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Topic: PT Boat Pin |
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timreidy
New Member
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Posted on: Apr 6, 2007 - 1:48pm
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Does anyone have any information on PT Boat Pins. I came across one in my grandfather's belonging and was wondering what they were for or who wore them? It is not the traditional JFK one you often see on Ebay. It is about an inch and a half and is sterling silver. Seems to be an ELCO Pt model as well.
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Apr 6, 2007 - 8:39pm
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These PT Boat Pins came in two colors. The enlisted men wore the Sterling Silver Pins and the Officers the Gold Color. It is said that an enlisted man while stationed at melville had a dad who was a jewler. His Dad made a few of the pins and this man sold them for a few bucks to the other guys. Of course, the Elco Naval Division had their own made up and where distributed to visitors both naval and other dignitaries alike. Melville had them for sale I understand in the Ships Store and many Crews had them presented at Commissioning Ceromonies. Several types were cast during WWII and Higgins Industries made their own as well other small boat builders. The US NAVY never reconized the pins as part of the Navy Uniform, but Sailors and Officers alike wore them with pride. I am sure your dad was very proud of that pin.
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timreidy
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Posted on: Apr 7, 2007 - 8:38am
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My grandfather was an officer however and I noticed the PT Boats, Inc. sells them in the ship store. So I almost wonder if he got it years later from them?
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Frank J Andruss Sr
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Posted on: Apr 7, 2007 - 12:40pm
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Many Officers had the sterling silver ones as well. The ones I have came from at least 3 Officers and they are all sterling. I have several types, so do not assume what you have is a cheap makeover. The real ones say STERLING SILVER on them and the word ELCO as well on the back. Some real ones do not say Elco or Sterling Silver, but were also sold during WWII. Different waves on the back of the Pin were also made. Take the piece to a Jewler if you are not sure. Some even had a number stamped on the back, while others had a closed pin clamp to secure it to the uniform or were made as a tie clasp.
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