Distinguished Service Cross

[Hugh]

As some of you know, I'm a complete novice with US medals, but have recently acquired a number of interesting pieces from my nephew.  He acquired them over many years through talking with veterans.  Unfortunately, he's had health issues, so I haven't gotten any biographical data from him.  I'll post some of them here in the hope of information from more knowledgeable members.  From the number, I assume this is a WW II or later issue.  (Box is consistent with WW II)  I'm not convinced that the two lapel devices are original issue with this cross - both are clutch back, and one is what I believe to be an unofficial plastic piece.  

USA – Distinguished Service Cross, wrap brooch, numbered (lower arm) “17653”, in box of issue with two lapel emblems for civilian wear and extra piece of full-size ribbon

Hoping for your comments?

Thanks,

Hugh

[muckaroon1960]

Hi Hugh, by the look of the "Black" loop ribbon suspender this was made by The Robbins Co, Attleboro, Mass. I have 2 of these with the same ribbon suspender but the medals are unnumbered and were made circa 1944-45.

I believe that due to the amount of medals being manufactured in WW2 that numbers were stopped at some point during the war to help increase production time. No doubt the one you have is probably pre 1944? Nice medal by the way...

Edited November 24, 2015 by muckaroon1960

[Tim B]

Hugh,

Nice Distinguish Service Cross!

With the black colored slot brooch, I would say its a Robbins product.  The "known" Robbins contract for DSC's was in February 1945, about a year and a half after the Army stopped requiring manufacturers from putting production numbers on their medals.  Most U.S. medals produced after July 1943 were unnumbered.

We do occasionally see Robbins examples with numbers and its speculated that they either reribboned existing stock in cases where ribbons were deteriorating or there were unissued numbered medal pendants that simply got used up and later ribboned by the Robbins Company with that black brooch.

With that high of a serial number, its probably untraceable.  Most that have any information are usually numbered below the 10,000 mark.

Here's a couple more examples:

Another Robbins with the blue issue box and contract label.  Some, like this example, were left over and later used.  The federal stock number label was put over the original purchase order label.

 

And like your example, it has the blackened slot brooch:

Here's another example that is numbered and in it's coffin style case.  Note the type of brooch.

And the numbering:

Hope that helps some.

Tim

[Hugh]

Thanks to both you for providing a context to this medal.  I had hoped for traceability, but understand that's a tall order with this many items in circulation.  

Best,

Hugh