Recognizing Wartime Rates and Shoulder Insignia

[Lancer-86]

Hello gentlemen,

 

I have started growing an interest in US navy jumpers of world war 2. My goal is to acquire a dress blue jumper of most if not all of the wartime rates. A couple of questions though. Where can I find a copy of "United States Navy Rating Badges And Markd 1833 To 2008", by John A. Stacey? I can only find one on amazon for almost a hundred bucks. Also, which rates are the most rare? I appreciate any help provided guys.

[warroom1]

ASMICs sells his books

[David Minton]

Hello gentlemen,

 

I have started growing an interest in US navy jumpers of world war 2. My goal is to acquire a dress blue jumper of most if not all of the wartime rates. A couple of questions though. Where can I find a copy of "United States Navy Rating Badges And Markd 1833 To 2008", by John A. Stacey? I can only find one on amazon for almost a hundred bucks. Also, which rates are the most rare? I appreciate any help provided guys.

Get the book, I believe it is around $25.

 

It took me around six years to complete a collection of WWII era blue 1c rating patches. I bought the last one (Specialist Y) on eBay last week. Some of these badges are scarce, at least on eBay at prices I was willing to pay. Even then, I paid around $30 for the last few just to complete the collection.

 

From my experience, some of the specialists are the hardest to find, but not necessarily the most expensive. The NAP rates seem to be the most desirable, especially the gold specialty mark, and seem to be among the most expensive to pick up, unless you get lucky. There isn't a strong collector base, so you can get lucky from time to time. Many dealers don't really know what they have, and the stuff is coming out of attics all of the time.

 

I wish you good fortune in your collection. While I should know, if I recall there are maybe 60-70 WWII era specialty marks, plus some variants, and unofficial ones. There are also some USCG specific Specialist specialty marks. It will likely take years and/or a significant investment to collect them all on original uniforms. It will be an impressive collection once you complete it.

[Justin B.]

Hello gentlemen,

 

I have started growing an interest in US navy jumpers of world war 2. My goal is to acquire a dress blue jumper of most if not all of the wartime rates. A couple of questions though. Where can I find a copy of "United States Navy Rating Badges And Markd 1833 To 2008", by John A. Stacey? I can only find one on amazon for almost a hundred bucks. Also, which rates are the most rare? I appreciate any help provided guys.

 

The ASMIC order form is here:

http://asmic.org/pubs.aspx