Can anyone help me identify this?

[CA Dunlop]

I am sure some of you remember my late husband Craig Pickrall aka craig_pickrall. I was hoping someone could help me identify this collar insignia. It measures approximately 1” in diameter. Thank you in advance. 

[Allan H.]

This piece of insignia is based on a small number of collar disks that were made in France for a couple of members of the 551st PIR. Unfortunately, the design was very easy to copy, so literally THOUSANDS of these have popped up. They were totally unofficial. The example that you have was made for collectors using a post WWII piece of collar brass.

 

It has very little monetary value.

 

Allan

[CA Dunlop]

Craig purchased this in Sept of 86.  I am not a colletor and I hate to seem dense but what you are telling me is this one is a reproduction.

Thank you so very much for your assistance.

Charlotte

[Allan H.]

Charlotte,

 

Craig was a wonderful guy and we in the community miss him still. Our condolences for his loss, even though it has been some time since he left our company. In a word, yes, I was telling you that the piece that you have posted is undoubtedly a reproduction. These same types of pieces can be purchased quite cheaply on eBay and at major shows.

 

Best Regards,

 

Allan

[CA Dunlop]

Thank you so much for helping with this.  Craig loved every minute he spent on the forum.  He tried so hard to give me a crash course on his collection but jsut not enough time. He was the BEST!!!

Thank you again 

Charlotte