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169th Infantry Regiment Oddball Distintive Insignia


GeneralLucas
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GeneralLucas

I found this unusual 169th DI which lacks the motto and the colors are different. Also, I have never seen a pin back such is on the DI. My guess it was not made in the U.S. Has anyone in the Forum seen one like this? What country used this type of pin back? Thanks...Gen, Lucas

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I can't give you much information on this one other than to say I have one exactly like it in my collection. I have mine marked as made in Japan. I felt the design has that East Asia look. Also I am under the impression that the horizontal pin back was more to wear on the overseas cap. I don't remember where I seen that information but I know I read it somewhere. Whether that is the case with this DI I can't say.

 

Also, this variation is not listed in the ASMIC catalog. Although they do show one of the same type, without the motto. However the one listed in the catalog has a yellow lion.

 

I will be watching to see if anyone else has some input on this neat variation.

 

Brent

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  • 9 months later...

I wanted to bring this post back up as I turned up some new information on this variation of the 169th Infantry DI, pictured above with no motto.

As I was reviewing some older issues of the ASMIC publication the "Trading Post" I came across an interesting bit of information for this variation. On page 5 of the October-December 1975 issue Jean Edens, Jr. wrote the following, and I quote;

"I have seen a number of DI's that were made in wildly incorrect colors and sold in department stores as women's jewelry. I don't know anything at all about this piece but if it has a one piece pin back, that is the pin and safety catch are made as one piece on a bar and then soldered to the back, then it is probably a jewelry piece and never intended as a DI", unquote.

Since the colors are not proper and it was suspected of being a piece of jewelry this would seem to explain why it is not listed in the ASMIC infantry catalog.

I hope you find this bit of information as interesting and useful as I have. I will definitely be placing a note with my DI in my collection. I will also be keeping an eye out for other pieces in incorrect colors and this style of pin back. It will be interesting to see what turns up.

Brent

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I wanted to bring this post back up as I turned up some new information on this variation of the 169th Infantry DI, pictured above with no motto.

 

As I was reviewing some older issues of the ASMIC publication the "Trading Post" I came across an interesting bit of information for this variation. On page 5 of the October-December 1975 issue Jean Edens, Jr. wrote the following, and I quote;

 

"I have seen a number of DI's that were made in wildly incorrect colors and sold in department stores as women's jewelry. I don't know anything at all about this piece but if it has a one piece pin back, that is the pin and safety catch are made as one piece on a bar and then soldered to the back, then it is probably a jewelry piece and never intended as a DI", unquote.

 

Since the colors are not proper and it was suspected of being a piece of jewelry this would seem to explain why it is not listed in the ASMIC infantry catalog.

 

I hope you find this bit of information as interesting and useful as I have. I will definitely be placing a note with my DI in my collection. I will also be keeping an eye out for other pieces in incorrect colors and this style of pin back. It will be interesting to see what turns up.

 

Brent

 

That is very nice to know. Thanks for researching and bringing it to the attention of others.

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That is very nice to know. Thanks for researching and bringing it to the attention of others.

Dave, you're welcome and thanks.

 

Thanks should also go to guys like Jean Edens and Jay Massaro. Without their knowledge and the sharing of that knowledge, through their writing, we would have far less information in this hobby or addiction, depending on how you look at it.

 

Even though both have passed, their knowledge continues to educate a newer generation of DI collectors such as myself and I am inspired by their example in my passion for collecting DI's.

 

Also, a shout out to Bob Capistrano and Bob Leard who continue to carry the torch and pass on their knowledge, thank you.

 

Brent

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