Oddball dogtag- help figuring this out

[Datreedude]

I found this today in a local junk shop. Not exactly sure what this was used for, maybe luggage? It's the first I've seen in this long style. Any input is appreciated....

[Fred Borgmann]

Family member id.?

[Cobra 6 Actual]

I believe you'll find that this was a Civil Defense item. Somewhere I have a photo of one with the envelope it came in. Give me a few hours.

[Cobra 6 Actual]

OK, here you go:

 

 

 

Interesting that both your and my tags are for Silver Spring, Maryland; but the envelope clearly shows that these were issued by the Washington DC Civil Defense.

 

Unfortunately, since it is a franked envelope there is no postmark date. Hope this helps!

[Datreedude]

Thanks for the info, I just had never seen these before.

[Cobra 6 Actual]

Thanks for the info, I just had never seen these before.

Glad to help out. Sorry I can't help date this more precisely. My guess is mid-1960's because Zipcodes were introduced in 1963 as non-mandatory. Along with that, two-letter state codes -- such as the "MD" on my envelope -- were introduced. Anyway, my SWAG is 1963 to about 1967 (when bulk mailers were required to use Zipcodes).