Ext. Rare WWI US Public Health Service NURSE Hat Badge

This is a scarce World War I era United States Public Health Service Nurse Hat Badge. Although Nursing had been a part of the US Military since the Civil War, WWI brought about the need for full time, organized, Nursing, and the U.S. Public Health Service was one of the first branches of government service to set up a Nurse "Corps", and this extremely rare hat badge is what a USPHS Nurse woudl have worn on her dress unifomr. The insignia was resurrected in WWII, larger, in wartime solid silver, and with the correctly facing eagle of that period, for the USPHS Nurse Cadet Corps. Originally established for the treatment of ailing mariners, the Public Service was originally a network of marine hospitals that became known as the Marine Hospital Service in 1870. In 1902 an even longer name was adopted (Public Health and Marine Hospital Service), but in 1912 the agency adopted its shorter, modern name (Public Health Service). The badge shows an eagle perched upon a shield behind which an anchor and a caduceus are crossed.

Circa World War I.

Approximately 1-5/8" in height and 1-13/16" in width.

Silver plated brass.

Single screw post with partially sleeved disc backing, washer, stabilization posts.

None.

This is from a United States Public Health Service collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. MBEX13 LCIEX9/13 SLEGEX8/18 SEIEX8/18

8 (Excellent-): The badge has hardly any wear.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.