US Navl pin in gold/silver?

[Dean]

I found this at a local antique shop and wonder if anyone could give me any more info than what I already know. I know it's US Navy,that's about it. It's marked "gold & sterling". Thanks .
~Dean

[Dean]

Heres the front.

[Teutonicknights]

William/Wagriff would be the expert on this!

[Dean]

Thanks Mike!

[Walkwolf]

It is a US 'Merchant Marine' Officer cap badge. Looks to be the smaller 1.25 inch type
for the overseas cap, or 'side cap'.

For your viewing pleasure, here are some US Navy Officer cap insignia devices.
Most of them are pinback 'GF on Sterling' WWII types, the rest are '1/20th
GF on Sterling' except for one in subdued bronze. Also shown are two
larger full-sized visor cap badges, and two 'sweetheart' versions:

[Mark K]

Steve top row far left small badge with chain attached to it what is the signifigance of this badge very intresting piece

Regards mark K

[Walkwolf]

It is a sweetheart pin - these were usually sent home or given to wives/mothers/girlfriends.
It let folks know that a loved one was in the service, and sometimes showed a rank,
as in this case, a miniature Navy Officer's shoulder board. There were other
types available too - for Army, Army Air Force, Marines, etc.........

[Mark K]

It caught my eye right away nice piece ,Deans merchant marine cap badge is it war time issue or other period ?pre or post war.

Regards Mark K

[Walkwolf]

I can just make out the 'H&H' ( Hilborn Hamburger ) star logo, and also 'Sterling'
on the bird - pinback type are considered WWII. I don't think the Merchant
Marine existed after WWII.........

[Mark K]

Did the merchant marine have there own head wear or did they use the same head wear as the Navy ?

Regards Mark K