13th Coast Artillery NYNG- Proficiency Shield SOLD

Description

A badge that I am not familiar with, came from the Robert Burrell Collection, and identified as the 13th Coast Artillery National Guard New York proficiency shield “Pre- 1917.”  Bob’s collection was extensive and he was a meticulous researcher so I have to bow to that reputation and go with the identification of this piece.

In researching I found that this badge made by John Frick Jewelry Company, that indeed this company was in business beginning in 1910 from New York City, and makers of sterling medals, trophies, and small items.

The piece is 32mm high, and most likely worn on the collar (the insignia is set up with screw back thumb nut just like a lapel pin.  Not much bigger than Marksman buttons worn on the collars.

It is made of gilt brass, and red enamel.

This unit was re-designated from the  22nd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment to the 13th Heavy Artillery Regiment 8 February 1900. Re-designated 13th Coast Artillery Corps, NY NG 1 September 1906. Re-designated 13th Artillery District 23 January 1908. Re-designated 13th Coast Defense Command, NY NG CAC 10 August 1914. Mustered into federal service 16 July 1917 and assigned to the Coast Defenses of Southern New York.   Six of twelve companies transferred to the 59 Artillery,  Coast Artillery Corps, served in France, returned to the US and mustered out in early 1919.Mustered out 7 December 1918. Reorganized as 13th CDC, NY NG 17 August 1919; re-designated 245th Artillery, CAC NY NG 1 January 1924.

There is no doubt that the shield was used from 1910 at the earliest to no later than 1924.

The main shape of the 13th CA unit insignia is a red shield outlined in gilt.

A scarce badge.