Blue Disk Cfw 4 25 Cracked Lipsl
Taleen Sameh
I would like to thank JMAR for his invaluable help with this thread. He very patiently helped me with question after question. He even sent me some great pictures. You can tell by the quality of the pictures which ones are his! I would also like to thank Rusty Canteen for encouraging me to research and post this history.
The first collar disks were one inch in diameter with raised edge, a threaded post and thumbscrew nut for attachment. They were made of solid, dark finished copper with a color range from true bronze to a blackish-brown.
It was commonly held that gilt disks came into existence in 1921 as part of a series of changes to enlisted men collar insignia. Several of the changes were due to AR600-35, 14 October 1921, which directed in Section III that:
But the gilt disk goes back farther than that. The first evidence of a gilt disk, at least one authorized, is that specified in War Department Specifications Number 1074 of 1910 for the Service School and West Point Detachment. Two other gilt disks are known to have been authorized prior to the 1921 regulation, the Air Service Type II disk and a device designed for the United States Guards of 1918.
After two decades of use, bronze insignia came to an end. On 25 November 1924, AR 600-35 eliminated all bronze insignia from the uniform. All future metal insignia for wear on uniform clothing would be of gold, gilt, or gilding. However, the regulations permitted continued use of serviceable bronze insignia on hand provided the bronze finish was removed and the metal polished. Quite naturally, manufacturers took full advantage of the latitude and removed the bronze finish from stock items, including long obsolete types, which explains the existence of gilt like designs which were supposedly made only in bronze.
One piece collar disks with smooth, fine dotted or pebble background or field are referred to as Type I. Initially made in bronze or with bronze finish, this was our first EM collar disk. It was used from 1907 until 1926 when replaced by the Type II. In 1921, bronze devices were replaced by gilt devices. For bronze disks of then current designs soldiers were permitted to remove the bronze finish and use the disks until supplies were exhausted. The disks had screw post fasteners; however, a few are found with pin-latch attachments. Reference Scipio, The Collar Disk Story (1907-1999) pg 44
Collar disks classified as Type II are one piece with intricate background pattern. Background consists of small circles or shield or acorn designs within a cross-hatched pattern. Type II disks exist also in dark bronze or black and gilt finishes. Official use of these disks was authorized from 1926 until 1937. However, earlier use was previously pointed out. Unofficial employment was actually extended until about 1940. These disks used the screw post fastener system. A majority of Type II collar disks are for National Guard and State Militia units. Reference Scipio, The Collar Disk Story (1907-1999) pg 215
This picture shows both Type II and Type IIIA disks. You can see the similarity between the two. The way to be sure of the difference is if you can disassemble it by unscrewing the small pronged retainer then it's a Type IIIA. All of these are Type II except for the US insignia in the middle left and the winged propeller insignia in the bottom left.
In 1937, a new design of collar disk was adopted, a two piece disk of solid brass with organizations device on a plain pattern-less background. Classified as Type III, these disks were used from 1937 until about 1944. Type III collar disks can be found with both screw post fastener and clutch fastener systems. The latter being used about 1943. Type III disks with clutch fasteners were re-employed in 1970. Reference Scipio, The Collar Disk Story (1907-1999) pg 237
Here is an example of an engineer with a thin, flat plastic ring which slides over the clutch posts and is held on by the clutches. Gold finish with regimental number and headquarters, domed probably unauthorized. Unsure of era, these came with 2 sets of 130th F.A. DIs, one set pin back the other clutch back. Engineer EM Type III reference Emerson Encyclopedia of United States Army Insignia and Uniforms, page 62 Infantry example with plastic ring.
Here is an example of an infantry with a blue plastic disk with shouldered edge and inset for disk. Gilt flat circa Authorized in 1952. These are multi piece construction and often came with a matching hat badge (shown) for the visor cap. An interesting note is that this appears to have been the only authorized use of a colored ring to denote the branch of service. The other branches based their unauthorized insignia on the Infantry's pattern.
The Type IV disk is a thick stamped insignia of one piece construction with a clutch fastener. Use of this disk was short-lived so only limited examples are known to exist. Indications are the period of its production was about 1942-1943. Reference Scipio, The Collar Disk Story (1907-1999) pg 273
Competition for metal to meet World War II production needs prompted modification of insignia design. Type III disks were replaced by thin stamped forms referred to as Type V disks. They were so designed to require neither unit numbers nor company letters. A clutch fastener system was used. This type of collar disk was used from about 1943 to 1970. Reference Scipio, The Collar Disk Story (1907-1999) pg 279
The Medical Corps is a Type IIIB, used post Korean War in the 1950s and often found with either a plastic ring denoting the branch of service or, an enameled ring. These rings were unofficial, but worn quite often by higher ranking NCOs.
This first one was written by Andrew from Wartimecollectables. He graciously gave me permission to add his pictures to this thread. As he stated, note the backs and absence of the 'teat' device to keep the disc in place on the uniform.
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