U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet Corps (pre-1942) Yellow-goldenrod thread. Embroidered anchor on wool backing and mohair band. Pre-to-early Second World War era; 1939-1942. From the period following the First World War through the Depression, the U.S. Merchant Shipping industry was in a shambles: once profitable companies faltered and fell, ocean-going trade evaporated and even intercoastal shipping […]
Category: “hat badge”
American President Lines
American President Lines hat badge. Gemsco hallmark on flag. Eagle and shield sterling; wreath brass/gold-plate. House flag, enamel with gold fill. Second World War era. badge: 60mm x 65mm flag: 25mm x 22mm American President Lines was formed by the U.S. Maritime Commission in 1938 to stave off the impending bankruptcy of the Dollar […]
Public Health Service
Public Health Service, originally uploaded by waterclock. U.S. Public Health Service Sanitarian hat badge. No hallmark, however, manufactured by Gemsco, NY (General Merchandising Co.) with Second World War pattern dies. Same die used for base was also used for Master, Mate, and Pilot union hat badges. Badge is plated with 1/20 10K Gold. […]
Shipboard Organization and Stewards
united states lines.The opening chapter of the fifth edition of The Blue Jacket’s Manual United States Navy (1917), devotes some 28 pages on the subject of “Discipline and Duty.” Afterward, the first section of the book meanders into opportunities of specialization, courts-martial, and customs. Only in the second and third sections are seamanship topics covered. […]
American President Lines wool hat badge
merican president lines American President Lines wool hat badge Gemsco hallmark on flag. Wool backing and wreath of gold bullion thread. House flag, enamel with gold fill. Second World War era. badge: 70mm x 50mm flag: 25mm x 22mm As noted in a previous post, shipping companies’ ships were appropriated for the duration […]
Massachussetts Maritime Academy
mma cadet hat badge. The late 1800s saw a flurry of state nautical school openings with funds provided by U.S. Congress. One of them, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy began its life as the Massachusetts Nautical Training School in 1891. In 1913, along with training vessel and curriculum changes, its the name changed to the Massachusetts […]
British Tanker Co.
British Tanker Co.Officer hat badgeMetal, gold wire, silk and colored thread on wool backing.Circa 1940s. Lately there has been an increased number of television commercials urging tourists to flock to vacations on the Gulf Coast – all of which are sponsored by British Petroleum. This brings to mind that last year I presented a British […]
Robin Line
Robin Line ship officer hat badge.Three piece construction.Eagle and shield sterling; wreath brass/gold-plate. Company insigne brass and enamel. Late Second World War era.badge: 60mm x 65mm On the second page of the March 17, 1954 edition of the Wilton Connecticut Bulletin there is long column about a GOP Sunday Tea. The Bulletin reports that the […]