This appears to be the 'common' WW2 collar device that has been painted gold. Is that a correct assessment? Was the gold paint applied 'regulation' or something done after service? Thanks for all the good help. Regards.

I'd say the man was short a pair of dress emblems and improvised

Agreed,

I have seen a set or two of the lead egas painted gold as well

RD

This emblem leads back to your ongoing droop wing thread - a sad example of someone's attempt to "match" or perhaps "mate" a pair of emblems or perhaps someone fooling around with a spray can (or as Tim refers to, someone improving). There are methods out there to mate appearance and patina and when done correctly can fool all but the trained, discriminating eye. And you need a pair with similar wear (front and back) to pull that off. But, hardly worth while (and expense) with an emblem so common. s/f Darrell