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Ranger23
Guest
Does anyone know where the closest thing to the actual leather badge case wallet used in the X-Files is sold commerically? It doesn't have to be exact, just fairly similar. Thanks!
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Ranger23
Guest
bump**
brimst0ne13
Well-Known Member
the badge has since gone from horizontal to vertical. but if you have the gall to do it, just get a simple single fold wallet with no bill pocket and only 2 inner pockets, like the sleeve of a book cover. then just cut windows out where you want them and insert transparency film under it then apply the badge under that.
MattMunson
Master Member
In my years of searching, I have found nothing commercially available that matches the hand made ones that were used in the show.
Tex Shoemaker & Sons (Leather Co.) of San Dimas, CA made some of the screen used originals. When "Tex" died, the company shrunk its inventory and that style badge case ( I called it the card and 1/2 plus badge style) no longer shows up on their online listings. You may wish to contact them and see if they will make one up for you. Send them a photo of the XF set so they know what it is. Good luck.
TallDarkandDisfigured
Sr Member
If The Munson says it ain't out there, you can take it to the bank!
Best bet would be to get some leather and get crafty..
Nothing even close commercially.
Sctcarts used to make a great replica though.
Sctcarts used to make a great replica though.
MattMunson
Master Member
lol. Thanks for the back up!!
There are some VERY fine fad made replicas out there that are VERY close, though nobody has gotten it spot on perfect. I had some dyes made up a long time ago that were a SLIGHTLY idealized version of the real deal, but never got around to stamping any wallets out with them. Dunno why. Just never did it. I was even looking at the dyes just this weekend thinking "Why did I never make any of those?"
Your best bet is to buy one from the dude mentioned above. His are really great, and without holding it next to a screen used piece, you would never know it isn't dead on. He does excellent work.
MattMunson
Master Member
To be honest, the REAL complication with a good replica is the badge. The wallets can be made by hand pretty easily. The first couple I tried my hand at were cut by me, then I took them to a shoe maker to sew up. Worked great. Artwork for the cards can be found online. Though not high-res or super high quality, they are quite passable.
But the metal badge is a PITA. There are some badges out there that say "paranormal investigations" on them, or something like that, but those are not accurate to the screen used. But still, to the untrained eye, they are a fantastic substitute. I think for me, the post 9/11 world makes it VERY problematic to make replicas of official looking govt credentials. And is the main reason I stay FAR FAR away from it.
But the metal badge is a PITA. There are some badges out there that say "paranormal investigations" on them, or something like that, but those are not accurate to the screen used. But still, to the untrained eye, they are a fantastic substitute. I think for me, the post 9/11 world makes it VERY problematic to make replicas of official looking govt credentials. And is the main reason I stay FAR FAR away from it.
Tex Shoemaker Leather makes alot of Hollywood props mainly due to their proximity to the industry. Matt may be right, but a couple of fanatical XF collectors I know swear that early seasons' productions (when filmed in the US) used Shoemaker cases. There are some manufacturing "tells" you can see on the auctioned first season cases which some assert are identical to the ones found on leatherwork done by the Shoemaker company.
Nonetheless, here is the catalog page from the 90's showing the style. You would tell them the size ID window you wanted and include a tracing of the badge, and they would create the case for you with custom cutouts for the badge and cards. When "Tex" died the company seemed to drop alot of their custom work and promoted "in stock" leather goods.
If anyone is in the San Dimas area, maybe you can pursuade them to do that style again. I'm sure there would be a bunch of people interested.
Nonetheless, here is the catalog page from the 90's showing the style. You would tell them the size ID window you wanted and include a tracing of the badge, and they would create the case for you with custom cutouts for the badge and cards. When "Tex" died the company seemed to drop alot of their custom work and promoted "in stock" leather goods.
If anyone is in the San Dimas area, maybe you can pursuade them to do that style again. I'm sure there would be a bunch of people interested.
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UPDATE: I just spoke with Doug Shoemaker, the grandson of "Tex." They can still make a style # 311 and custom cut the wallet for your particular badge. Replica FBI / XF badges come in all sizes and configurations, most not identical to an issue FBI shield. Mr. Shoemaker says to send a tracing (NOT a photocopy as they shrink the image a little) of your particular badge and tracing of the outline of your ID cards. I would probably do a mockup with the tracings to show layout, sizing, etc.
It is model # 311 in black leather and the price is $47.97 (probably + tax and shipping). The phone number for Tex Shoemaker Leather Co. is 1-909-592-2071.
I don't know what this detailing is called, but it outlines both the ID and badge cutouts on the screenused ones. I don't know if this is an extra detail that must be requested or if it is standard. You may want to check if you order.
It is model # 311 in black leather and the price is $47.97 (probably + tax and shipping). The phone number for Tex Shoemaker Leather Co. is 1-909-592-2071.
I don't know what this detailing is called, but it outlines both the ID and badge cutouts on the screenused ones. I don't know if this is an extra detail that must be requested or if it is standard. You may want to check if you order.
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TallDarkandDisfigured
Sr Member
MAYBE, and it would be a cool idea but they wouldn't all be identical. The FBI / XF shield replicas seem to vary greatly in size and shape. While all seem to be based on the real FBI shield, they have enough differences to make "one cutout fits all" improbable.
Still, since I've been a customer of theirs for over 20 years maybe I can ask Mr. Shoemaker about a one-time run, but everyone would need to provide a tracing of their specific badge. I'm not able to oversee an RPF "run" but I would help liaison with the leather company. Maybe there is an RPF'r in the San Dimas area? I moved out of LA County many years ago.
Hey guys, I used to own 3 sets of authentic X-Files FBI credentials with the badges and everything. The badges are custom made and a slightly odd shape. I had 1 set of blanks and a Scully & Mulder set, I also have a spare badge.
I have attached images of the complete blank set (yes these are the ones I uploaded to Yourprops a few years back) and a higher rez of the badge.
Oh yes, as Eltee said the Tex Showmaker cases are the closest to the Canadian made props from the show, the real ones are smaller in hand than you expect. These guys at Maxell badges do a similar wallet.
http://www.maxsell.com/index.php?p=product&id=620&parent=21
I have attached images of the complete blank set (yes these are the ones I uploaded to Yourprops a few years back) and a higher rez of the badge.
Oh yes, as Eltee said the Tex Showmaker cases are the closest to the Canadian made props from the show, the real ones are smaller in hand than you expect. These guys at Maxell badges do a similar wallet.
http://www.maxsell.com/index.php?p=product&id=620&parent=21
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Ranger23
Guest
If you contact sctcarts, I know he offers a resin cast screen accurate version of the shield.
