Iron Maiden - Somewhere in Time - Back Patch 1986 ('dark version')

Heavy Metal ChemistSat, 15/08/2020 - 21:44

Lo and behold, here I present you a "Somewhere in (Dark) Time(s)" back patch 🤘🤪🤘. The patch has been in a drawer of the previous owner for +30 years, has never been sewed on and is in near mint condition. As you can see the back patch does not have the colorful appearance we are used to, and obviously misses the blue and red colors, giving this back patch a very 'dark' appearance. In the comparison photo below you can see the huge differences. It's clearly a rare version of this majestic back patch, and it has something about it that I like. Extremely happy to have added this unique and rare back patch to my collection 🤘😫🤘

Patch

Not for sale or trade

Year: 1986

Bands:

Iron Maiden

Heavy Metal Chemist on Sun, 16/08/2020 - 09:22

Did somebody ever seen this particular version of this back patch? I'm wondering about the origin of this patch, and I would love to hear your opinion about it.

I have three 'hypotheses' about it's origin:
1) It's a first press of the patch which was not up to standards and got adjusted to the more colorful version(s) we know so well.
2) It's deliberately made as it is. Just like we have different color versions of other back patches.
3) A late press in which they ran out of colors (notably blue and red).

I talked with the previous owner about it, who told me he bought it in the late 80's as it is. So, it definitely not wear we are looking at, which is substantiated by the fact it has never been worn.

Irregardless of it's origin, I think it's an awesome and unique version. A collection highlight for me.

Looking into th... on Sun, 23/08/2020 - 10:20

Love it and I hope we ever find out about it and solve the riddle!
If I had to guess, I would go with your option 1. The later printings probably got a "facelift" and maybe also newer machines were used for printings.
Either way, it looks terrific, congrats Jeff! :)

Heavy Metal Chemist on Sun, 23/08/2020 - 12:03

Thank my friend! I also like this version a lot. Maybe because it is such an odd one, but to me it has 'something'.

It would be great to have a former worker from the factory here on TSS who can enlighten us about all our questions. There are so many patch mysteries that need to be solved...or should we keep them like they are and always have something to debate and speculate about?