Chief Petty Officer Combination Cover Anchor Collectors

[holdaas]

Newest addition, no markings.

[Tim B]

Ben,

 

Nice early version with good honest wear, congrats!

 

 

Here's one of my more recent pick ups; an early WW2 Pancraft similar to the one Graham shown on page 2 (posts 37-38) of this thread. Note the earlier style open catch on this one. The other traits look near identical to Graham's piece from what I can see. These Pancraft are really nice, with a robust weight and feel to them and that separately applied chain really stands out!

 

I think this goes to show we cannot always date examples based solely on hardware, as this one is clearly post-'42 with the chain and yet has an early open catch. Probably a case where the manufacturer used existing stock on hand.

 

A little different angle showing the open catch and chain.

 

And a close up of the hallmark:

[holdaas]

I haven't really been on the hunt for anchors in the past year, it seems like the prices have gone up considerably. However, I've found two extremely cheap ones this week...been pretty lucky lately with uniforms, rating badges and these anchors.

 

Here's one I found today.

[Tim B]

Is that the one that had the decent BIN price? If so, it was decently priced.

 

Tim

[holdaas]

It was, the first one was on another site for $10...I couldn't click "buy" fast enough...

[Tim B]

It was, the first one was on another site for $10...I couldn't click "buy" fast enough...

Yep, you're an addict!!

[Tim B]

I previously asked about these anchors with that odd recessed area on the reverse anchor fluke back around post #'s 143-146 and I think I finally figured out what is going on here.

 

I have always felt that manufacturers tried to experiment on dies to see where they could save on raw material, thus saving overall costs and being able to produce more items with less material. You wouldn't think just a slight removal of metal from the reverse would make much difference, and on a single item that would be correct but, when you take into account the number of like items they made and the various pieces of insignia a manufacturer might produce, it adds up pretty quick. You see this in other areas as well and wings are a good case in point.

 

I'll try to show some comparisons and would like to hear what others think about it.

 

Tim

[Tim B]

I'll use a specific anchor here as we can see a progression as time went on, but I see several manufacturer's that tried this or other means to reduce the amount of material being used.

 

Here's one of these horizontal arc (circa 1946-47) anchors that still used the pin back design hardware. Note the round periods between letters and the lines of the anchor rope from the reverse, they are all identical. I believe this pattern, that used line or rope when specs called for chain by this time, is specific to one maker.

 

[Tim B]

Ben linked an item in post #183 and I'll show it here again. We see the same identical pattern but now with the screw post attachment (circa '47) when the regs changed. Note the small recessed area circled in red.

[Tim B]

Here's another example, a bit later in timeline in my view. Note a couple of things on this one.

 

First, if you look carefully at the line as it crosses the left anchor fluke, two strands are showing wear. I can't really tell if that already started in the above example but it may be slightly worn as well when compared to the first pinback example. Here, we can see where the die is starting to show wear at this point and with the finish still intact, we know its die related.

 

On the reverse, we see a much deeper recessed area showing more material being removed. How much exactly I can't say as I have not weighed all three examples, but this one weighs 8.5 grams (without roller).

 

 

[Tim B]

Here's another example by a different manufacturer. This one has the chain but again, you can see the recessed area.

 

At 8.3 grams.

[Tim B]

Here's an example that even thinned out the anchor in addition to removing material on the fluke.

 

You can't see the recess as well on this one as it's feathered out and the catch is soldered directly over it, but look closely and you can see it.

 

Very thin and weighing at 7.7 grams.

 

[hink441]

Here is a CPO hat badge of a different kind. USMS ( Merchant Marine) CPO hat badge. These were used from 1942-47.

 

 

Here is the reverse. Made by American Emblem Co.

 

Chris

 

[firefighter]

HINK nice looking badge.I use to have one of those.Awhile back found the one used prior to the one you have, shield & stars in the middle.

 

http://www.usmm.org/usmsinsignia.html

[hink441]

FF,

The original badge used prior to 1942 is a much nicer looking badge in my opinion!!

 

I wll have to track one down.

 

Chris

[firefighter]

FF,

The original badge used prior to 1942 is a much nicer looking badge in my opinion!!

 

I wll have to track one down.

 

Chris

 

 

Chris, I agree.I like the shield and stars around the middle.It took me a bit to figure out what I had.I don't really collect USMM items but it's pretty cool.

[hink441]

Here are my USN CPO badges that I have acquired. Thanks for looking.

 

Chris

 

 

The back of the SweetHeart CPO pin is named and dated. Sorry for the terrible pics. It is dated Jan 1918.

 

[usailorwillis]

Any suggestions on how to find one the original 1893 button type devices? Saw one on ebay that sold for about 700$ right after the season. Also, suggestions on places to look besides ebay? I've went through some antique places in Virginia Beach, but if anyone has good spots to recommend that would be great. Thanks!

[pastorerik]

Great thread! So many variations. Let me have your opinions on this one. From looking at all of the posts and photos. To me it most closely resembles the 3rd one (LtoR) on post #105, The 2nd one (1st anchor) in post #121, and the far right on post #126...the difference being mine has a pin. Also notice the pin "hinge" is different from any that I saw on this thread. One thing I did notice on the ones mentioned above and mine is the smooth right fluke. Would love to know what I have here. Thanks in advance.

[Robert Richmond]

Can anyone find a US Coast& Geodetic Survey CPO cap device or collar device for my bucket list

[TreasureHunter]

To clean or not to clean? I am just curious if you clean or leave you anchors with some patina? I have about 15 anchors and thinking I want to polish them with simichrome cleaner. Thoughts?

[Tim B]

To clean or not to clean? I am just curious if you clean or leave you anchors with some patina? I have about 15 anchors and thinking I want to polish them with simichrome cleaner. Thoughts?

 

Personally, unless corrosion or verdigris is eating into the base metal or makes the item so unsightly, I would recommend you leave it alone. The patina/toning that takes years to develop often adds charm to the device, removing it in most cases makes the item new and shiny but you lose that "old" look and in many cases, ruin the value of the piece.

 

Tim

 

[TreasureHunter]

I agree Tim, I like all my items to have some patina, I do have a few pieces that need a little more cleaning then usual dusting. Never really could understand why knife collectors love the perfect mint condition knife that came from a shelf over a slightly used/carried version that has real history. I only have 2 that really need some attention to even read the marking on the back.

 

Thanks

Bill

[TreasureHunter]

My first post I had nine, now 15, where did they come from!

 

 

 

.

[Tim B]

I know what you mean Bill!