lakenormanusa Posted March 24, 2017 Share #1 Posted March 24, 2017 Just wanted to see if anyone knows what this badge represents. I've heard different theories from Caterpillar club to sweetheart piece. I found a photo of a paratrooper wearing what appears to be a similar badge on his overseas hat. The back of the badge is marked Robbins Co, Attleboro Mass. Sterling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL THE PATCH Posted March 24, 2017 Share #2 Posted March 24, 2017 Nice, never seen something like that, and with a picture to prove it was worn is very cool. Hope someone can shed light on it Sent from my XT1031 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakenormanusa Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share #3 Posted March 24, 2017 BILL THE PATCH, on 24 Mar 2017 - 08:21 AM, said: Nice, never seen something like that, and with a picture to prove it was worn is very cool. Hope someone can shed light on it Sent from my XT1031 using Tapatalk To see it worn leads me to believe it was an authorized badge, but then again, if it were an authorized piece there should be definitive information as to it's significance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL THE PATCH Posted March 24, 2017 Share #4 Posted March 24, 2017 And alot more of them in pictures if it was authorized. Sent from my XT1031 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakenormanusa Posted March 24, 2017 Author Share #5 Posted March 24, 2017 And alot more of them in pictures if it was authorized. Sent from my XT1031 using Tapatalk Very true! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonomachi Posted March 24, 2017 Share #6 Posted March 24, 2017 Others have identified this pin as having some kind of association with the Switlik Parachute Company. It might have been a giveaway as I believe they were one of the parachute companies that gave out the insect looking caterpillar pin for anyone who was forced to bail out with one of their chutes. I do know that there are several variations of this pin. One is hallmarked CTC Sterling, another CORO Sterling both in silver and another with a gold wash and one that is made of brass without a hallmark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kadet Posted March 25, 2017 Share #7 Posted March 25, 2017 I have always felt that these were unofficial sweetheart or souvenir pins of some kind, probably available in the PX... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lakenormanusa Posted March 26, 2017 Author Share #8 Posted March 26, 2017 They could have been sweetheart pins, but they sure seem more stripped down and heavy duty compared to most of the dainty and decorative sweetheart pieces I've encountered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Ragan Posted March 26, 2017 Share #9 Posted March 26, 2017 To see it worn leads me to believe it was an authorized badge, but then again, if it were an authorized piece there should be definitive information as to it's significance. If it was an authorized piece, it would have appeared in the numerous books and articles published on WWII paratroop insignia. Just because someone had found a photograph of a GI wearing one on his uniform does not indicate it must have been authorized. GI's have been pinning and sewing unauthorized stuff on their uniforms for decades, especially the WWII era. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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