The Volvellery

Army-Navy Insignia Guide
No maker listed
1942; 4 1/8” Ø 

This volvelle shows the various stars and stripes denoting Army & Navy officers. I love that the rotation, in addition to naming the rank, shows the actual wrist, arm, or shoulder ornaments (there are two possible location for both the Army & Navy — you can see the other possibilities in this view of the general’s and admiral’s uniforms). Right below “(© 1942) New York, N.Y.” (beneath Navy guy) something is scratched out. Maybe this named the maker? I wonder why it’s scratched out.  Below that is a large white space for an individual shop to stamp their name and address, and Sidney L. Stiglitz of 117 West 33rd Street has done just that with elaborate lettering, and including their phone number complete with exchange.

I love the array of pins around the two officers and that Army Guy’s hat sticks outside the circle. I also love that they’re not looking at each other or acknowledging each other in any way, Navy Fellow just holding his binoculars and Army Guy his right glove, each staring off in a different direction.

PS: Hey, I finally got a scanner! Now I can make better pics of all but the biggest volvelles.