Eddie,
If you would be so kind, I would be greatly appreciative and keenly interested for my own selfish curiosity to learn of any others who may have something to contribute in the way of an answer to your question here (...assuming that there may well be other folks who choose to contribute "OFF LIST" for whatever reason).
I only recently had a vintage bicycle head badge replicated out here on the West Coast. In my case the badge in question was originally crafted from aluminum which had then been polished to high luster and given a protective clear anodized coating with various of its details subsequently highlighted in paint along its variegated surface. The net effect was almost chrome like in its appearance excepting those areas which had been carefully detailed with paint. The "bad news" was that one side of this head badge looked like it had essentially been ground into the pavement at one time and as such its restoration / reclamation proved to be more than either I or anyone else I consulted with was able to accomplish. Ultimately, I ended up having a local jeweler recreate a very exacting replica of the original head badge (...and I would consider myself to be a tough critic regarding such things) ... BUT ... I had him do so out of thin, ever so slightly pliable such that it may be "opened" and properly fitted over a bicycle head tube and then held closed in place so as to wrap around its contour, genuine sterling silver and not aluminum. After properly applying paint to the appropriate areas (...prior to re-fitting, of course), the net effect is remarkably close in appearance to the polished and anodized aluminum, only perhaps a tad more refined - but nothing that draws attention to itself so as to look out of place and I am now of the opinion that only the most discriminating inspection would reveal its lack of authenticity. All of that said, the exercise was not exactly cheap given that it cost me $500.00 USD to have the head badge re-created from the original (...and no, the original was not harmed in any way during the process) plus time and effort on my part to execute the painting aspects of the recreation.
Of course, you may well not want to spend those amount of monies in pursuit of a non-exact by dint of substrate, sterling silver, head badge for you own particular project - but then again, you might. If you are even tempted by such a prospect, I would suggest that you consult a reputable custom jeweler in your area and solicit their opinion with respect to a bid for services.
Robert "a badger, indeed - but certainly no Hinault" Broderick ...the "Chronically Cloudy Clime" of Oregon Portland, USA
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces+rsb000=hotmail.com@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces+rsb000=hotmail.com@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Edward Albert Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2011 5:07 AM To: CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS Subject: [CR] Wanted: reproduction head badge maker
Dear list, I spent a long time ascertaining the Identity of an old track iron. It had no markings but had some special build characteristics and a missing head badge with 4 holes. Anyway, I just came into possession of a similar bike *WITH* the head badge. Holes match as do all other characteristics. So, I am thinking of getting a badge made for the orphan. Does anyone know of a good maker of reproduction badges. I Googled and many turn up, but I have no real way of judging quality. And their prices are all over the map. BTW, I believe the badge to be nickel plated copper (if that is possible) although I have not removed it as of yet. Also, it is a bit intricate. thanks for any help and advice. Best, Eddie Albert Chappaqua, New York, U.S.A.
-- Edward Albert