reuscher Posted March 22, 2014 Share #1 Posted March 22, 2014 Hello, I got this 2-piece officer's subdued cap badge in a small grouping of navy items. I never saw one before and was hoping to learn more about it. It is marked "Sterling Balfour 1-B" on the back". I found out on the forum that makes it around 1960-65 production, but that's all i've been able to find. Since the Navy was not making the gray cap anymore, I'm wondering what kind of cap this badge was worn on? Who wore it and when? When did they start making this? My guess is for Navy ground forces or river patrol in southeast Asia - but I don't know? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Chris R. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busternfo Posted March 22, 2014 Share #2 Posted March 22, 2014 Nice interesting badge. I understand the full size subdued badge was worn on the combination cap, usually gray, and the pith helmet. I don't know of other uses. I understand they were made of black plastic for the gray uniform as well as bronze and black. Is this badge black or dark bronze color? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurt Barickman Posted March 22, 2014 Share #3 Posted March 22, 2014 I know that this type of insignia during WWII was worn on USMC officer greens and tans for those attached to USMC units such medical doctors, chaplains, etc. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim B Posted March 22, 2014 Share #4 Posted March 22, 2014 Chris, Normally, the blackened or "subdued" devices are used on uniforms worn on shore when forces are concerned about an enemy seeing that insignia from a distant or being able to determine what rank someone was. They continue to be used on camoflage and some utility uniforms today. I'm guessing the officer cap emblem you show possibly could be for a pith helmet or other type of hard hat? Seebee's, others working with Marine Corps or ground forces ashore. Tim I meant to add, another good point on whether the item was black or "bronzed", as I believe the WW2 Navy insignia for forces assigned to Marine untis was actually "bronzed" and not this black painted insignia that this one appears to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim B Posted March 22, 2014 Share #5 Posted March 22, 2014 I can't quite make out the hallmark on the reverse left wing; anyone else? I see "sterling" and what appears to be "LB" but the top line is unreadable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busternfo Posted March 22, 2014 Share #6 Posted March 22, 2014 Here is a badge of rose gold color. No marks of any kind on the back. It looks great with the aviation green cover. Anyone know if these subdued badges were widely used with the aviation greens? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busternfo Posted March 22, 2014 Share #7 Posted March 22, 2014 Another bronze badge pre-WWII. Marked "Imperial" on the back with the spread eagle hallmark. Anyone know what USN personnel may have worn these? Possibly in WWI? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reuscher Posted March 22, 2014 Author Share #8 Posted March 22, 2014 Thanks to everyone who posted. The badge is definitely finished in black and not bronze. The markings on the back say: Sterling Balfour 1-B, and that's where I'm getting the 1960-65 production date from and guess that it was probably made for some type of southeast asia service. Any other thoughts welcome. busternfo, Very neat pre WWII eagle. Thanks for showing that. Thanks again, Chris R, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim B Posted March 22, 2014 Share #9 Posted March 22, 2014 Sharp looking insignia!! The Balfour 1-B mark is from the 1960's, so I would expect Vietnam era to slightly thereafter. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbuehler Posted September 30, 2014 Share #10 Posted September 30, 2014 In ww2, blackened cap badges were specified for use with the slate gray uniform to match the buttons etc., but were very unpopular and usually replaced by the standard gilt and silver. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtA Posted February 5, 2017 Share #11 Posted February 5, 2017 Found this at the flea market this morning. It's the small overseas cap size. Made of sterling with a bronzed (not black) finish. Very high quality. I believe worn on a USMC style overseas cap by Navy doctors assigned to the Marines (WW2 era). Perhaps on the USN grey overseas cap too? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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