US Coast Guard USCG Officers Visor Cap Hat Badge

[TCSchultz]

I can't find a thread here on the forum for USCG U.S. Coast Guard Officer's Visor Cap or Hat badges only CPO ones so I am going to start my own with this stunning Blackinton Officer's Cap Badge that came off of a WW2 era Berkshire Cap Visor Cap after alot of work. The badge had been on there so long that both (it has two) screwbacks were frozen but I was finally able to get them loose to remove it from the hatband to see who the maker was. Stamped into the eagle's wing back is "BLACKINTON" under several letters and numerals I can't quite make out while it has "STERLING" on the anchor. The detail is amazing with every feather detailed and the claws 3-D like coming in over the anchor shaft separately. Enjoy the pictures and interested in what everyone thinks of it.

 

 

 

[TCSchultz]

 

[TCSchultz]

 

[TCSchultz]

 

[TCSchultz]

 

[Gardner11]

That is a great piece of USCG history .

[VMI88]

Nice badge! Just a note about getting frozen nuts off cap badges and side buttons. I've had good luck with Kroil penetrating oil - just put a drop on the threads and let it soak in overnight and the verdigris should soften up enough to loosen easily.

[MastersMate]

An interesting variation to note in the detail in the chief portion of the shield.. The stars are arranged with 6 in the upper row and seven in the lower row...

 

Other manufacturers have variations with the stars arranged seven above six...

[TCSchultz]

Thanks and I never noticed that variation of the number of stars so thanks for pointing that out. I wonder if that is a period change or just a manufacturing variation. Either way cool catch and thanks.

[KurtA]

I just acquired the badge at top left in an antique shop.  I've always liked these.  Over the years, whenever I found one in the wild, I made sure to acquire it.

Like the OP, I could not find a thread on USCG OFFICER hat badges (there are lots of great threads for CPO's).

I notice the main difference in all of these is in the eagle head and beak.  And also the wings. 

The top left example has a very long and pronounced neck.  Solid back with no markings.  I figure it's the oldest of the lot (between WW1 and WW2).  

I'd be interested to hear from anyone who knows when Coast Guard officers starting wearing the metal hat badges of this style.  And uniform regulation info comparable to what has previously been posted for CPO badges.