Pre 1941 Left Facing USN Officer's Hat Devices

[Dave]

Since this is a reproduction (or at least I'm exceptionally certain of it) I decided to take the eagle to the buffing wheel. It came out pretty well. It looks like a thin plate of something over brass. I may nickel plate it the next time I'm doing a plating run. 

 

[Dave]

Since this thread started, I've added a few right facing eagles to my collection. Here's my collection...Navy hat device eagles and rank insignia. The rank insignia is from my career in the Navy - the silver Commander oakleaves were my last rank and the ones I still pick up when I can find styles and makers I don't yet have. 

 

 

[chief4af]

Here is a Bullion Eagle on hat band. @nd picture a closer shot

[Allan H.]

Dave,

 

That is a CRAZY collection of birds! I don't think I have ever seen that many all at one time.

 

Kudos!

 

Allan

[Manky bandage]

Stunning collection of birds indeed, I love the boxed rank devices especially.

[warguy]

Beautiful collection, thanks for sharing.

[stucky151]

Here are a few of my left facing bullion devices.
 

1st up is an 1869 bullion eagle 1st pattern with 12 stars directly embroidered to cap and ribbed silk braid.

Second up is an 1886 Small Left facing bullion eagle with 9 stars directly embroidered on a separate dark blue cloth, sewn to cap

 

Next is a 1897 left facing bullion eagle with 12 stars. Embroidered on separate dark blue cloth and sewn to cap and mohair braid. Attributed to Capt Albert N Wood 1873-1909 

This one is what I believe to be a 1897 Naval Reserve of New Jersey chaplains left facing bullion eagle with three plows replacing the stars and emblazoned paleways. Direct embroidered on cap and mohair braid. 

 

 

Here is a 1905 left facing bullion eagle example with 8 stars. Embroidered on the mohair braid and black cloth. Top of braid and eagle left unattached to top quarter to accommodate the white summer cap

 

 

My last example is a 1913 left facing bullion United States Shipping Board eagle. Shield has the three stars and is directly embroidered on mohair braid and black cloth, sewn to upper quarter. 
 

 

 

[warguy]

Dang Stucky, I didn't know you were doing Navy eagles and caps as well. I went down this rabbit hole about a year ago. When I get it all unpacked, I will contribute a few shots. Beautiful examples you have there!

[stucky151]

Thanks Kevin, I dont really do Navy stuff personally, but I snagged this incredible lot to help fund my addiction 🤣 and forces me to really study items outside of my comfort zone. 

[warguy]

Just superb!