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All:
I'm working on a display and I'm looking for collar tabs, and or patches related to the 148th Infantry during WWI. I recently acquired a 1912 US Army Model 1911 that belonged to a Major in the 148th Infantry out of Ohio and would like to have some other era related items for a display.
Please let me know if you have anything along that line.
Thanks, David
Regarding "collar tabs" do you mean officer related, officer of the 148th Infantry Regiment, or anything related to the Regiment? All of the metal insignia, (rank, U.S., branch devices) were distinctly different for enlisted and officer. The most difficult item to obtain would be officer infantry branch insignia with numerals "148" assembled. In regards to the officer collar insignia it would be far easier, and less expensive, to obtain plain (without the numerals) infantry collar insignia. The shoulder sleeve insignia, which was not generally worn until after the Armistice, should be for the 37th (Infantry) Division. No doubt sometime before he was discharged your man probably worn that SSI, or if transferred to a higher headquarters, the SSI representing whatever command he was assigned to. It is possible he may have changed branches, but if you intend to stay with insignia related to the 148th Infantry Regiment, whether he changed assignments would be irrelevant.
If you don't have any documents on your subject you should try to get what is available of his service records from the National Archives to get a better idea of his assignments, and etc.
There are a few sites that provide replica material for reenactors, that may be a source for displayable items, that could be obtained at a reasonable cost.
RT thank you for the information! Yeah, Leon E. Smith started in the Ohio National Guard as a private in 1901 in the Ohio 3rd Infantry Company K, rose in the rank of Major by 1907 still in 3rd Infantry K Company. In 1917 entering WWI the 3rd Infantry was re-designated the 148th Infantry, 74th Brigade, 37th Infantry Division. His application for a head stone when he passed away in 1952, he was listed as the Major of the Ohio 148th 2nd Battalion while in service.
I have acquired US-NG 3rd Inf K disc, brass US insignia. I would love a 148th disc but that may be a pipe dream. I'm sure what he would have worn while in action in France?
Pictures found here: https://plus.google.com/photos/11044...CKOKnrfMnODqfQ
RT I reread your response, I think I have it now. Only other questions would be, regarding the collar disc's, I will go with a simple Infantry one, the other one should be US or the US/NG (he was a Ohio National Guard resource pulling active duty)? When and where would the brass US ones been worn?
The illustrations show the basic insignia and uniforms of the U.S. Army IAW the 1912 regulations, and changes that mostly occurred during the Great War.
Illustration 1 (borrowed from The World War One Collector's Handbook, page 11) shows the enlisted collar discs on the left and the officers insignia on the right. I invite your attention to the illustrations of the collars as to the placement of the insignia.
Attachment 58711
Illustration of officer insignia (from reprint Army and Navy Store Co., Inc. catalog, 1918) The insignia illustrated was pin back. Officers, especially infantry, cavalry, and artillery, often ordered their branch devices with the regimental or battalion number attached.
Attachment 58712
Illustration of officer service uniform which was made in both drab wool and cotton versions. (from reprint M.C. Liilley catalog No. 24, circa 1918, ) All of the metal insignia, except the rank insignia on the epaulets, was "bronzed" dark brown.
Attachment 58713
Illustration of officer in dress uniform, all ranks except generals, which was made in blue wool. The only metal insignia worn was the branch device on the cuff in gilt. Rank was indicated by the number of braids on the cuff.
Attachment 58710
RT good stuff, thank you! David