USMC department devices, Gunner Bombs, WO bars and band lyres

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here is a single service pre-1929 Paymaster device that I found online somewhere (this one has the cut-out between the sword hilt and knot). Front view only. If this is your image, please contact me!

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Another pre-1929 Paymaster service single found online, front and rear. Marked "BB&B BRONZE" If this is your image, please contact me!

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

These are the pre-1929 Paymaster dress devices, the gold sword and quill and silver leaf, front and rears. Marked "NS Meyer Inc, New York". Image found online. If this item belongs to you, please contact me!

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here is Paymaster (Colonel) George Richards wearing the pre-'29 Paymaster devices along with a close-up:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here are three more photos of the pre-1929 Paymaster being worn. Image on left is of George Richards, again, this time as a Brigadier General (also check out his Brevet Medal!), top left is Richards again, rank unknown, and the bottom right is Major Leon Dye, a Marine Paymaster serving in the Nicaraguan Guardia Nacional. He is also wearing the GN cap badge on his cover which is rarely seen. Last image is from SandinoRebellion.com

[roadrunner]

Erik

 

Great job.

Thank you very much for this information.

The USMC Department devices are absolut fantastic.

Depends on the time this collar insignias are worn they are made in high quality ( often sterling ) and made by first class manufacturer like B.B.& B.

 

Michael

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here is the second style Paymaster device that was in use from 1929 until sometime during or after WW2. These are both dual marked IMPERIAL / HH (Hilborn & Hamburger), but in different spots. Another interesting difference in these two pieces is the oak leaf within the diamond... one being a three-dimensional, detailed sculpting and the other just a flat leaf with no detail at all. I would venture to say these are not a matched set but I have seen these same discrepancies on a carded set so I assume it was just poor oversight when the moulds were made. The open rectangular lines around the wreath are the " upper leaves having the midrib in scarlet enamel" as described in the 1929 regulations, but the enamel is no longer there.

Hilborn & Hamburger also made an earlier version of these with a pin-pack as opposed to these later screwback ones..

FRONT:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

REAR:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here are some more shots of the 1929 Paymaster device found online. If you own any of these photos or devices, please contact me!

1) Another screwback device, like the ones I just posted. No rear photo but assuming it's also H&H. Red enamel is intact around the wreath.
2) Carded pair - note the differences in the center leaf are present here as well..
3) Earlier pin-back device. Red enamel is still intact around the wreath. H&H Eagle hallmark visible on lower-right, no visible Imperial hallmark.
4) Another earlier pin-back device. Seems to be traces of red enamel but could just be the lighting. Imperial / HH hallmarks both present in the center of the diamond.

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here are my service 1929 Paymaster devices, later issue in screwback.
FRONT:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

REAR:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here is my earlier set of service 1929 Paymasters with the pin-back. Dual marked Imperial / HH on the reverse of the diamond.
FRONT:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

REAR:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Correction to post 34: On image number 4, I mistakenly attached the wrong reverse photo. This particular device is a screwback with Imperial hallmark on reverse. Here is the device again with the correct reverse:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here are some images found online. If you own these images or items, please contact me!

1) Carded pair 1929 service Paymasters by H&H, pin-back (as evidenced by the two punched holes seen on the card behind the devices).
2) Half-sized 1929 Paymaster device, about 7/8 inch long sword and quill, wreath about 7/16 inch. These smaller devices have the pin-back going diagonally across the reverse. See the matching Adjutant/Inspector miniature I will post in a few minutes.

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

ATTENTION: If anyone has any photos of the 1929 version Paymaster device being worn, please share! I have been looking for images but have not been able to find any yet! Thanks!

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Now that we have shown quite a few of the various Paymaster department devices, it is time to move on to the Adjutant and Inspector's department device. Also, keep in mind that the Paymasters were the only devices that came in left and right pairs (officially) and also changed style so that is why there are so many variations.

Adjutant / Inspector device, dress, marked SILVER, pinback with a Tiffany clasp, front and rear:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here is another dress variant, found online, with a regular (non- Tiffany) style roller catch, marked STERLING it appears, and possibly an H&H Eagle in the center? Hard to tell..: If you own these images or items, please contact me!

 

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here is my first A&I service device, later screwback version, non-marked, note the tab of metal underneath the spike of the fasces that was not removed:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Another service device, this one an older pin-back, marked with the earlier H&H eagle and marked IMPERIAL. All of the features on this piece seem to be smaller than the one in the last post, with the exception of the giant drag on the officer's sword. The curves of the shield are also less on this device and the stars less detailed. Shows a good amount of wear..

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here is the miniature version of the A&I pin, front and back, marked STERLING with H&H eagle, note the diagonal pin like the one on the Paymaster mini in post 40:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here is the mini side-by-side with a full regulation device so you can see the difference in size:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

Here is a photo of Major General David Dixon Porter (as a LtCol in 1925) wearing the A&I devices on his standing collar. Porter was a recipient of the Medal of Honor and also the Brevet Medal. Image from ebay seller "Vintage Image Photos"

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

BGen Rufus Herman Lane (as a Major or LtCol) wearing A&I devices:

[SgtMaddoxUSMC]

The larger image is an unknown Major and smaller image is Colonel Albert S McLemore, both wearing the A&I devices: