1558 EXTREMELY RARE MINIATURE US COMBAT INFANTRYMAN

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 900.00 USD
Estimated at 1,800.00 - 2,500.00 USD
BADGES IN GOLD FOR THE 5th, 6th, 7th, AND 8th AWARD OF THE CIB. These miniature Combat Infantry Badges in gold are just as rare as the larger versions. The miniatures were to be worn with formal dinner attire. The first 4 awards were in silver, and the gold badge was authorized by Army Regulation 672-5-1 in 1963 to represent the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th award. Although authorized, no gold award has been officially issued to a soldier. The silver CIB with 2 stars for the 3rd award has only been issued 325 times, and no soldier has ever earned the silver badge with 3 stars. The design for the gold badges was approved on the 11 October 1963. L.G. Balfour was awarded the contract to produce the badges on 15 May 1964. 12 samples of each of the large size badges, and 12 samples of each of the miniature size were produced by Balfour and sent to the Institute of Heraldry. The badge received final approval by Lt. Col. Steve G. Davis, Commanding Officer of the Institute of Heraldry on 10 May 1965. The badges are sterling silver with 1/10 10K gold plating. The background of the musket panel is blue Duco. The reverse on the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th awards are marked “BALFOUR 1/10 10K GF” for one tenth ten karat gold filled. The badges are 2 3/4” across. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: photocopies of information pertaining to the authorization and production of the 4 gold CIB awards. A copy of a letter from Balfour discussing production of the badges. A copy of shipping documents from Balfour to the Institute of Heraldry. CONDITION: all badges are in unissued condition. (02-20923/BF). $1,800-2,500.