Requesting help ID'ing this patch

[KumaKuma]

I've been trying to ascertain the correct nomenclature for this embroidered felt patch and am coming up empty. It's about 3 3/4 inches wide and tall. The three sets of numbers are giving me a fit: 537/40/8. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

[Linedoggie]

40 & 8 was a veterans organization of WW1 veterans

 

40 & 8 referred to French Boxcars which could hold 40 men or 8 horses and was a standard transport method for the AEF

 

http://www.fortyandeight.org/

 

 

537 Likely refers to a Chapter like the VFW and American legion. If you contact the society they might be able to tell you more about it

 

EDIT Chapter 543 was in Massachusetts

[Allan H.]

I am betting that this is an American Legion patch as the 40 and 8 refers to the WWI railcars with signs for 40 hommes ou 8 cheveaux meaning 40 men or 8 horses. It is a society within the American Legion.

Perhaps the 537 is post 537? It is the Col. Jacob Morgan American Legion post 537, Morgantown, Pennsylvania.

 

Allan

[ocsfollowme]

Allan is probably right about the post #, though each state could have that number in theory. Pinpointing it may take a few weekends.

 

I am wring a book on the first hundred years of the American legion national convention badges but I have never really collected 40/8 insignia for whatever reason.

[KumaKuma]

Thank all of you for the input. I would never have figured it out on my own. I was not aware at all of the 40 8 railcars connection to WW1 veterans so I have learned something. Again, many thanks to all of you.