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The John Stacey books that vintageproductions mentioned are the references you want. They list all the rates with pictures, effective dates for each rate, and a description of the rates.

Thank you for sharing this. Apparently, this is not a well known piece of history but certainly should be.

Thanks Mort for the increased knowledge regarding reproductions. Sharing of information is one of the many benefits to be enjoyed on the USMF.

I totally agree with the earlier comment regarding seeing more bullion examples of the CPO Airship Rigger rate than non-bullion. I have three bullion examples but have never had the opportunity to try to purchase a non-bullion one. They just almost do not exist. Undoubtedly, one of the rarest CPO Navy rates. I loved seeing the one in this collection.

Nice collection kyhistorian01. I also have collected some of these Diver distinguishing marks. They can be found black/blue on khaki and even some in bullion. In addition, some salvage diver marks have a red S rather than white or blue.

I love the info shared on this thread. Thanks everyone. I was fortunate enough to find a Type 1 this year for my collection. Even though Type 1 is the most common, they are still difficult to find.

So sorry to hear this. I was introduced to Bill shortly after I started collecting many years ago and he was always very friendly and available to help with my questions. He will be missed. RIP.

That's a lot of right shoulder aviation rates navyman. As a rate collector, you've got to love those. The aviation quartermaster and rigger rates are just amazing and not that easy to find. Thanks for sharing.

GEMSCO was also known as the General Embroidery and Military Supply Company at one time.

Does anyone have any knowledge or reference regarding whether or not the General Merchandising Company(gemsco) purchased the American Insignia Company(amico)? I seem to recall seeing a mention of this taking place right after WW2 ended, but am unable to find any sort of support or verification. Thank you for any info.

Very nice Radioman. I love the grey rates and they are not easy to find in bullion.

John W. Connor, a member of the GHQ 1st Raider Company(8245th Army Unit) wrote a book "Let Slip the Dogs of War" about the 8245th. He shows the 8245th Raider tab on both the front and back covers of the book. It is not like the one mortaydc60 shows above. Rather, it is like the Raider tabs that have been for sale on ebay recently with the lettering spread clear across the tab.

Thanks everyone for the photos. Been there many times and always a great experience.

Thank you so much for the photos. Not quite like being there, but very much enjoyable.

Very nice collection and very unusual. Really like seeing US Navy related insignia. Thanks for sharing Salvage Sailor.