominence of 'The Boy Scouts of America' on the face.
Two sub-types have been identified:
Type 3a has a tiny eagle with no 'BSA' on the chest. The background is painted instead of enamel. The eagle's head is clearly above the wings.
Type 3b has a redesigned slightly larger eagle. The eagle's head is almost at wing level but only slighty above.
Type 4 'The Traditional Ring'
Crest-Craft and Josten's began manufacturing a ring that would look much like a high school class ring.
Type 4a by Crest-Craft has a distinctive cut blue stone. Many variations of stone exist.
Type 4b (image coming) is similar to 4a but has a silver eagle in the center of the blue gemstone.
Type 5 'The Academy Ring'
Type 5a (left) is an all silver ring with a poorly executed design and fabrication.
Type 5b (left) Available with or without the red-white-blue enamel background.