American odd-bod

[lettman]

Can anyone tell me which unit/organisation might have worn this one, and when? It's quite large (70mm wide x 45mm high), and I have no idea if the paint job is original or authentic. The lug fittings suggest British or Commonwealth manufacture, because they're not the sort of thing found on US-made badges.

[jubilationtcornpone]

I posted a query on the US militaria forum. This is the reply I received:
"It looks like an Infantry Adjutant. He would have been part of the regimental staff, there were also Quartermaster, Commissary and a few others. Normally there would be a small corps devise below the rifles. Branch overlay for the eagle plate for an infantry officer's dress helmet, Model of 1881 ( I think). Others are the national shield over crossed cannon, the national shield over crossed sabers. Do some Googling for the full range of these for both officers and enlisted men. It should be all gold colored. The red/white/blue painting and was undoubtedly done later for resale by surplus dealers as a trinket."

Hope this is of some help.

Don

[lettman]

That's great, Don -- many thanks for your efforts! I looked up all my resources for this one and couldn't find it. Unfortunately it came to me already painted.