Field Guide to Hallmarks and Buttonbacks of US Military Insignia

This is the most comprehensive book on hallmarks and button backs that have been used on Military Insignia and buttons since the early 1800’s. While a number of books have been written on hallmarks used by jewelry manufacturers it seems that the military has been forgotten. Yet medals and insignia are the jewelry of the military. The processes to manufacturer medals and insignia are the same as jewelry. Some jewelry companies did make insignia but a vast majority of insignia manufactures did not make jewelry so their hallmarks were never cataloged in any books. This 3rd edition has grown once again to cover more manufacture and includes not only companies within the USA but also companies that made insignia for the US Military overseas. It now includes many marks on the backs of buttons going back to the early 1800's. Were possible background information is provided on the companies listed. In some cases only the company name is shown with a hope that in the future readers will supply additional information and hallmarks for future editions. Also listed as an appendix is a list of WWII German manufacturers and their official hallmarks. Another Appendix is a complete index of all US Army Institute of Heraldry assigned code numbers. This 4th edition one again has added more hallmarks and many more button back marks. By far the most complete book on this subject with hundreds of photo's and considered by many to be the bible on this subject.