Unusual Post WW2 US Collar Insignia

[Steve Brannan]

Anyone seen this Maker Mark on a Domed US Army collar insignia?

my guess is Germany during Occupation period Post WW2. 
 

[Major Z]

This is what Google AI had to say about it: 

 

The maker mark "DGMU. DPANG. K.L." is associated with U.S. Army insignia (such as collar disks) produced in post-WWII occupied Germany and Austria during the 1940s and 1950s. 

 

Meaning of the Markings

These abbreviations represent German legal registrations and a specific manufacturer, common during the occupation era when German firms were contracted to produce equipment for U.S. forces: 

D.G.M.U.: Stands for Deutsches Gebrauchsmuster-Urbild or Deutsches Gebrauchsmuster, indicating a German registered design or utility model.

D.P.A.N.G.: Often used to signify a "Patent Applied For" status in German (Deutsche Patentanmeldung) or related legal protection during the transitional post-war period.

K.L.: This is the manufacturer's initials. While several makers existed, "K.L." is frequently identified on military collectibles as Karl Leinemann, a manufacturer active in the post-war occupation period. 

 

Context and Usage

Era: Primarily seen on insignia from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s (Korean War era).

Items: Most commonly found on the reverse side of screw-back or clutch-back U.S. Army collar disks (e.g., Infantry, Artillery, or US branch disks) produced in Germany or Austria for GIs stationed there.

Rarity: These are considered "theatre-made" or "occupation-made" variations and are sought after by collectors of U.S. militaria for their unique European manufacturing style. 

[Steve Brannan]

Thank you. Major Z. Everything I needed to know. 

[Major Z]

1 minute ago, Steve Brannan said:

Thank you. Major Z. Everything I needed to know. 

 

No problem at all. In my self-published book on metal Quartermaster Corps insignia, I failed to identify this marking. Six years after publication, now I also know the answer!

[Steve Brannan]

The soldier who had this insignia was a career Army guy who did 4 jumps with 82nd AB in WW2 and stayed for the German Occupation, so makes sense.