Bullion Insignia

[olkev]

New to the forum and first post . . .

Fill me in on bullion insignia.

How did the use of bullion start in WWII? What were the uniform guidelines, if any?

I've seen pics of some officers (usually generals) through the 50's and 60's still wearing it but not today. Why did it stop? (I think it looks great as long as it is properly sewn on).

What about bullion insignia for re-enactors? Is there a good source for bullion insignia?

THANKS IN ADVANCE!

 

[cco23i]

As for them really not being worn after WW2 that's because of regulations being followed more strictly. As for a supplier for great bullions go to Garia aviation on the web and look up insinia or patches, I forget which one but they have the best!

Scott

 

[Dixon Cannon]

http://www.garciaaviation.com/cgi-local/storepro5/agora.cgi

Hi Olkev, I love your avatar; I've got a pretty good collection of Gable uniform pics myself. It's like the uniform was designed with him in mind!

I think Msgt. Scott was trying to say 'Garcia Aviation' (URL above). I'll search around the WWW to see if I can find any bullion as well.

Welcome to the FL!

-dixon cannon

 

[cco23i]

Thanks Dix, I need all the help I can get!

Scott

 

[Fletch]

The wearing of bullion began long before WW2. Here's Lt. Col. Hap Arnold in 1932 - I can't recall seeing that "US wings" lapel insignia in any other form.

 

[olkev]

Well, I have done some surfing and found some NEW bullion that could be used for re-enacting

http://www.marlowwhite.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=04-600

http://www.uniforms-4u.com/c-army-coat-ranks-1365.aspx

I still wonder why they stopped allowing it unless it was over cost or they didn't want to look too British. I found a pic of Curtis LeMay wearing bullion on the blue Air Force uniform and it looked really sharp.

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[CBI]

Bullion goes back a few hundred years at least to the European military. It was my general understanding the bullion was eventually dropped as it did not look modern enough for the "modern" military. More "exact/clean" metal and patch insignia were more cost effective to make in the US and had a cleaner look.

Depending on what you are looking for, eBay type: "bullion patch" always has great originals and repros. Again, depending on what you want, you could buy orginal WWII bullion for pretty reasonable prices. I have purchased many bullion patches, wings for AAF uniforms/jackets and was always able/willing to buy originals - they look great.

 

[filfoster]

US aviators in WWI wore mostly bullion wings on their uniforms and these originals (the usual caveat about new made fakes here) are very expensive. Some wore sterling silver wings badges but these appear from photos to be the exception. Joe Weingartner makes great, and not inexpensive copies of the metal ones. Der Dienst is the only source I've found for the 'military aviator' late war/post war style with the star above the wings.

 

[Dixon Cannon]

Thanks Dix, I need all the help I can get!

Scott

Doan mench init myf rend! lol

-diksen kanin

 

[Wolfmanjack]

Not only the allies wore bullion.

Here is the uniform of an Admiral in the Kriegsmarine (WWII German Navy):

 

[p51]

I know for a fact you can’t wear that kind of insignia anymore. I bought a set of those LT bars when I was on active duty and was reamed royally for wearing them. I think bullion was last used in the 50s. I can’t recall seeing it used any later than that in photos. Back in the day, that was the preferred type of insignia, and up until WW1, metal ranks were made to simulate the look. For example, in the Spanish-American war, people wore the embroidered stuff if they could afford it, but the enlisted guys (especially among the Rough Riders) wore the metal fakes.

 

[Stearmen]

Gable

You are right when you say about Gable, "It's like the uniform was designed with him in mind"! They were, all his uniforms were custom tailored. Now lots of officers in WWII had there uniforms custom made. I have had them with lables from all over the world, even one from Perkins Shiers Colorado Springs, wonder if it was made for Gable? But his were above and beyond most of the others. I new a man that meant Gable when he was stationed at Camp Carson Colorado Springs, Colorado, he said he looked really good in his Pinks and Greens! By the way, lots of officers stayed off base, but Gable stayed at the Broadmoor 5 star hotel! He did risk his life flying missions with the 8th, there was even said to be a bounty on his head by old Adolph!

 

[Zemke Fan]

These will go on my "Chocolate" Class A Tunic...

When I get it custom made. (Can't find an original in 46L!)

8th Army Air Force (age unknown)

Desert Air Force (age unknown)

RAF Dress Mess wing (Post WWII, most likely)

Early USAF Command Pilot Wing (late 1940s, will add a gold border)

 

[Amor Badges]

Not only the allies wore bullion.

Here is the uniform of an Admiral in the Kriegsmarine (WWII German Navy):

Dear If you need bullion wire badges so we will provide you at ver very affordable price. Cap badges price is 3.50 US$

 

[Amor Badges]

These will go on my "Chocolate" Class A Tunic...

When I get it custom made. (Can't find an original in 46L!)

8th Army Air Force (age unknown)

Desert Air Force (age unknown)

RAF Dress Mess wing (Post WWII, most likely)

Early USAF Command Pilot Wing (late 1940s, will add a gold border)

Dear I saw your badges photos I am glad to inform you i am manufacture of bullion wire badges i have send you prices of your products if you need any other design so contact with me we provide you very affordable prices.
8th Army Air Force = 3.50Us$

Desert Air Force = 4.00US$

RAF Dress Mess wing = 8.00Per pair

Early USAF Command Pilot Wing = 6.00US$

If you need to ask me any thing so email me on my email.
Thanks
Salman Ali
info@amorbadges.com

 

[filfoster]

Just to pile on this old thread, embroidered insignia goes back to the Continental Army. Washington and other generals wore silver embroidered stars on their epaulettes (although I haven't been able to find any surviving examples of this).
Can anybody find out when the Army stopped permitting metal wire embroidered rank insignia? It was used at least through the Korean War and appears to have been a favorite 'fashion' item.

I've seen Westmoreland wearing rank embroidered directly onto his field unforms from the Vietnam era but not on a dress blouse.