Liberty Insignia Display Board of WWI Insignia. – SOLD

Description

Liberty Insignia Display Board of WWI Insignia.

I have found very little information on Liberty Insignia Corp. from Amherst, New York, other than the company is listed in a list of U.S. military insignia manufacturers WWI- thru WWII to current.

This collection of insignia was was purchased by me back in 2019, and I have been looking to add to this display in hopes of completing it once again since several of the desirable pieces had been sold off. There are differences in construction of the pin and catch on these pieces, suggesting that Liberty may have purchased some of these items from other firms, or that Liberty was the source for others.

Concerning the rank insignia; nearly all are marked STERLING, and have what has become known as the “TIFFANY & CO. style locking “C” catch. Only one other, non rank insignia is the chaplain’s cross with locking catch, but not hallmarked Sterling.  All of the rank are solid backed, and here is the list with descriptions:

• (across the top row), on either end are oak leaves, heavily toning, Lt.Colonels rank Pair,  Sterling, locking catches.  27mm high.
• (across the top row), single generals star, plain, with locking catch.  Toned, and 30mm.
• (same), single generals star, false bullion/engraved, same as above. Missing the “C” catch.
• (same), at the center is the chaplain’s cross, with locking catch. Not sterling.  30mm high.
• (2nd row down from top), gilt 2nd lieutenant bar with engraved twisted border, locking catch, Not sterling. 27mm.
• (same), second in from both sides are a Pair of coffin shaped 1st lieutenants bars, locking, and Sterling hallmarked. 27mm each.
• (same), third in from both sides are a Pair of coffin shaped 1st lieutenants bars with lip around borders, same as above.
• (same), 4th from the left side, one 1st lieutenant bar, coffin shaped, same as above.
• (same), at center is a majors oak leaf rank, toned, with gilt showing on the edges on reverse. same locking catch and Sterling.
• (3rd row down from top),  1st from left side in captain rank, coffin shaped, toned bright finish, locking catch, Sterling.  27mm.
• (same), 1st from right side in, captain rank, same as above except in bronze finish.
• (same), 2nd from left side in, captain rank, false bullion/engraved coffin shaped, toned bright finish.
• (same), 2nd from right side in, captain rank, false bullion/engraved coffin shaped, bronze/dark finish.
• (same), 3rd from left side in, captain rank, coffin shaped with lip around borders, bronze/dark finish.

The next insignia are all the same with the exception of the eagle cap insignia, having a light brown/grayish bronze finish, with the pin bright metal, as well as the “C” catches.

• (4th row down from top), 1st from the left, Coast Artillery Corps officer collar insignia, No hallmark. 45mm
• (same), 1st from right, Field Artillery officer collar insignia, same as above.
• (same), 2nd from left, Unassigned officer collar insignia, bronze finish.  27mm.
• (same), second from right side, “U.S.” collar insignia with chamfered edges, bronze. 30mm long.
• (center), officer eagle cap insignia. Typical dark bronze finish with screw post and thumb nut. No hallmarks, and atypical look for this maker, and possibly an improper addition. 55mm
• (5th row down from top), first in from left, signal officer insignia, bronze, 34mm.
• (same), second in from left, ordnance officer insignia, bronze finish, 26mm.
• (same), third in from left, tank corps officer insignia, bronze finish, 46mm.
• (same), first in from right, quartermaster corps officer collar insignia, bronze finish, 26mm.
• (same), third in from right, chemical corps officer collar insignia, bronze finish, 46mm long.
• (2nd from the bottom), 3rd in from the left, machine gun officer insignia, bronze finish, 50mm.
• (same), cuff and coat sized buttons, with attaching loops, hallmarked “krementz/ Liberty Bronze.”  15mm and 28mm.
• (bottom row), cavalry officer collar insignia, bronze finish, 54mm. Slightly misshapen.

The velvet, once black in collar has turned brown, leaving the original color lying beneath the insignia that remained for many years. the missing items and there identification can clearly be made out. The only other piece to this collection is the original gilt company plaque that was most likely attached to the display frame. It is 4 1/16 inches long. Shows some wear, but overall in very good condition. The wood backing for the board is gone.

As I mention, I tried for over 3 plus years to locate other such insignia, that being the collar insignia with the bright pins and catches and the same color (brown/grayish) finish.  I located one other CAC officer collar insignia, and it was missing the pin.

I hope some insignia collector with undertake the task of completing this, and as for now, it will remain a collection.

Priced most reasonably per piece on average.