Sgt. BARney Posted February 22, 2017 Share #1 Posted February 22, 2017 I'm looking for help in finding a good picture of a WW2 issued, USMC "Clasp, Collar". The official Marine nomenclature was "Clasp, Collar", but the Marines called them "battle pins". They are mentioned in Uris' novel "Battle Cry", and the website WW2Gyrene discusses them also (BTW that website seems to be out of service now?). The collar clasp was used to make the tie (field scarf) stand up, and apparently was fashionable at the time. In the photo, you can see the collar clasp just under the knot in the tie. You don't see them in photos after WW2. Maybe "battle pins" were dropped about the time tie clips started being issued. Does anyone have a close-up photo of a USMC collar clasp? I am hoping find one someday to add to a uniform. The portrait is PFC Alfred Eskildsen, Co. B, 1st Bn., 24th Marines, 4th Mar. Div. Thanks in advance for any help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad k Posted February 25, 2017 Share #2 Posted February 25, 2017 I don't know if this is an issued one or marine corps, but it's definately period. were they realy issued or a px item? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. BARney Posted February 26, 2017 Author Share #3 Posted February 26, 2017 Brad - thanks for providing the photo! I believe they were issued, as I have seen "Clasp, Collar" on uniform issue lists to individual Marines. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usmc-collector Posted February 26, 2017 Share #4 Posted February 26, 2017 I have this "clasp, collar" in my collection, see photos bellow. I believe, it is the same design as on your photo. I got it with WW2 USMC uniform grouping few years ago. I hope it helps. JAROSLAV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. BARney Posted February 26, 2017 Author Share #5 Posted February 26, 2017 Jaroslav - thank you for the photo and info that this came with a USMC grouping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usmcaviator Posted February 27, 2017 Share #6 Posted February 27, 2017 Both of the ones pictured I have encountered in WW2 USMC lots. I think as long as it was gold or gold colored, and was not gaudy, it was authorized. I have spoken to WW2 Marines who have called them "Battle Bars". Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. BARney Posted February 27, 2017 Author Share #7 Posted February 27, 2017 Thanks Mike! All of this helps a lot! And I think you are right - just about any kind would do as long as it did not stand out too bad. They definitely do create a distinctive look on a shirt and tie. Thanks again Gents! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt_X Posted January 17, 2021 Share #8 Posted January 17, 2021 Thanks for posting this. There was one in the box with my father's pins and tie clasps. Enlisted USMCR from '43 to '46. There a slight chance its from a very brief activation for duty five years later where he might have had to wear a uniform. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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