The Official Cap Eagle Variant Thread

[Kropotkin]

Hello all,

 

What's the opinion on this hat badge? Is it WW2 or later?

 

Many thanks!

[Allan H.]

This cap badge was made by Blackinton and undoubtedly dates to WWII or even a little bit before. Blackinton was known as a premier manufacturer of US military insignia. Their wings are highly sought after.

 

Allan

[Kropotkin]

Thanks Allan. As a wing collector I saw the name and took the plunge out of instinct! Then I wondered what era it pertained to.

[Kurt_E]

The ones from my collection. If you want to see backings - just let me know!

 

US Army cap devices:
1) EM, 1936 - 1950s
2) EM, 1936 - 1950s
3) EM, 1952 - present
4) EM, 1952 - present (with blue plastic backing disc for Infantry)
5) Officers, 1936 - present

 

 

[BBG]

Here's one I think was cast. Any ideas on when or where?

[BBG]

Back side

 

[Flightpath]

Hi,

here's a nice Blackinton that I jumped on just today, I only wanted one of these WW2 US army badges for my collection so I was happy to find this maker, hope you like it!

cheers, John

[KurtA]

Hi,

here's a nice Blackinton that I jumped on just today, I only wanted one of these WW2 US army badges for my collection so I was happy to find this maker, hope you like it!

cheers, John

 

Great pickup. Not an easy one to find.

[Flightpath]

Hi Kurt,

I thought they were hard to find, but between posting the Blackinton here and this post I found another Blackinton.... can't pass this up for $25!

[roadrunner]

These are for the 1st American Squadron, Home Guard formed up in 4 July 1940 during England's dark days. The unit was officially incorporated into the crown armed forces in September 1940 and was comprised of American citizens living in the UK. The unit was based in the TA (territorial Army) Headquarters of the Queen's Westminsters in Buckingham Gate London. Note the the badge doesn't incorporate the Great Seal. There exists a matching arm patch but I've never encountered one. I'm not sure what the third badge with the Great Seal was used for but I suspect it was made for and used by an american officer stationed in England after the US declared war.

Garth

I have had the british made cap badge and found a picture shown General of the Armies John J. Pershing wearing this cap badge.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/289173-general-of-the-armies-john-j-pershings-cap-badge/

 

Michael

[Vampire Writer]

Loving this thread and the pictures are a great reference tool. I've recently been bitten with the "Eagle Bug" and have started buying a few, so that leads me to my question. In order to be a successful collector, you have to have knowledge, so does anyone know if someone has written a collector's guide to these eagles. It seems like there is a book for everything else so why not one for the eagles. Thanks so much in advance!

Rick

[Vertol]

Hello,

 

Here's mine (perhaps less common?) coming from an earlier WWII officer cap: an LGB Gold Filled (1/20 10k).

 

Regards,

 

 

 

[Reforger]

Nice badge in perfect condition. Better than what you usually see.

[digi-shots]

Any thoughts on why the badge on the left is smaller?  At first I thought it might be a woman’s hat badge.

 

The finish on the front is a bit dark and not like the gilt on the backside.... but not as dark as the chocolate brown you see on some WWI insignia.

 

Also, the backside is stamped GERMANY.   
 

Thanks for looking.