Altered and Recycled Rank Chevrons

[liveww2]

If you thought recycling was a modern phenomenon, think again! Below are a couple examples of chevrons which were altered to reflect promotions, change in regulation or out of necessity due to shortages. It will be neat to see how many different eras and ranks are out there.

 

The first is a pair of pre-1943 1st sergeant chevrons which appear factory altered to a technical sergeant with the addition of a blue felt center. If you couldn't see the back, you would never know!,

 

[liveww2]

Reverse showing the diamond.

[liveww2]

Here is pair of early felt on felt pre-1943 chevrons that started life as a staff sergeant and were promoted to 1st sergeant with the addition of the bottom stripe and diamond. The colors do not match which leads me to believe they were done outside of the factory by a tailor or at a PX.

[patches]

Good stuff, would love to see more examples, believe there are a lot scattered around in the form of period fotos on the forum, we'll have to keep our eyes open and post them as we see them. I got one on a 50s worn HBT, 9th Division ( either West Germany or Ft Carson), White Name tape, Yellow on Black U.S. ARMY. it's got OD on Black wool PFC stripes that were cut from a Cpl on up ranks.