Jareth

I just acquired this badge. It is non magnetic. It appears to be bronze or brass. I'd appreciate some opinions. Thanks!

More accurate color

It's a training rifle!

Can't just own one !

Harvey many of the patches have added stars. Seen this before many times. Added by G.I.s I see two navy winter round ratings ( red on blue) crossed anchors, bottom left are collar tabs for civilians employed by army, then navy peak cap insignias. PM me or email me & I can identify all others.

I too like the last bar. PM me if your considering selling it

Japan made lots of insignia post war for foreign countries. Many U.S. military insignia was custom made in post war Japan. My feeling is this is what this is. They simply utilized their own star etc. could be English, Austrailian etc

Told myself I wouldn't start but I really liked the design of this Technical Knowledge Merit Badge. Wish we knew more about it

Officer's variation

I'd be real carefull using those plastic boxes. Unless they're archival there can be " off gasses" that over time can tarnish & discolor

I'm not a fan either

Those are combat boards. Far less common than the dress service boards with nickel tongue

I knew the eBay example would surface. Glad it made it on the boards

Too small a world. Hopefully the closeted , secret new owner will share ;)

Who got the one off eBay ?

Answer : every guy needs a nice pair

Oh, you bought it!

So you know the buyer ?

As if Sotheby's would sell it ! Idiot

Thinking about sending her an angry PM. I wanted it as an XMas present for myself at $3 k not starting at 9 !

Yeah I thought maybe this time! Nice starting bid raised:(

I agree with Chris. Much of the info we get is acquired & passed down. I'm always open to correction once the true facts come to light. Having said that, I've always believed the cloth wings were just to signify flight training completion. Not exclusively issued/worn by just pilots but others involved in aviation at many different levels

I've yet to see or examine a tunic that I felt certain wings weren't added post war

very interesting thread Nick! Thanks

could it just be a souvineer made up by one of his soldiers as a victory gift?

wonderfull badge!