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A WW2(?) era USNR Merchant Marine hat badge


Patchcollector
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Patchcollector

Greetings,
A new find is this piece that the seller describes as a WW2 era USNR Merchant Marine hat badge.It's marked "Vanguard" and also marked "Sterling" in two places.

I've never seen one before,I'm mostly into patches,but this item caught my eye.Any comments to it's authenticity,when it was made,where and how it was worn would be much appreciated.Sellers' pics.

 

Thanks

post-13386-0-83320900-1386725052.jpg

post-13386-0-89497000-1386725058.jpg

post-13386-0-75051700-1386725065.jpg

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We used to call it the "sea chicken". Probably one of the most hideous devices ever made...just IMHO. A Navy officer wearing it meant that he had gone to a Merchant Marine academy and was a licensed mariner. Most of the guys who were MM graduates rarely, if ever, wore them. There were a handful who insisted though...and put up with the snide comments about it. :D

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Patchcollector

Interesting!Thanks for the info!I have always like the unusual stuff,so I think these are cool,and look great! :D I'm wondering..If not many wanted to wear them,would that make these scarce?

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I'm not sure if they could be called scarce by any means, some guys had them; but in the last 20 not a whole lot seem to wear them.

 

From time to time you can find them in bullion on old blues.

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