rustywings Posted August 2, 2014 Share #1 Posted August 2, 2014 I have a couple of questions regarding the cap piece found attached to this green USN Officer's visor. First off, I'm assuming this visor and cap piece are early post-WWII. There are no labels, tags or markings found inside the wicker-style visor with brown leather sweatband. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustywings Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted August 2, 2014 The cap piece is fairly thick, but made of a super light weight aluminum-type of material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustywings Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted August 2, 2014 The back of the piece is rather crude...with a hallmark which reads "C.H.S. INC. N.Y." or possibly "G.H.S. INC. N.Y." Can you identify the hallmark? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustywings Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted August 2, 2014 Closer view of the hallmark. Any ideas on when this piece was made? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustywings Posted August 2, 2014 Author Share #5 Posted August 2, 2014 What surprised me is the screw-back nut is Bakelite. I thought Bakelite disappeared shortly after the war? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmar Posted August 2, 2014 Share #6 Posted August 2, 2014 Hi Rusty! I hope you've been doing well. I have an identical cap badge (no hat). It is definitely G.H.S. I thought it might be a plastic or resin material it is so light-weight, but feeling it just now it is cool to the touch, so you are correct, I believe it is a metal alloy or aluminum. I always assumed it was late war era, mine has a black Bakelite nut, the white one on your example is superb. The front really has a nice appearance, good detail and nicely vaulted. My research on this has come up empty, I hope that someone will help us both clear up this mystery! Thank you for staring this thread, best wishes to you! Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmar Posted August 2, 2014 Share #7 Posted August 2, 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustywings Posted August 3, 2014 Author Share #8 Posted August 3, 2014 Hi Rusty! I hope you've been doing well. I have an identical cap badge (no hat). It is definitely G.H.S. I thought it might be a plastic or resin material it is so light-weight, but feeling it just now it is cool to the touch, so you are correct, I believe it is a metal alloy or aluminum. I always assumed it was late war era, mine has a black Bakelite nut, the white one on your example is superb. The front really has a nice appearance, good detail and nicely vaulted. My research on this has come up empty, I hope that someone will help us both clear up this mystery! Thank you for staring this thread, best wishes to you! Joe GHS_USN001LO.jpg Hello Joe, Thank you for the information and comparison images. I found several "G.H.S. INC." jewelry stores listed in New York, but they were established later in the 1980's...and had no apparent connection with producing military insignia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbuehler Posted September 30, 2014 Share #9 Posted September 30, 2014 That is indeed the very scarce ww2 made plastic cap badge, made by this company only. They were plated in gilt and silver. I have only been able to score one of these badges in the past 6 years, although I have seen two others in that time period. As you probably know, plastic was specified for a variety of insignia for all the Services during the war to save on metals needed for the war effort. They were apparently unpopular...except for collectors! ( BTW, most collectors are unaware of these badges. They are identical in frontal appearance to another badge made at the time and unless it is removed from the cap, one cannot tell it is the plastic one) CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graham Posted December 3, 2014 Share #10 Posted December 3, 2014 Just found this post. I have one of these plastic officers devices. The 'plating' is slightly peeling here and there and is like a meal foil applied over the plastic. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Minton Posted August 27, 2015 Share #11 Posted August 27, 2015 I think I just picked up one of these on eBay today as part of a mixed lot. It has been suggested they are scarce. Any idea of value? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim B Posted August 27, 2015 Share #12 Posted August 27, 2015 Russ, The only thing I found for GHS was a jewelry stamp in Stockholm, circa 1947. Right timeline, wrong place. Found nothing for CHS and then seen it was a letter "G". No help, sorry. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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