Early Naval Officer Cap Badge

[VMI88]

I recently picked up a Naval officer's garrison cap badge that appears to be an early one. For starters, the eagle faces to its left:

 

 

Even more interesting than that is the method of attachment. The badge has four small loops soldered to the back for sewing to the uniform:

 

 

I'm assuming this is World War I era or possibly even a little earlier. I'm not sure when the Navy began wearing the garrison cap though. Can anyone shed any light on this?

[hink441]

I am sorry I cant help with your question, but that is a really interesting badge. Great pick up, congrats!!

[Dave]

Could it be a metal collar device instead of a cap device?

[VMI88]

It's possible - the size is about right - but I've never seen this device worn as a collar badge. Admittedly, I'm not a Navy collector so if anyone had more information please let me know!

[Justin B.]

I'd say that is most likely a WW1-era service coat collar device for a reserve officer; the navy had some insignia differences between regulars and reservists back then.

 

Justin B.

 

[VMI88]

Justin,

 

Thanks - that definitely looks like a match. The loops would also fit with the time period of the uniform pictured. I've never seen that collar device before.