Rare Pre WW2 1930 ' S USMC Drooped Wing Officer EGA Insignia Emblems Pins
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:436672 |
These are rare pattern officer dress gold and silver collar insignia, commonly referred to as droop wing insignia, due to the eagle's wing appearance.
The USMC changed the standard design of the Corps Emblem in May of 1925 and promptly regretted the decision changing it back to a less stylized eagle in 1937 after receiving heavy criticism from both officer and enlisted men about the "Gooney Bird" appearance. National Archive records show that manufacturers of EGA de...vices waited to retool their dies until the USMC placed contracts for the new design, which they eventually did in the early 1930's; for enlisted collar devices only. Officer pieces were always private purchase in this era. The jury is still out on these, as there are no known photographs of officers wearing these on dress uniforms. They conform to the enlisted and officer N.S. Meyer and J.R. Gaunt versions, which means they probably copied or used a government die. N.S. Meyer did in fact make enlisted dress and service devices with this version and Meyer and Gaunt made service officer devices in this version, by usually adding separately applied continents. It is entirely possible these are private made examples. They are two piece construction (anchor and globe are separate pieces) and I cant tell if they are stamped or cast. They retain great detail, have well made pin and catch assemblies, appear to have silver plate, and are 1" collar size. Untested for gold content. They are unmarked.
Buyer pays actual shipping costs. Invoice will be sent upon winning bid with options for different shipping methods. Please pay upon receipt of invoice. Usually ship same day as payment is received. Please contact us if there is a problem before leaving feedback.
The USMC changed the standard design of the Corps Emblem in May of 1925 and promptly regretted the decision changing it back to a less stylized eagle in 1937 after receiving heavy criticism from both officer and enlisted men about the "Gooney Bird" appearance. National Archive records show that manufacturers of EGA de...vices waited to retool their dies until the USMC placed contracts for the new design, which they eventually did in the early 1930's; for enlisted collar devices only. Officer pieces were always private purchase in this era. The jury is still out on these, as there are no known photographs of officers wearing these on dress uniforms. They conform to the enlisted and officer N.S. Meyer and J.R. Gaunt versions, which means they probably copied or used a government die. N.S. Meyer did in fact make enlisted dress and service devices with this version and Meyer and Gaunt made service officer devices in this version, by usually adding separately applied continents. It is entirely possible these are private made examples. They are two piece construction (anchor and globe are separate pieces) and I cant tell if they are stamped or cast. They retain great detail, have well made pin and catch assemblies, appear to have silver plate, and are 1" collar size. Untested for gold content. They are unmarked.
Buyer pays actual shipping costs. Invoice will be sent upon winning bid with options for different shipping methods. Please pay upon receipt of invoice. Usually ship same day as payment is received. Please contact us if there is a problem before leaving feedback.
