Very nice, I have serial # 5764, according to my S&W letter, mine was shipped on Dec 17, 1917. mine is in excellent original condition, but unfortunately, someone over the post war years replaced the plain military grips with dished wooden grips with checkering, they are excellent fit, but are not as built.   Thanks for sharing.

Unfortunately, it's pretty common to replace fixed bales for D bales to increase the value of a shell. The chinstraps look reproduction as well, especially the metal hardware. I'd stay away from this one.

Thanks Tod,       I compared it to a WWI standard pattern Robbins and it is exact. Have you ever seen another company using the Robbins pattern style in a die with no cuts? Just curious. If there's one like it, there must be others.   -Gerard

There's a few all-metal wire screwdrivers online, somewhat similar only much smaller than yours. One description is 'Vintage Small Metal Screwdriver Fishing Guns Sewing'  

I think the answer would require a device that measures metal content. I suspect that it is not sterling, therefore the obliteration of the mark. Could be coin, another type of alloy, etc.

Hi Gerard,   I don't have any kind of evidentiary knowledge to add to your question. As I am sure you have read, Nanco and Pancraft marked wings were made by Robbins. Exact same dies. I would guess that this was made by a different die than the ones with open cuts. I think the cuts are part of the die, not hand cut as these were produced in quantity unlike WWI wings. @haw68 might know for sure as he's studied Robbins dies. Also, yes the findings are original to your badge, the pin is likely from a period brooch with that twist designed to keep it from shifting. It also looks like it was installed upside down. But it's been there a while.    cheers, Tod

Possibly related to this unit .......

Here's a patch Image a friend needs the ID for , hope someone can help, thanks :)