USMC PATCHES - WW2

[davidwyke]

I obtained these patches in California in the late 1970's/early 1980's so they are all at least 30/35 years old but are any of them original WW2 (or early post WW2) issues or later copies?

A) - these 4 have tan thread edging (summer uniform?)
1) 1st Amphibious Corps - Paratroops
2) 5th Amphibious Corps
3) 2nd Pacific Air Wing
4) 18th Defense Bn

B) - these 4 have dark green edging (winter uniform ?)
1) 3rd Amphibious Corps
2) Fleet Marine Force Pacific - DUKW Co's
3) Fleet Marine Force Pacific - Bomb Disposal Co's
4) 3rd Pacific Air Wing

I think some of them might be OK but I have my doubts about a few of them. Would appreciate any opinions/comments regarding authenticity (or lack of!).

David

(See next thread for USN patches.......)

[jubilationtcornpone]

Hi David,

The USMC only wore these during WWII to the best of my knowledge. They were not authorized after 1 January 1948. The first thing to look at are the backs. The white threads are a good sign. If you have access to an ultra-violet light place these under the light. If they glow they are most likely reproductions. You can also do a burn test by, carefully, removing one thread and burning it. If it burns it's good. If it melts its a reproduction. My source for WWII patches does not have a 2nd Marine Air Wing so I would want verification before feeling good about the patch. If I were looking to start a collection of Marine WWII insignia the rest look good, IMHO.

Regards,

Don

[davidwyke]

Hi Don

Thanks for the response.

I don't have a UV light but I've extracted threads from a couple of the patches. The good news is that they burn rather than melt, so do my fingers incidentally!

David

[jubilationtcornpone]

David,

As your fingers didn't melt but did burn I think it safe to say that you are authentic and not a reproduction.

Don

[davidwyke]

Hi Don

Some people might agree with that....!!!

David

[JBCannon]

David;
Everything Don said is true. Just from your photos (having the patches in hand is the ultimate test) I would say they all look to be WWII era originals.
Jim

[billy]

Are you lads interested in American Patches? as have acquired quite a lot and have no reference books on American! would be early 70,s - 80,s for most though some probable WW 2 thrown in? interested? cheers billy

[davidwyke]

Hi Billy

I used to collect US patches in a big way years ago but no longer actively collect - too many repros of one sort or another. Still keeping my US collection intact though.

David