Distinctive Insignia - Hallmark or Soldier’s Initials?

[Indexred]

I recently acquired this screwback DI for the 9th Infantry Regiment, and I noticed that it has “CDD” marked on the reverse side. That seems to be a soldier’s initials rather than a manufacturer’s hallmark, but I’m not certain. Does anybody think it’s a hallmark? I can't find any reference to such a hallmark on this site or the ASMIC site.

[aznation]

I'm no expert, but personally I don't think the CDD is a hallmark of any kind. It looks to me like someone's initials. Also, the horizontal line seems to be scratched into the metal prior to the CDD being applied, probably in an effort to more or less keep the letters centered or aligned. Just my thoughts.

[Indexred]

Under magnification the line appears to be a stress fracture.

[patches]

Under magnification the line appears to be a stress fracture.

Formed when these letters were stamped or engraved in one should think.

[aznation]

Under magnification the line appears to be a stress fracture.

Formed when these letters were stamped or engraved in one should think.

 

You're probably right patches. If that's the case, then no doubt it is not a hallmark of any kind and the lettering and initials were done post-manufacture.