rustywings Posted August 2, 2014 #1 Posted August 2, 2014 I have a couple of questions regarding the cap piece found attached to this green USN Officer's visor. First off, I'm assuming this visor and cap piece are early post-WWII. There are no labels, tags or markings found inside the wicker-style visor with brown leather sweatband.
rustywings Posted August 2, 2014 Author #2 Posted August 2, 2014 The cap piece is fairly thick, but made of a super light weight aluminum-type of material.
rustywings Posted August 2, 2014 Author #3 Posted August 2, 2014 The back of the piece is rather crude...with a hallmark which reads "C.H.S. INC. N.Y." or possibly "G.H.S. INC. N.Y." Can you identify the hallmark?
rustywings Posted August 2, 2014 Author #4 Posted August 2, 2014 Closer view of the hallmark. Any ideas on when this piece was made?
rustywings Posted August 2, 2014 Author #5 Posted August 2, 2014 What surprised me is the screw-back nut is Bakelite. I thought Bakelite disappeared shortly after the war?
jmar Posted August 2, 2014 #6 Posted August 2, 2014 Hi Rusty! I hope you've been doing well. I have an identical cap badge (no hat). It is definitely G.H.S. I thought it might be a plastic or resin material it is so light-weight, but feeling it just now it is cool to the touch, so you are correct, I believe it is a metal alloy or aluminum. I always assumed it was late war era, mine has a black Bakelite nut, the white one on your example is superb. The front really has a nice appearance, good detail and nicely vaulted. My research on this has come up empty, I hope that someone will help us both clear up this mystery! Thank you for staring this thread, best wishes to you! Joe
rustywings Posted August 3, 2014 Author #8 Posted August 3, 2014 Hi Rusty! I hope you've been doing well. I have an identical cap badge (no hat). It is definitely G.H.S. I thought it might be a plastic or resin material it is so light-weight, but feeling it just now it is cool to the touch, so you are correct, I believe it is a metal alloy or aluminum. I always assumed it was late war era, mine has a black Bakelite nut, the white one on your example is superb. The front really has a nice appearance, good detail and nicely vaulted. My research on this has come up empty, I hope that someone will help us both clear up this mystery! Thank you for staring this thread, best wishes to you! Joe GHS_USN001LO.jpg Hello Joe, Thank you for the information and comparison images. I found several "G.H.S. INC." jewelry stores listed in New York, but they were established later in the 1980's...and had no apparent connection with producing military insignia.
cbuehler Posted September 30, 2014 #9 Posted September 30, 2014 That is indeed the very scarce ww2 made plastic cap badge, made by this company only. They were plated in gilt and silver. I have only been able to score one of these badges in the past 6 years, although I have seen two others in that time period. As you probably know, plastic was specified for a variety of insignia for all the Services during the war to save on metals needed for the war effort. They were apparently unpopular...except for collectors! ( BTW, most collectors are unaware of these badges. They are identical in frontal appearance to another badge made at the time and unless it is removed from the cap, one cannot tell it is the plastic one) CB
graham Posted December 3, 2014 #10 Posted December 3, 2014 Just found this post. I have one of these plastic officers devices. The 'plating' is slightly peeling here and there and is like a meal foil applied over the plastic. Graham
David Minton Posted August 27, 2015 #11 Posted August 27, 2015 I think I just picked up one of these on eBay today as part of a mixed lot. It has been suggested they are scarce. Any idea of value?
Tim B Posted August 27, 2015 #12 Posted August 27, 2015 Russ, The only thing I found for GHS was a jewelry stamp in Stockholm, circa 1947. Right timeline, wrong place. Found nothing for CHS and then seen it was a letter "G". No help, sorry. Tim
VMI88 Posted November 23, 2024 #14 Posted November 23, 2024 Really interesting piece. I've run across an Army officer's plastic badge before but have never seen the Navy version.
Warren Posted September 20, 2025 #15 Posted September 20, 2025 I have my father's green winter uniform, and his cap. There is a label in side from Abbot's Military Supply, Pensacola, FL and the separate narrow bullion band is in a plastic sleeve labeled Gemsco.
squidney86 Posted December 14, 2025 #16 Posted December 14, 2025 On 9/20/2025 at 3:54 PM, Warren said: I have my father's green winter uniform, and his cap. There is a label in side from Abbot's Military Supply, Pensacola, FL and the separate narrow bullion band is in a plastic sleeve labeled Gemsco. Id love to see this. I have always wanted to find a Navy uniform from a Pensacola tailor. One day!
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