Cutting the velcro backs off patches...

Hello everyone. I just wanted to see where members stand on this. Not too long a couple of Afghanistan used patches came in from Europe, and I noticed that some of them had the velcro backing cut off. Their backs had glue stains so it looks like the soldier had them in an album. I actually prefer patches having the velcro off because they are easier for me to store and there would be no chance for threads to be pulled loose.

Would cutting off the velcro backs off patches lower their value? What about theatre made patches that have crude backings sewn on? It would be interesting to hear input from a collector who does this. I haven't done this practice myself but wanted to hear the arguments for and against it.

Thanks,
Artur

I would never cut velcro off ever. I keep things as were worn including patches. I believe it will affect the value because item has been tampered with.

Yes threads get pulled by hooks but there are few solutions to it. Invest in large velcro panel so you just slap patches on it. Or get acid free baseball card binder pockets.

My guess is that it would probably affect the value a bit because they're supposed to have velcro on the back. As for theater made patches I'd tend to think you should keep the backing on them as well. Although right now it probably isn't that big of a deal to remove it, eventually it may be a concern amongst future collectors. Just my two pennies

I probably wouldn't cut the backing off the theater made patches. Besides the originality issue it can also be a way of identifying where and when made.

Current patches I'd have a tough call with. I guess it would depend on what your intent is. Are you looking to "invest" and sell down the road at a profit? Are you just looking to collect and enjoy? If it's the latter cutting them off would be fine in my mind but I certainly get everyone else's point. In some ways cutting the velcro off and maybe making a patch blanket would be the continuation of a tradition.

Personally, I would not cut the backs off theatre made patches either. Some of the ones I own have interesting shades of color and stitching patterns. But I would not mind paying for examples with the velcro removed. I collect Polish contingent patches, and they are already difficult to find as is.