1/24 vs Sterling

[shortbuss55]

Hello all. I have learned that when a badge is stamped 1/24 it is sliver filled. I am wondering if a badge is stamped Sterling, does not mean the whole badge is sterling silver or is it just plated? This comes after finding a us army expert rifle badge that was stamped STERLING 1K but there is no hall mark. But it also does not say 1/24. Thank you for reading this thread!

From Alex

[CBH]

Sterling is stamped on solid sterling only , unless it is a fake stamp or badge . Sterling is the hall mark . If plated it somethings states EP for electro plate .
Cheers Chris

[Walkwolf]

Hi Alex. Your badge is solid sterling silver. '1K' is the makers code.
( 'Krew' I believe ) and it's likely from the 1950's.

'1/20th silver filled' means silver plating over base metal,
usually bronze or brass alloy - These appeared in the
late 50's, early 60's as I recall.

Although pin backs are still used, most post-war
modern insignia are clutch back.
Hope this helps..........

[shortbuss55]

Hey CBH thanks for your replay. I did not know sterling was a stamp in of its self. That's good to know! I just thought that there had to be some kind of hall mark. Thank you for the heads up.

From Alex

[shortbuss55]

Howdy Walkwolf, thanks for the replay! Thank you for the heads up on the 1K. I did not know what most modern insignia is clutch back. Your information did help.

From Alex

[Wagriff]

If I remember right, it is against the Law to stamp something "Sterling" if it is Not solid silver.

[shortbuss55]

Wagriff thank you for your post, I did not know it was illegal to stamp something Sterling if it's not. Thanks for you information!

From Alex

[AZPhil]

I have to thank Walkwolf for this because it was after his repeated GREAT advise that I found this site to give myself a reference to clutch back's used on insignia. It a great way to date what you are looking at.
Dating Metallic Insignia: Clutch Fasteners

Semper Fi
Phil