Hi Mike
Very interesting detail.
I think that they may have used the same die to produce both the "
For Merit" badge as the standard member's badge as the circle that is shown in your deconstructed badge is the same as can be found under the lion's head (once the glue let go.....
).
They would then have removed the solid elements to a "
For Merit" striking using a trimming cutter.
Still a lot of work to go to for a little piece of metal!
I'm also intrigued that the lion's head should be "hollow-backed" like a cap or collar badge. Bet they saved a fortune in metal.......
