Roller ball with army background

[cjaussiepens]

Rollerball made from "ringed" Budgeroo which is a fairly rare wood to find. What I would really like to know is something about the military patch and badges used in the pic. These came in a box of tools etc that I bought from an Ex- American that lived down the road from me. He was a real skilled craftsman who is no longer with us. Would be thrilled if someone could shed some light on this for me. Many thanks........Cj ....

 

[cdat]

The cloth patch is a a designation of rank, in the case a Specialist 5, commonly known as a Spec 5 or speedy 5. This rank correspondes to an E5 or Buck Sergeant. The round brass collar emblem represents the signal branch or communications branch. I cannot make out what the other metal piece is, if you have a better pic send it to me and I will take a look. Nice pen btw.

 

[NailBndr]

The other piece of metal is an FFA pin (future farmers of america).

 

[cjaussiepens]

Thanks fellas, It fits into what I know about him, as he worked over here for our telephone network. Wish I had some way of finding his family over there. His name was Larry Campbell. Regards, Cj ..........

 

[Mudder]

Originally posted by cdat
<br />The cloth patch is a a designation of rank, in the case a Specialist 5, commonly known as a Spec 5 or speedy 5. This rank correspondes to an E5 or Buck Sergeant. The round brass collar emblem represents the signal branch or communications branch. I cannot make out what the other metal piece is, if you have a better pic send it to me and I will take a look. Nice pen btw.

You are correct on the patch and insignia. One point of information: There was a specialist rank for E-4, E-5, E-6 & E-7 commenly called,
spec 4, spec 5, spec 6 & spec 7 but all but the spec 4 rank was eliminated in the late 80's. This is similar to the "teck" ranks of the WWII era.

Scott

 

[Efletche]

To the right of the Spec 5 patch appear to be a patch (or patches) of bars. In this case two. These appear to be the stripes worn on the sleeve to indicate the time served in the military. Each stripe equal to three years; giving a total of six years service.

 

[cjaussiepens]

Thanks for the extra info fellas, I realise that I should have put this is the casual topics, but at the time I thought it would be a slim chance that anyone would be able to help. I really appreciate it. I will continue my search. cheers ..........Cj ........