Grandpa's pins, badges and insignias

I finally got pics of everything my grandma had. To my surprise before I left she asked if I wanted to take them home.



I have searched and searched, but have not seen any other "US" 78 pins.

 

I have never seen US collar discs with numbers under them, never, ever in 30 years of collecting and observing this stuff. Is there anyway you can post better pictures of the collar discs?

My guess is that they are an interim or custom made discs for the 78th Coast Artillery.

 

they are made up of 4 peices, No markings. I didn't notice it at first but they don't match. One is heavier then the other. Also one has periods and the other does not.

 

Very cool! Thanks for posting them.

 

Hey Josh, did your Grandfather wear the Polar Bear patch?

 

hi Brad, Private Purchases perhapse? Some of my Grandfathers navy stuff were also private purchase items and slightly vary from the normal issued stuff. I THINK all his were marked toa firm in New York?

 

Great items Josh!

 

Thanks everyone for the kind words!

Yes, I believe he did. I have been in contact with a person who not only served in Alaska, but his brother was in the same unit as my grandfather. He said everyone who served in Alaska wore that patch. He was also nice enough to send me one for my display.

Damn straight, I will guard these things with my life.

Yep I was honored to take them. They are now resting safely in a fire proof safe.

Thanks for the info, I had no idea they could buy non government issue pins.

I don't know if grandpa ever wore the 7th Infantry Division patch, but it does look like it was attached at some point. It may have been a sovenier. His unit was only attached to the 7th during the battle for Attu, so about 20 days.

 

sorry for the double post. It didn't show up after I posted it the first time.

 

I am intrigued with the Collar Discs. Are they one piece or is the "78" attached by solder? Do you have any of his service branch insignia? - They are what would be worn either on the opposite collar of the US discs. I have seen officer branch insignia with a regimental number attached; but, never an enlisted set.....very cool indeed.

http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/UniformedServices/Branches/coast_artillery.aspx

They would look like those in the link but on a brass disc like the "US"

 

I just looked at them again one is soldered and the other is all 1 piece. There were no branch insignias in the box. But I found his driver badge in the garage, so his branch insignias may still be at my grandmas somewhere. It might be attached to his uniform it's at my uncle's.

 

That is very interesting indeed. The one that is not soldered: is the back smooth or is there a cross hatching on the back or a "brass" or 14k stamp?

 

The back is smooth and no stamps.

 

Does the "US" and "78" look the same as far as patination or any heat discoloration, air pockets in the edges of the 78 or where it meets the US?

 

No discoloration or air pockets.

 

That insignia has me baffled; I thought I had seen it all. Now I must find one to hold

 

Sorry, I can't help you with that. I will never part with these.

 

As well you shouldn't. Given the provenance there is no doubt to their authenticity. I must admit that if I were to see them, without knowing better, I would assume they were not authentic or some ROTC/ Academy/ National Guard insignia. As it is now I simply must find a pair.

I am sure it is the acme of foolishness to ask if you have a picture of him wearing these insignia.