WWII Era (?) USMC Staff Sergeant's Metal Rank Device- Chinese Made?

[Allan H.]

I was going through some old boxes of insignia and other misc. and came across an interesting gilt metal rank insignia that I thought the group might like to see. I have no background on the piece at all, but based on the coiled wire hinge, I would guess that it was most likely Chinese-made as I have seen this method for making a hinge on some Chinese made wings from the WWII period. The pin reminds me of a British style pin as the end of the pin is bent at an angle that puts pressure on the pin to lock against the "C" catch.

 

The device is an inch and a half tall and about an inch wide. The chevron is vaulted as the center of the chevron sits about 3/8" higher than the edges. Although the chevron appears to be made of brass, it appears to have also been finished with a gilt wash.

 

I would assume that this was made for wear on a cap as it appears to be far too large to have been worn on a collar.

 

I look forward to your comments.

 

Allan

[Allan H.]

Here's a photo of the device next to a tape measure to give you a better idea of scale.

 

Allan

[Wake1941]

Maybe Brit or Aussie made? I would definitely agree, I've seen similiar ones worn on overseas caps

[Allan H.]

The hinge being made of spiraled wire makes me think Chinese. You will this type of hinge on a lot of CBI insignia. Australia would be cool!

 

Allan