USMC Cape Gloucester Tab (and more)

[Eric Queen]

I have always found these tabs interesting. Still not sure if these were ever official or not. Not many photos of them in wear, at least that I have seen. 

 

This one has the typical WOSK price tag still on it. 

[Eric Queen]

Here is one of the very few photos I have ever seen of it in wear. Plt. Sgt. Tom Reynders (Akron, OH) in 1944. A nice 8 x 10 period colorized original. 

[Eric Queen]

There were a number of USMC PX photos of CG that came with the portrait. What I like about them are the personal notes from Reynders on the reverse. 

[Eric Queen]

Please post your tabs, any photos of them being worn, etc. 

 

Was there only the one (1) version (on twill)? Or was there a fully embroidered version, anything foreign made, etc.?

[usmc1981]

Unidentified first Marine, division cape, Glouchester tab

[Eric Queen]

Great photo Chris. Had not seen that one before. Is it yours? Thanks for sharing it. 

[usmc1981]

21 hours ago, Eric Queen said:

Great photo Chris. Had not seen that one before. Is it yours? Thanks for sharing it. 

Hey Eric, I did have until about a month ago. Rocco now has it. 

[ATMissileman0352]

I think the Marines should have created and authorized tabs for each campaign a marine took part in. I think it would have looked incredible to see Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian underneath a 2nd MarDiv patch.

[mortaydc60]

There has been listed tabs that are said to be correct and at high cost. Question is should the good/real tabs have cheesecloth backs? Would be nice to have definitve answer to save collectors from purchase of incorrect tab. Here is an example of tab currently on Ebay without cheesecloth back, is this also an accepted version? Thanks for any information.

 

Mort

[John4022]

Here are my two tabs of different variations. I was told they both are period but of different manufacturers. Unfortunately I have no definite proof of that.

[copper252]

Ellwood C Rettich, B Company 1st Tank Battalion

[mortaydc60]

thanks for posting #10 John but question is do they have cheesecloth backing?

 

thanks

[Eric Queen]

Looks like John's top one matches the one posted by Mort (no cheesecloth) and the bottom one matches the one I posted (cheesecloth). You can see the clear differences in material. 

[mortaydc60]

OK thanks so they are both real or not really sure. Is there definitive answer in that a REAL version should ONLY have cheesecloth backing? From the pics posted of Marines with tab on uniform I will go out on a limb and say that the only REAL version should have cheesecloth backing.

[Bill Scott]

They are both real I have owned many of both from very old  collections just different makers.

[mortaydc60]

Thanks Bill for the information and you are most likely correct. Just my suggestion if i had to pick which to purchase,I would go with the cheesecloth back based on the photos shown of what was worn. Dont think you would get hurt going with other but if had choice for same price go cheesecloth backed.

[John4022]

Sorry for the delay! Here's front and back pictures of both style of tabs.