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6 Facts About Military Challenge Coins You Didn’t Know

February 8, 2019 By PNR Leave a Comment

Challenge Coin Facts

Military challenge coins have an interesting history and can be used as reminders of special events or friends. Here are some facts you need to know about them.

Challenge coins can be offered by superior officers to members who are participating in a specific program or mission. These medallions are typically two inches wide and made of metal. It’s not uncommon for them to be traded between personnel and have seen an increasing popularity to commemorate events outside of the military.

If you’re new to the concept of challenge coins or if you’ve just received your first one, you should get to know what they’re all about. Here are six facts about military challenge coins that you probably didn’t know.

1. Military Challenge Coins Are Collector’s Items

Go to any flea market or military supply show and you’re sure to come across a few display cases worth of challenge coins. Every coin has its own story and they are often tied to the history of a particular mission, unit, or organization. Because they’re fairly easy to produce, offices can produce enough to distribute to every member.

While there are rare coins are made of solid gold, while others are made of cheaper brass or zinc.

Some coins will be rarer than others. This is fairly easy to discern from the content of the coin itself. If the coin commemorates an event or a unit you’ve never heard of, there might have been only a few produced.

Coins that are rarer will yield a higher value and carry a special premium to any collector who receives one.

If you know of anyone who was in the military, they might have a coin or two that are sitting and collecting dust under the bed. Ask around so you can start building your collection.

2. History Buffs Love Challenge Coins

If you or anyone you know has a deep love of history and military campaigns, challenge coins can be great centerpieces for conversation.

History buffs might know that military challenge coins were given out in ancient Rome after a soldier returned from a particularly serious battle. They were replaced with other symbols until the first World War where one rich lieutenant made them for his own unit.

During that war, one soldier rescued by American allies was assumed to be German or to be a spy. The only piece of identification he had was the bronze coin his lieutenant had offered him.

By presenting his coin, he was supposedly spared from death at the hands of his own country’s allies. This is what gave them the name “challenge coins” and made them a practical and powerful instrument in the fog of war.

3. They Are Expected To Be Presented

The instances of being presented with a challenge where you have to show your coin are rare and specific. To increase morale, troops decided to find other reasons to have to present them. One is a game where the last person to put down their military challenge coin on the table needs to buy the next round of drinks.

This comes from a German drinking tradition where one person calls for everyone to put a penny or pfennig on the table.

While there were still some instances where the coins would need to be used for identification, over time it became more of a morale booster. You could be a bar and suddenly hear a cacophony of slams and realize it’s time to slam your own on the table.

4. Coins Can Be A Recruiting Tool

Inside and outside of the military, challenge coins can be used to recruit new members. They are passed during a handshake to tell new members that they are one of the in-crowd.

They provide a symbolic representation of achievements and alliances to be made by joining a group. It could be something as clandestine as a secret society or something as important as a fire department.

Even though they were created to acknowledge the service of military staff, they are now used in civilian life for all kinds of recruitment efforts.

5. They Commemorate Civilian Events

Military challenge coins no longer need to be tied to war and conflict. They can be used by companies to recognize the achievements of their best sales staff. As the price to produce them has decreased, they can even be used for something like commemorating a stag trip or family reunion.

Even within the military, the exchange of coins is more tied to camaraderie and social networking than for their identifying purpose. You will still find some groups keeping up the tradition of the drink-buying challenge.

You now find interesting custom logos from organizations, corporations, and social clubs all throughout the challenge coin world. They can now be found honoring people who reach a special executive or cultural achievement as often as they’ll be given out within the military.

6. Most Presidents Have a Special One

Since the 1990s, presidents have been creating and handing out their own challenge coins. They will make one version available in gift shops and for the general public.

The last few vice presidents have also produced their own challenge coins to hand out in honor of some civilians.

If you ever get recognized by the president for your contributions to the country, expect to be handed one directly from them.

Military Challenge Coins Create History

When someone commissions a challenge coin for their company, association, or military group, they are creating a marker of history. Each person who receives one is known to have a special connection to the event or the organization depicted on the coin. This makes everyone involved feel uniquely tied to an elite group of people.

PITCH AND RUDDER SERVICES

Making custom quality challenge coins and Military belt buckles are our specialty. If you’re interested in getting a designing a custom buckle or Quality Challenge coin for your Division, Command, or Mess we’ve streamlined the process, click the get started link at the bottom of the page and someone from our design team will be with you within 48 hours to bring your vision to life.

Naval History

February 6, 2019 By PNR Leave a Comment

STILL ONE OF THE GREATEST AVIATION MYSTERIES!

Growing up my dad told me about this!

THE MYSTERY OF FLIGHT 19!

5 December 1945, at about 1410, Five Navy TBM Avenger torpedo bombers carrying 14 men, were to fly to the Hens and Chickens shoals in the Bahamas to practice and then return to the Fort Lauderdale Naval Air Station.

It was supposed to be a routine navigation exercise and mock bombing run.

But 90 minutes after takeoff, squadron commander Lt. Charles C. Taylor reported that he was lost. The weather and sea conditions got worse as the evening wore on.

Over the next three hours, he mistakenly led Flight 19 far out to sea, where the planes apparently ran out of fuel and crashed.

That was on 5 December 1945, several months after the end of WWII.

A search was launched for the 5 lost planes, with units of the Navy, Army and Coast Guard, to scour the sea for the lost NAS Aircraft. Flight 19 remains one of the great aviation mysteries.

The pilots’ ultimate fate was never determined, nor was the fate of thirteen other men sent out to search for their lost shipmates.

Within minutes of learning of the squadron’s predicament, two PBM Mariner flying boats were dispatched from NAS Banana River in Melbourne carrying rescue equipment.

Less than a half hour after take-off, at approximately 1930, 5 December, one of the PBM’s radioed the tower that they were nearing Flight 19’s last assumed position.

After sending one more position report the rescue plane and its crew of thirteen was never heard from again.

Numerous Navy Units and Sailors participated in the massive search for the missing planes.

Frank Dailey, a Naval Reserve Captain flew in a PBY-5 seaplane. He recalled that for “three days, six hours a day, they plowed up and down the whole coast of Florida, looking for wreckage but we never saw a thing.”

It was one of the largest air and sea searches in history involving hundreds of ships and planes: search and rescue crews covered more than 200,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, while on land they combed Florida’s interior in the hopes of solving the puzzle of what became known as Flight 19, the Lost Squadron, and the Lost Patrol.

Combined units joined in the search, as authorities pushed efforts to locate the missing planes. Scouring practically every mile of open water off the coast, were six planes from the Third Air Force, 120 planes from the Navy Air Advanced Training Command and aircraft from the Air Transport Command, the Boca Raton Army Air Field, the Coast Guard and the RAF in Nassau.

In addition, dozens of Navy and Coast Guard surface craft joined in the hunt.

The search was directed from the Coast Guard Headquarters of the Seventh Naval District in Miami.

Lt. Dave White, who was a Senior Flight Instructor at NASFL, remembers that fateful day, as he was playing bridge when he heard a knock on the door of his friend’s house: “It was the duty officer, and he said all flight instructors were due at the hangar at 0500 because five planes were missing.”

For the next three days, Lt. White, his assistant instructor and 20 of his students flew up and down the Florida coast at low altitudes, but they couldn’t find a trace of the Sailors or the wreckage.

Today, he’s convinced the planes rammed into rough seas about 60 miles east of Daytona Beach: “I don’t think anybody got out of their planes at all. I don’t think anybody survived.”

He likened hitting the ocean at high speed to “hitting a brick wall.”

Lt. White remains mystified as he has mentioned: “The leader was an experienced combat pilot, these were reliable planes in good condition, and it was a routine training mission. We were alerted to look around the islands and to keep searching the water for debris. They just vanished. We had hundreds of planes out looking, and we searched over land and water for days, and nobody ever found the bodies or any debris.”

Die casting VS Die Struck Lapel pins

January 22, 2019 By PNR Leave a Comment

Beautiful lapel pins interest collectors. They may become highly prized pieces of personal jewelry. Today, these items occur in a dizzying array of customized shapes and materials. Have you wondered about differences between die cast and die struck products? Both manufacturing methods offer advantages and disadvantages.

Die Casting Lapel Pins

The process of casting originated centuries ago. In the simplest form, an artisan created a mold and filled the interior with molten metal. As the hot liquid gradually cooled, it assumed the same dimensions as the mold cavity and gradually solidified into a new solid shape. Today, a variety of inexpensive (and expensive) materials comprise permanent or temporary molds for casting purposes.

Die casting represents a modern, mass production approach to the traditional casting process. A manufacturer forces hot, molten material (plastic or metal) under pressure into a lubricated mold cavity formed by the union of at least two hollowed, specially tooled customized steel “dies” which join together. In a factory setting, this process may occur in an automated assembly line. The dies typically contain a gating system of channels allowing molten material to enter the die cavities at several points so they fill uniformly.

The molten material remains under pressure until it hardens into a solid shape. The mold then opens and ejector pins release the castings and their attached gating system remnants. The manufacturer during the final stage of the manufacturing process will remove the unwanted excess material from the product for recycling. This process creates finely finished, comparatively inexpensive, die cast lapel pins. Mass producing lapel pins in this way offsets the high cost of creating permanent custom metal dies. Although the dies will eventually wear out, they allow multiple recasting.

The Pros And Cons of Die Casting

Modern die casting generates many finely detailed, intricately shaped lapel pins. The use of pressure to fill the dies with molten material facilitates the production of high volumes of identical pins. With any casting process, some individual castings remain unsuitable for use because air bubbles become trapped inside the molten material and leave defects on the surface when they escape. However, manufacturers can usually recycle pins which fail to meet quality control standards.

The creation of custom lapel pins through die casting requires the careful tooling of detailed steel dies for use in the casting process. This step contributes to the expense involved. However, the ability to create large numbers of pins using this production method may offset these costs; purchasing pins in volume often becomes very cost-effective when customers select die casting manufacturing methods.

Additionally, manufacturers sometimes must perform additional processing called “finishing” to complete each pin. This may involve grinding away excess material which hardened in the gating system by hand. Removing this material helps create a smooth, pleasing surface. Often after casting, pins undergo additional surface treatments to help add colors or glossy polishes to multi-colored parts.

Die Struck Lapel Pins

Centuries ago, blacksmiths sometimes used a forge and heavy tools to physically shape and bend heated metal items. For example, by periodically reheating and hammering the material, craftsmen could form metal into a variety of useful forms, such as horseshoes, knives and plates. The process of creating a die struck lapel pin analogizes closely with this ancient form of manufacturing.

Since lapel pins usually represent a comparatively lightweight, thin item, manufacturers usually create these products today using a machine called an “automated stamping press”. It shapes and stamps metal or plastic with the assistance of one or more customized dies. Instead of filling a hollowed die cavity under pressure, the manufacturer relies instead upon dies positioned within the stamping press (or a series of stamping presses on an assembly line) to physically change the shape of the work piece, transforming it into a finely detailed finished product.

Today, automation permits the production of large runs of die struck lapel pins. The customized stamping dies will eventually wear out, too. However, they may generate a high volume of uniformly shaped pins comparatively rapidly.

The Pros And Cons of Die Struck Lapel Pins

The use of a stamping press to manufacture custom lapel pins does require careful individual attention to the creation of specific pin designs. The manufacturer must decide upon the correct order of the use of different individual dies to cut, bend and stamp out the final product as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. Today, many stamping machines utilize computer-assisted drafting software programs to perform this complex process.

Just as with die casting, completing surface treatments during the finishing stage permits the creation of multi-colored, finely polished pins. Some pins with options such as moving parts require assembly after die stamping. Highly automated modern die stamping technology helps keep the cost of producing large volumes of die struck lapel pins reasonable, however.

One advantage of using die struck lapel pins involves the absence of air bubbles trapped inside the material. Stamping during manufacturing actually helps harden metal pins, for instance. However, stamping usually works best on lightweight pins which won’t require extensive re-shaping.

Die Casting or Die Struck?

Whether to use die casting or die struck manufacturing methods ultimately rests with the best judgement of the person placing an order for customized lapel pins. Manufacturers employ quality control inspections to ensure allpins meet the customer’s specifications. The size and weight of a pin and its constituent materials, plus any extra options, may all enter into pricing considerations.

In the past, both manufacturing methods have created some exceedingly beautiful lapel pins. Many clubs, youth organization, charities and sports teams order lapel pins in high volumes to assist with their fundraising efforts. These items can offer a very cost-effective way to promote an organization’s activities and name recognition, while also furnishing supporters with a treasured collectible jewelry accessory.

PITCH AND RUDDER SERVICES

Making custom quality challenge coins and Military belt buckles are one of our specialties. If you’re interested in getting a designing a custom buckle or Quality Challenge coin for your Division, Command, or Mess we’ve streamlined the process, click the get started link at the bottom of the page and someone from our design team will be with you within 48 hours to bring your vision to life. When your working with us, we want to be as transparent as possible if you’re looking for shirts, you are going to be working with Chuck’s and his Team, If you’re working with metal you will be working with Grady’s Team. If your interested in making something awesome in metal, so hot you need glove to put it on your belt check out Pitch and Rudders Custom Military Belt Buckles.

Patches, who needs something cool!!

January 22, 2019 By PNR Leave a Comment

The Patch is Back

Embroidered patches, woven patches, and custom patches are a fun, creative way to add a dash of individuality to any piece of clothing. School uniforms, work clothes, casual outfits, and everything in between are fair game for patches.

But it’s not just about clothing. Companies use custom patches of all kinds to emblazon their brand name and/or logo onto laptop cases, jackets, tee shirts, sweatshirts, award sashes, and more.

Patches are Easy to Apply and Look Great

For decades, travelers have even collected patches from places all over the world and added them to luggage and garments as a way to show where they’ve been. Patches are fast, eye-catching way to convey key information. That’s one reason businesses large and small use embroidered patches and woven patches for promotional purposes and employee awards.

It’s easy to add one or more patches to clothing or anything else because a quick burst of heat from an household iron does the trick. Some people prefer to sew patches onto garments, which also works well. Once on, patches stay put, don’t fade and always add a touch of class and uniqueness to the item they adorn.

The Many Kinds of Patches

What’s the difference between embroidered and woven types of patches? What are “merrowed edges” and die-cut patches? These are important terms that people should know about before buying patches for their clothing or personal items.

Embroidered

patches:

These types of patches are considered “old school” and typically have both raised text and raised designs. People who prefer a traditional, highly textured look tend to opt for this kind of patch.

Woven patches:

Patches that are woven are thinner than embroidered ones, flat, and contain no raised designs or text. That’s because lettering and design is actually woven right into the material rather than being on top of it (as is the case with embroidery).

Merrowed edges

Most patches produced since the 1960s have merrowed edges, which means the edge of the patch is completely covered with over-edge stitching. After cutting and embroidering a patch, the over-lock stitching is added to prevent the edges from fraying. A bit of history: The name “merrow” comes from the inventor of the “over-stitch” sewing machine in 1868, Joseph Millard Merrow, who at the age of 20 forever changed the world of sewing when he came up with a way to “seal off” the top of men’s socks. Today, standard sewing machines are used, but the term “merrowed edge” survives.

Once NASA used a merrowed patch for its Gemini 8 mission crew patches in 1966, the merrowed version became the standard patch for corporate and specialty use. Since those days, the majority of patches have merrowed rather than cut edges that leave extra fabric outside the sewn perimeter of the patch.

Die-cut patches:

Patches with no borders that are finely cut into a specific shape are die-cut. Die-cutting is routinely used on patches that have an odd, or non-standard shape, as with patches in the shape of an animal, a person’s likeness, or a geometric representation. Standard shapes like circles , squared and rectangles typically have merrowed edges, while non-standard patches are die-cut.

Maybe you need a little more than standard?

Screen-print patches:

When there is a lot of detail on a patch, and neither embroidering nor weaving is a good option, patches can be done as screen prints.

Glow-in-the-dark patches:

For people who spend time outdoors after dark, like runners, bicyclists, members of walking clubs and even late-evening hikers, glow-in-the-dark patches are not only great looking but functional. When safety is a concern, a glowing patch delivers value and a completely unique look.

Versatility

Patches have always been popular with clubs and corporations because they carry a distinctive look and are versatile. It’s easy to apply a patch to bags, garments, hats, luggage, and virtually anything a person wears or carries. Patches come in all colors and an infinite variety of custom designs, are the perfect showcase for a company logo, an award designation or a charitable cause. A quick glance at any Boy Scout’s or police officer’s uniform is a fast lesson in the many types of patches in use.

Ease of attachment is one reason patch enthusiasts love custom patches of all kinds. The two most common ways to apply a patch are heat and Velcro. A common iron activates the adhesive on the back of a patch and permanently affixes it in a matter of minutes. Velcro-back patches are also quite popular. There are several other ways to attach patches, like sewing, but heat-activated backing and Velcro are by far the most common methods.

Patches add style and individuality wherever they turn up. Whether woven or embroidered, a simple patch conveys a wealth of information in a very small space. That’s why so many corporations use patches for brand visibility and identity. Individuals use patches to spruce up outfits and add a unique flair to any item. Patches are back, and they’re here to stay!

“Why is the star on the Senior Chief and Master Chief anchors upside down?”

January 22, 2019 By PNR 2 Comments

Why is the star on the Senior Chief and Master Chief anchors upside down?”

And I was asked this again recently.

That’s a good question……

Most of what I have in my reference materials point to an unknown reason for them pointing down. In other words there is no reason…..that’s just the way the uniform boards at the time made them.

If you look at the Navy Officer’s uniform the stars on their uniforms are also upside down.

There are a couple of speculative reasons that I have read in various references:

1. The inverted star, like the one on the Medal of Honor, is considered a symbol of honor for those who “give all” for the service of their country .

2. The inverted star is used to show a position of responsibility but is inverted so as not to confuse it with the upright star reserved for use by Flag Officers.

Chief petty officer stars were introduced with the creation of Senior Chief Petty Officer and Master Chief Petty Officer in 1958.

The Senior and Master Chief stars were modeled after the officer’s star.

When I made Senior Chief an old crusted Master Chief told me the star was upside down….so information could flow down the star onto the lower chain of command. The top was open showing that the Senior Chief and Master Chief were open-minded.

Also you will note that the MCPON’s insignia has an upright star added as the third star on the metallic collar and cap insignia…a reference to his special command status and set apart from other Command and Fleet Master Chief ‘s.