Chief Petty Officer Combination Cover Anchor Collectors

[Tim B]

So, I have two anchors, one clearly of the early 1900's pattern that continued the 1897 anchor design and one that is more transitional in design but appears to match closer to the example in the last photo. Both anchors are bronzed in finish appearance.

 

The first example actually uses letters made out of bronze that have a silver top layer and then a very thin darkened finish on top of that.

 

IMO, these are clearly subdued when compared to the other CPO cap badges in my collection that retain the original gilt finish. Thoughts?

 

First example:

 

 

 

Second example:

 

 

Here's a close up of the lettering on that first example and you can see the brass/bronze base of the lettering, the thin silver top coat on the "S" and the blackened finish where it hasn't been worn off yet.

 

I also did a comparison of two near identical anchors I have. The only difference, other than finish, is the fouling appears bent between the "N" and anchor fluke on the reverse of the standard example and the "N" is more slanted on the bronzed version. I would guess, same manufacturer

 

I'll wait for others to comment but would really like to see some regs discussing subdued devices prior to 1940.

 

Tim

[Tim B]

Pretty slow lately so thought I would try to keep the thread alive with some newer additions and some less often seen variations.

 

First, a maker not so often encountered; J. O'Brian

 

Interesting in that this manufacturer also used a pointed center fluke similar to that seen on the Amico badges. Nice, robust anchor!

 

Close up of the hallmark. I showed this previously in the section on hallmarks but I don't think many visit there.

[Tim B]

Hilborn-Hamburger used a variety of styles, hallmarks, and materials in their anchors. Based on what I've seen thus far, I believe this is one of the earlier patterns H-H used, with the separately applied fouling. It has the large H-H eagle under the catch and rolled gold on the shank. I've seen a similar pattern with the large eagle on the shank but the fouling is an actual part of the anchor body.

 

A little worn but it has a very aged and charming patina to it.

 

 

 

hallmarks

[Tim B]

Here's one you don't see; Went to the ASMIC convention looking for a K.C. Luke or J.R. Gaunt example and stumbled across this Wallace-Bishop cap anchor instead.

 

Really like the look and feel, with that worn "been there" look and a great patina. Was told it came out of an estate for a sub chief but I can't verify that, unfortunately.

 

Typical hardware for this manufacturer

[Tim B]

I see Google stealing images again....

[Tim B]

Here's a couple of Meyer screw post examples.

 

Though the screw post hardware is considered early, I think these date from later WW2 to post war timeframe. The example on the left is the typical "slanted N" commonly seen during WW2 and the example on the right has the letter "N" bent up so that the USN is horizontal in appearance. As these are quite robust and I find it difficult to bend the letters, I can only assume the change occurred at the manufacturer. Probably when the regs changed for the lettering to be horizontal in appearance circa 1951.

 

I've seen quite a few of these with the lettering horizontal, so it's not a case of one just being bent up. It may help dating these a little closer.

 

Pretty neat variation though, regardless of when it was actually produced.

[Tim B]

Some variation and progression of the Vanguard produced badges.

 

Upper left is hollow back and marked Vanguard N.Y. and sterling

Upper Right is also hollow back and just marked Vanguard N.Y. (no sterling)

Lower screw post example is solid in construction and simply marked Vanguard N.Y. at the bottom center of the flukes.

[carnut63]

Here is my collection. I have bought and sold some other early ones over the years but have decided to actually keep a collection now. The one on the left is a 1903.com repo which is actually a nice anchor. I have it in there for reference.

 

[carnut63]

Here is the one I received today. Looks like it had loops at one time but was modified on the bottom.

 

 

[Flightpath]

Hi,

 

I wanted just one WW2 era CPO cap badge for the US Navy part of my collection, I found this nice Amcraft Acid Test example....

 

In some circles it's thought that the Amcraft 'starburst' or 'Snowflake' pattern indicates pre-early WW2, do you think this is so with these badges?

cheers, John

[67Rally]

I have a few more recent cap devices in my collection but just landed these four "new" pieces. Three of them have the same, pre-1941 pin/catch and the 4th has the 1941+ pin/clasp. I was shocked to get these in and among a collection of rating badges.

 

These first two have the rope style fouled chain and do not have maker's marks.

 

 

 

The second has the twisted rope and is missing the pin.

 

 

 

Third in my new line up is this Luke Melbourne marked device.

 

 

 

Last in line is this H-H stamped anchor with the post-1941 clasp.

 

 

[67Rally]

Here's how I'm currently displaying my collection, not very fancy but at least they're out and I can look at them when I want to.

Great use of old khakis. I love this display!

[67Rally]

Al,

 

IMO, the pattern of anchor with the separately applied fouled chain was used early on by several manufacturers. Perhaps this was the initial design when WW2 started and many used it prior to making their own particular designs? Was it something one manufacturer produced and then marketed it to others...unknown to me.

 

I would tend to agree, based on the hardware shown, it is probably an item produced or assembled by J.R. Gaunt of London, England. If you compare the mounting hardware with the examples of different insignia in the J.R. Gaunt section on "hallmarks", I think you'll agree.

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/23952-jr-gaunt/

 

I would also suggest looking into the Australian manufacturer's Wallace Bishop, of Brisbane, Australia and K.G. Luke as they used similar hardware. Any source details you can share?

 

Hope that helps some.

Tim

Mine is nearly identical to yours and it has "G. LUKE MELBOURNE" and I believe the "K" didn't get fully impressed, the "G" is more notable yet it is lightly impressed...just heavier than the K. My pin is just a few posts above this post.

[ChiefLopez]

I have been looking for a few months now with no luck. Where is everyone finding the old combination cover devices? Any advice on where to start. Im trying to start a collection.

[67Rally]

I have been looking for a few months now with no luck. Where is everyone finding the old combination cover devices? Any advice on where to start. Im trying to start a collection.

It is all about timing. I have a tiny collection (which includes the four pieces that i acquired last year and posted to this thread, just a few posts previous to this) and it isn't growing much due to the same reasons that you are experiencing. These just aren't leaving collections or making it to market. My last four came from another collector who passed away and I was happy to become their caretaker.

[ChiefLopez]

It is all about timing. I have a tiny collection (which includes the four pieces that i acquired last year and posted to this thread, just a few posts previous to this) and it isn't growing much due to the same reasons that you are experiencing. These just aren't leaving collections or making it to market. My last four came from another collector who passed away and I was happy to become their caretaker.

[ChiefLopez]

Im looking for one with a rope. Guess Im going to ha e to keep trying. I have a lot of notification turned on for different site. Wish me luck.

[Salvage Sailor]

CPO Carpenters Mate greys

 

Pin back, solid back, no hallmarks, chain type WWII

[dpcsdan]

Likely WWII, uses ball fastener.

[Mapgar]

Hi everyone,

 

I know this thread started 8 years ago but I found this anchor and wanted to post it here. Its a slanted N variety and the maker mark is "Bond." I was wondering if anyone has seen another example like it. Thanks!

[dpcsdan]

Anyone have any info on when/why the following link went bad?  http://www.quarterdeck.org/uniforms/CPO_HatDevices/HatDevices.htm

[67Rally]

1 hour ago, dpcsdan said:

Anyone have any info on when/why the following link went bad?  http://www.quarterdeck.org/uniforms/CPO_HatDevices/HatDevices.htm

It appears that either the site owner stopped paying for or closed the hosting account - or stopped paying for the quarterdeck.org domain or all the above.

[carrabassett]

Just picked this up and wanted to put it up for discussion. The only mark I can see is a faint raised STERLING along the stem of the anchor but curios as to why the hole thing is so black or tarnished. Virtually no gilt at all. Just age? Thanks!

[Flightpath]

I´ve been wanting a pre-WW2 CPO cover anchor for a few years, after seeing this (no hallmark) one I looked through this thread and bought it, hope it´s a goodún! So what´s your opinion guys, 20s/30s? The "USN" seem thinner than many others, is that a problem?

 

 

[Bruce Linz]

Flightpath,

 

That is an outstanding example of a pre-WWII or very early WWII CPO Cap Badge.  The rope versus the anchor chain and the "C" clasp on reverse are exactly the way it should be.