WW1 USMC SHARPSHOOTER Badge

[dutchbarge]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WWI-Sharpshooter-Medal-1918-Given-Feb-18-1918-USA-Army-Military-Marines-/251406926058?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a890540ea#ht_25wt_1362

 

According to the monograph, U S Marine Corps Marksman Badges 1912 to Present, the two broad rings on this badge would make it an M1922. Same with the one below:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-WWI-SHARPSHOOTER-BADGE-RARE-NAMED-AND-DATED-BADGE-/121207864536?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c388d3cd8#ht_732wt_1124

 

I've read that the first written regulations regarding shooting badges was in 1912. And there was chunk of time between the wars when the Corps reverted back to USA shooting badges. And many Marines wore out-dated badges until they wore out. So how accurate is the above monograph. Can it be relied on to declare the two above badges post 1922?

 

Cheers, Bill

[ludwigh1980]

Hello Bill, though I am completely ignorant of Marine Shooting Badges, I do know about period engraving. The engraving was done by a master jeweler. Keep in mind. Jewelry engravers had to work several years as an apprentice before getting to the point as shown on the piece. It was done by an expert hand. It is next to impossible to duplicate the skill unless someone has been doinging it for many years (20+) and that style is not seen any more. I have some experience in hand engraving and it takes years to get to that profencency. The style is consistant to the period 1918. Purely on the engraving I would evaluate the piece as authentic. As far as the 1922 discripancy, can't comment on that.

 

Terence

[Fly USMC]

I have no problem with those as WWI Badges. 100% right as far as the badge goes. Not an expert on engraving, so see post prior for that (ludwigh 1980)

[normaninvasion]

Bill, check out the pinned USMC marksmanship badge thread. Lots of great examples and info.

[Brig]

Pre-WWI, badges were officially engraved for Marines. I believe the practice officially stopped before the war, however many Marines would have their badges privately engraved. I have a couple of privately engraved examples myself. This type of engraving appears to be privately done, as well

[Leatherneck72]

Those both look authentic to me..

[Brig]

Gibbs is on the rolls for the time period...there are several Mannings, I can't tell what that middle initial is to narrow it down further, I'm assuming 'J'...definitely not a 'Y'

 

I recall seeing the Manning badge sell months ago on eBay...for less than half of that asking price

[dutchbarge]

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=7&ved=0CDgQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usmilitariaforum.com%2Fforums%2Findex.php%3Fapp%3Dcore%26module%3Dattach%26section%3Dattach%26attach_id%3D635036&ei=D3u2Up7HE-jUyQHkkYCoCg&usg=AFQjCNH6zcmKaawo-yXRyR_EDgrpUXEO8Q&bvm=bv.58187178,d.aWc

 

Above is the link to the reference monograph. The official USMC museum monograph. Open the link and read the articles and look at the photos. Sorry to be so dogged, but they are both M1922 badges. Cheers, Bill