8th Armored Infantry Battalion Platter

[Brian Keith]

8th Armored Infantry Battalion Platter

I’ve had this Sterling silver platter since I was in high school in the late ‘70’s. It is engraved:

PRESENTED TO

Mr. & Mrs. L. L. RUSSO

June 30, 1944

BY

8th ARMD INF. BN.

 

The reverse is marked, “P.S. Co. STERLING” that looks to be from the PREISNER SILVER COMPANY, Wallingford, CT., apparently started in 1935.

The Platter is about 9 5/8 inches in diameter and weighs about 7 ounces on a non-official postal scale.

The 8th Armored Infantry Battalion was organized, 10 Sept 43 at Camp Campbell, KY. It arrive in France –ETO 17 Feb 45- credited with Central Europe campaign. Inactivated 2 April 1946, Camp Hood, Texas.

It has been hanging in my old bedroom (at my parents) since I got it. Prior to my ownership, it was not well taken care of, small dents, scratches and the like. I never polished it, so it has 75+ years of tarnish on it.

I haven’t any idea who or why “Mr. & Mrs. L. L. RUSSO” was so dear to the Battalion that they were given the platter.

Thanks for looking,

BKW