The Making of the Strike Hold Insignia for the 82nd Airborne.
These insignia were requested by the 82nd Airborne as sample pieces, they were the sample signs for the real thing which were to be 5ft across We were informed we had been awarded the job. We worked on the artwork and tool paths for all of them and logged over $7,000.00 in labor and materials. The gilding is 23 kt gold leaf and palladium (it's like silver but doesn't tarnish and cost more than gold). There were to be 5 different insignia plus the two samples which were 2 ft. across.
More photos below
Command changed and we were informed the idea had been scrapped. This is why we always ask for a deposit. When I asked where I should send the invoice I was told "I didn't order them so don't." Three different people had guaranteed us we would be paid when we did the main part of the job. I even have it in emails but you can't sue the army. This happened in January our quiet time of the year when money can be tight but as they had awarded us the job we ignored our paying customers and it almost put us out of business. Shame on them.
To view the making sequence go here http://signblasters.com/index.php/portfolio/project-signs-how-theyre-made
Jump Master insignia