Blazer Badges, United States Merchant Marine Academy

Blazer Badges, United States Merchant Marine Academy

Ca. Unknown, perhaps early 2000s. ex-David Linwood Geyer, USMMA '44. Obituary claims 1944, old Alumni Association newsletter states 1943, present 1944; not present in 1944 Midships.

After Mr. Geyer graduated from USMMA, he went to work for United States Lines followed by Wm. Chelsea, Ltd. At the latter he designed neckties, gentlemen's scarves, and blazer badges; the company itself was a supplier of these items to private schools, colleges and universities, and clubs. These badges may have been of his design.

These blazer badges may very well be one-offs and perhaps offered to alumni of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Although the central device is that of the old United States Maritime Service cap badge, the crest is originally that of the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps - later the United States Merchant Marine Academy (and USMS).  The motto, "Acta Non Verba" (Latin: "Deeda not Words") is that of the Academy.

One of the badges shows evidence that prong-attachments pierced the back. The threads are natural and synthetic along with gold bullion and silver-plated French wire.