PLEASE....I need some help with this

[Nancy-IL]

I found this deep in an old late 1800's yard in Illinois. I don't have a clue as to what it is. Larry thinks it's a collar button. Boy, I haven't a clue. Please help if you know what it is. Thanks so much and HH, Nancy
[attachment 143480 CIMG5480.jpg][attachment 143481 CIMG5482.jpg]

 

[Jim West Pa]

n/t

 

[FrankieG.]

I added a reply on the Relics forum-

Your item is a 1919 and later equipment marking disk used by the Army. These were attached to various accouterments issued to US soldiers such as haversacks, canteen covers, and cartridge belts. Often the disks would be stamped with the unit's number below the US

It is similar in appearance to the bronzed( darkened) collar disks worn on the Army's service coats from 1909-1920's. But the collar disks were made from a heavier brass and there was a screw post on the back.

 

[Nancy-IL]

Thanks Frankie, Do you think the post is missing? Can't figure why there would be a hole in the center of it also. And the back is so different than the ones I've seen on EBay, etc. The three fold over prongs hold the round washer type metal. Strange!!!!

Thanks for all the help and if anyone else can clear things up for me.

Nancy

 

[FrankieG.]

Hi Nancy, your item is complete as it was issued. There was no screw post on the equipment disk. It was affixed to field gear via the three prongs on the back. Those would have been unfolded, then placed on an item with the prongs piercing the canvas/ or webbing. The washer added security on the other side of the canvas then the three prongs were folded over. Here's a photo on a typical piece of equipment. These tags were used during the post WW I years.

On the hole, I have no clue. Maybe it was nailed up on something.

 

[FrankieG.]

Another photo

 

[Nancy-IL]

WOW, thank you so much for the pictures. NOW I understand. :blush: I'm not much of a war buff, but I'm learning. I was sick a lot during History classes. Now I wish I would have been there and paid a little more attention in class. Thanks again and HH, Nancy

 

[edjcox]

Looking closely at the metal hole you can make out the four edges of metal as anail pushed on throught. Agreed that this was nailed onto something at some pint for whatever reason.... The ID provided is spot on...

 

[dirtdigginlady]

Maybe it's a bullet hole instead of a nail hole. Or were there bullets that small then???

 

[Nancy-IL]

That's what it appears to be and it's sad that someone nailed it to something. Guess it's like when we were kids we would take the Mickey Mantle baseball card and clothespin it to our spokes. . Live and learn. Life is good. HH, Nancy

 

[binky]

nice gold token