This is one piece of hard to come by, U. S. Army 1957\'s issue, (first issued in 1957, and discontinued in 1967)United States Army50th Armored Division patch, (~3-1/2\" high by 4\" wide), 100% embroidered, with AG (Army Green) border, with standard cut edge, and no plastic backing,in brand new(never issued)direct from government contractor)conditionpatch.What you see is whatyouget.

This patch was made on agovernment contract in mid 1957 as a TIOH (Institute of Heraldry) sample, by BestEmblem (Denmark Military) at their Eveready Embroidery Jersey City, NJ factory. What you see is what you get.

The United States Army Institute of Heraldry, also known as The Institute of Heraldry (TIOH), (from 1918 to1960 as the Heraldic Program Office) is a Department of the Army that furnishes heraldic services to all the U. S. Armed Forces, U. S. government organizations, including the Executive Office of the President, in the development, standardization, quality control, and approval of all symbolic items, such as unit insignia, badges and awards. Samples are required for final approval, and are made by contract to various authorized manufacturers. In the case of embroidered insignia, the standard machine run of 280 pieces, far exceeded the TIOH contract, and are produced at a loss by the contractor. Therefor most authorized manufacturers didn\'t offer on these contract, since the only advantage was to have stock on hand if the item was approved.

Having sold my U. S. Military Insignia business (H. J. Saunders U. S. Military Insignia, Inc. - America\'s LargestRetail Insignia business) after35 years, in November 2003, I am now selling my personal collection, many of which are governmentcontractors samples, accumulated over the last 50 years.

NOTE: I willcombine shipping cost.

Nice insignia for anycollection. What you see is what you get.