siege1863 Posted June 3, 2007 Share #1 Posted June 3, 2007 NOTE: FELLOW FORUM MEMBERS, This topic is split from the original 31 page USMC Marksmanship Badge topic. With recent changes to the forum now containing a separate marksmanship badge subforum, we will gradually be splitting the large catch-all topic into more appropriate independent topics where they can be more easily accessed and referenced. This thread will remain the "catch-all" for Q-Badges and rifle/pistol badges with Q-Badge suspension bars, however members are not limited to posting their badges here and may feel free to start their own topics for the discussion of other badges. -Brig I did find on eBay one Marine qualification badge, identified as WWII, with the same type pin. Any other members wish to offer an opinion? Any members with other examples? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vzemke Posted June 3, 2007 Share #2 Posted June 3, 2007 I have a Marine bagde in my collection just like the one you posted from ebay. It has the exact same pin catch. My example came out of the wood work and was found on an unmarked sales card inside a small waxpaper envelope. No reason to believe the pin had been replaced. I think this was just a variation at least one maker used. Vance I did find on eBay one Marine qualification badge, identified as WWII, with the same type pin. Any other members wish to offer an opinion? Any members with other examples? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve B. Posted June 3, 2007 Share #3 Posted June 3, 2007 I have no problem believing that to be a WWII-era qualification badge. I'll have to check my badges and see if I have any similar catches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLM Posted June 4, 2007 Share #4 Posted June 4, 2007 The "safety pin" catches shown on all of the badges so far in this thread are perfectly normal for mid to late 1930's through WWII badges, especially those worn by Marines. My guess is 95% of all 1930's through WWII USMC shooting and qualification badges sport this type of safety pin catch, with the other 5% being earlier loop catches. With that said, it is rather unusual to see this type of catch on Army shooting badges, so I'm wondering if this Army style badge isn't one of the Marine badges from the mid 1930's when both Army and Marines wore the same badges? The Marines didn't switch back to the type associated with the Corps in WWII until 1936, when the Qualification Badge was introduced to Marines for wear with the primary rifle badge. While Kurt is certainly correct and the Qual. bars on this badge appear to be pot metal or EconoLead from WWII, the badge itself looks like a better material and might be slightly earlier than WWII. Because there are many WWII examples of "roller catches" on Army badges, I'm guessing this Army style badge is probably 1930's Marine Corps with the Qual. bars being WWII EconoLead? Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siege1863 Posted June 4, 2007 Author Share #5 Posted June 4, 2007 Thanks for all the input, guys! You have put my mind at ease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camelgreen44 Posted August 23, 2007 Share #6 Posted August 23, 2007 Had these 2 badges for a while,and was curious as to their age. They both have a plated finish, but with the early loop catches. No maker. Any ideas. Thanks Denny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camelgreen44 Posted August 23, 2007 Share #7 Posted August 23, 2007 Reverse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted August 23, 2007 Share #8 Posted August 23, 2007 both appear to be WWII Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCR79 Posted August 23, 2007 Share #9 Posted August 23, 2007 I would say WWII or slightly earlier due to the emblem with L & L lines on the globe and the open catch (s) Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbuehler Posted August 23, 2007 Share #10 Posted August 23, 2007 Agreed. WW2 or just prior. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camelgreen44 Posted August 23, 2007 Share #11 Posted August 23, 2007 Thanks for the input fellas,Great help. Denny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluejacket Posted August 24, 2007 Share #12 Posted August 24, 2007 camelgreen44 The ladder-style badge is the M-1937, and was authorized until 1968, so it could fall almost anywhere in those dates, or even later. The clutch back pins appear in the 1950's, but the pin-back style continued to be made. An interesting point about your badge is the SMALL BORE bar. This was authorized for Marine Reserve units who used a .22 caliber weapon for qualification, and came in three varieties. The plain SMALL BORE was for Marksman rating, while a prefix of EX and SS were used for Expert and Sharpshooter. Chances are the owner of this badge was a USMCR. Bluejacket Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
36-tex Posted November 18, 2007 Share #13 Posted November 18, 2007 Can anyone tell me the rough age of this? The open clasp on the back has me questioning its age. Any additional information would be great as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
36-tex Posted November 18, 2007 Share #14 Posted November 18, 2007 back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtA Posted November 18, 2007 Share #15 Posted November 18, 2007 That distinctive catch is a characteristic of the earlier manufacture of this badge (1930's). Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCR79 Posted November 18, 2007 Share #16 Posted November 18, 2007 This badge is an exact match to the one my father received in 1951 Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobgee Posted November 18, 2007 Share #17 Posted November 18, 2007 Can someone define "C.W.S. Weapons" Has always puzzled me. Thanks....Bobgee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan H. Posted November 18, 2007 Share #18 Posted November 18, 2007 Can someone define "C.W.S. Weapons" Has always puzzled me.Thanks....Bobgee Bob, It is my understanding that the bar is for "Chemical Warfare Service- Weapons" and was issued for things like smoke generators. I also agree with Kurt A that the badge is a pre-WWII example. That doesn't mean that there weren't examples still being issued after WWII. Allan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLM Posted November 23, 2007 Share #19 Posted November 23, 2007 Bob,It is my understanding that the bar is for "Chemical Warfare Service- Weapons" and was issued for things like smoke generators. I also agree with Kurt A that the badge is a pre-WWII example. That doesn't mean that there weren't examples still being issued after WWII. Allan I acquired a Qual Badge from a WWII 2nd Bn Paramarine, later 5th Mar Div with the CWS-Weapons bar. After chatting him up, he told me his was awarded for the Flamethrower, so that's another weapon you can add for this bar. I have to disagree with Kurt and Allan on 1930's though. This badge has that classic WWII made look with undefined EGA and no hallmarks. The earlier badges were very well made, with high detail EGA pendants and are almost always marked Sterling to the hangers, bars and pendants. Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted January 6, 2008 Share #20 Posted January 6, 2008 Picked this up at the show today for ten bucks. It's missing the pin, but it was too good to pass up. All pot metal with three bars, 'Sub Machine', 'Bayonet', and 'Hand Grenade'. I'm assuming he was a Grunt based off these quals? No mark on back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve B. Posted January 6, 2008 Share #21 Posted January 6, 2008 Brig- I think those are Army Q-bars on your USMC "basic" badge. The USMC bars should have the level of qualification such as "EX. RIFLE" "SS-GRENADE" etc. Probably period done with the materials available and still a nice badge. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted January 6, 2008 Share #22 Posted January 6, 2008 I have another one, sterling, with a potmetal bayonet bar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MWalsh Posted January 6, 2008 Share #23 Posted January 6, 2008 Nice variation badge you picked up there Brig! I see the pot metal Army badges on and off again, but have never seen a USMC one like that. Pretty cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brig Posted January 19, 2008 Share #24 Posted January 19, 2008 interesting thing I just noticed, the 'R' is missing in the 'Corps', probably from a bad fill of the mold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robert60446 Posted May 16, 2008 Share #25 Posted May 16, 2008 HI guys,I was able to add this nice looking badge to my rapidly growing USMC qualification badges collection…very interesting variant… ObverseReverseHingeCatch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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