Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery (II)
Posted in Florida Lodges, O-Shot-Caw 265, Patch Collecting by John E. Pannell on August 7th, 2008 at 5:02 am 
O-Shot-Caw 265 Gokhos Chapter J2
Way back in October of 2006 I wrote a post entitled “Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery” in which I pointed out some patches whose designs appeared to be inspired by other patches. I now offer up another pair of patches.
Pictured here is an image recently sent to me by Robert Mathis. This is the J2 from O-Shot-Caw lodge’s Gokhos chapter. As you can see, the design is simply a large cut-out owl, wings outstretched, on an arrow. The chapter had previously issued their X1 with an almost identical design. I think it’s an effective design and looks good. However, it might look more than a little bit familiar to some folks.
Mikanakawa 101 X2
In the mid 1990s, Mikanakawa 101 issued the patch pictured here. This a rather small patch, smaller than a flap. The odd shape makes this a rather fragile item, especially the arrow. I wonder how many of these have become damaged since the patch was first issued.
The similarities between this piece and the later chapter issues from O-Shot-Caw lodge are obvious. The most significant change is the increase in size to a jacket patch for the chapter’s J2. It’s almost as if the lodge or chapter went to their patch company with the Mikanakawa issue in hand and said, “Make us this… just bigger and with our chapter name on it.”
This type of owl pose is not uncommon. My own lodge even portrayed its hawk totem in a similar fashion (70 S2). It was also used by Achunanchi lodge on their S31. However these are the only examples I know of right now where the patch has been rendered in a cut-out shape.
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