BACKGROUND: Cap badges were usually made of white metal, brass, copper or bi-metal. Most commonly brass and white metal were used. With the shortage of ferrous metal towards the end of 1940, an alternative material was needed for the manufacture of cap badges. Rolled brass and bakelite were among the materials tested but it was cellulose acetate that was finally selected, as it was a modern plastic that could be used with injection molding equipment. The first cellulose acetate badges were produced in December of 1941and were limited to the corp. level, with the regimental level badges going into production in June of 1942. Since the average soldier preferred the metal badges over the plastic and they were produced for a short period of time, plastic cap badges can be fairly rare. The Army Catering Corps was formed in 1941 with the express orders "to feed the troops".

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A small injection molded, brown plastic, cap badge, about 1 1/2" by 7/8", consisting of two concentric circles with a steaming tureen (serving bowl) to the center and the text between "Army Catering Corp" surmounted by a King’s crown. The circular part of the badge was covered with a metallic paint that has mostly worn off although a few spots still remain. To the reverse are two flat alloy retaining tabs and the embossed markings "A Stanley & Sons," "Walsall." and the numbers "119" and "118." The obverse of the badge is discolored and slightly misshapen as if it was exposed to high heat but all the text is still legible.

GRADE**1/2                             PRICE $22.00