Larry,
I firmly believe this badge to be a sweetheart badge. Although it differs in the metal/colour, it is exactly the same size as other CSC sweethearts and seems to be made from the same dies as some examples. A comparison with these show the same 'web' in the extreme leaves as well as between the letters and the beaver area, the same crown join as well as the same 'heaviness' to the design just to name a few areas. (shown are variations #2 and #3 from
RCSigs.ca CSC Sweethearts. Other examples shown feature a different and finer design.)
As you've said, it's not a cap and there is absolutely no evidence that it's a collar. Sometimes the simplest answer is the right one. In my mind there is no doubt that this is a sweetheart badge but it remains a mystery as to why it wasn't gilded or enameled.
Joe