Why is this badge gilt

[Martynmoose]

Hi

 

This badge is of the EM type but is gilt? Is there a reason for this please. Any ideas? 

 

Many thanks 

[Edelweisse]

Gilt...for officers

[Martynmoose]

Hi

 

Thank you. I thought that there were one design for officers, with swords and the EMs have cutlasses. So this is an EM that's gilt. Any more info please? 

 

Thank you

[doyler]

various grades.  

 

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Surface_Warfare_Badge

[Martynmoose]

Thank you that's appreciated but I found this

 

Unlike other warfare pins available to both enlisted and officers, the ESWS and SWO pins differ by more than just color (gold for officers and silver for enlisted is a common theme in U.S. Navy uniforms). The blade weapons behind the hull on the SWO pin are swords. The blade weapons on the enlisted pin are cutlasses.

 

So are gilt cutlasses for junior officers? 

 

Many thanks

 

All the best

Martyn

[Dave]

This is an enlisted surface warfare badge that is incorrectly in gilt. Not sure why it was done that way, perhaps a manufacturing error. This badge should be silver and would never have been in the gold color. 

 

Hope that helps! 

 

Dave

(retired surface warfare officer) 

[Martynmoose]

Many thanks Dave. Yes manufacturers error makes sense. 

 

All the best

Martyn

[Justin B.]

Hi Martynmoose,

There is a whole section of the forum for these types of items:
BADGES, AWARDS, DUI, AND COLLAR BRASS: NAVY, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD

There is some outstanding information in there, especially about wings and dolphins.

Best of luck in your collecting,

Justin B.

[Martynmoose]

Many thanks Justin that's appreciated. All the best