Dating Combat Infantryman Badges

[rd12]

Hello,

I thought this might be worth sharing. Starting with Mike Tucker's book on CIBs, and then expanding from various sources on the internet, here are some general rules I follow when trying to date US-made CIBs in my collection. Of course, there are always exceptions. Especially when manufacturers are dealing with old stock for example. But I think this is a pretty decent start.

 

1943 Production begins

c. 1953 Single Letter / Single Digit codes introduced. Example 9M, 1V.....

1960 Responsibility for US Military insignia transferred to Institute of Heraldry

1960-'63 Single Letter / Double Digit introduced. Example V21, G23.....

Government Issue (GI) added

Switch from 1/4" to 5/6" clutch back pins

c.1967 Sterling use discontinued in favor of 1/20 Silver Filled

1975 1/20 Silver Filled metal use discontinued. White metal or copper alloys used.

 

Any feedback or additional information is welcome. There is quite a bit of information out there, some of it conflicting.