Generally, CW and before, the wings point down. 1866-1893, wings point out. Prior to 1883, all Petty Officer badges were individually hand embroidered by the Sailor, ( or, someone he paid to do it). You could get them from shops ashore or Naval Sutlers. In 1866, the Navy provided templates, printed on linen or cotton, to try and standardize the badges. But again, the skill of the maker was part of the look of the finished product. And, as can be seen, guys would add their own “Personal Touches”, like the shield or color highlights. 

They were not, intended to “Blend in”, with anything.  Our uniforms were constantly spotted with paint, grease and oil. The intent was that the colors would not show that so much. Literally, a”Navy” cammo. Additionally, having participated in several, actual “MannOverboard”, searches for guys that went over, I can tell you from experience, the only thing visible of a person in the water, is from their chin up. Wouldn’t matter if you were wearing an International Orange jumpsuit, no can see it anyway. Oh yeah, US Navy Sailors have been wearing blue at sea, for about 250 years. They still wear blue coveralls.    the current “Green Dominate” cammies, worn by the Navy, also are not intended to blend in or “Hide” anyone on a ship. They are so that when Sailors are assigned to billits where camouflage is worn, the Navy no longer has to provide it. It’s part of your seabag, so it’s the Sailors responsibility. All this “Cammo” nonsense came about because the shore duty guys at joint commands had to wear service uniforms while all the other service personnel wore cammies. 

$450

Thank you for this. Great information. 

Source: https://achh.army.mil/history/book-historyofusarmymsc-chapter3

Ref Medical Repair Shop No. 1:   Source: https://achh.army.mil/history/book-wwi-fieldoperations-chapter5

From FOLD3:   MC= Medical Corps (US Army)     From Ancestrydotcom: 1st Battalion, 153rd Depot Brigade From Wikipedia:   His grave:   https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/50298699/howard-albert-patterson    

Terrific! Thank you for these