Description

US NAVY SPECIALIST MARK – PRINTER/Lithographer Patch

Celebrate a piece of naval history with the US Navy Specialist Mark – Printer/Lithographer Patch. This collectible insignia represents a bygone era of naval craftsmanship and dedication, making it a must-have for military enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Key Features:

• Historical Significance: Represents the Printer trade from 1883 to 1955, later merged into the Lithographer specialty.
• Authentic Design: Features a black wool rectangle with a white embroidered open book, symbolizing the printing trade.
• Distinctive Appearance: Worn above seaman’s stripes or between the top chevron and eagle’s talons on the rating badge for petty officers.
• Collector’s Item: Ideal for those interested in Navy history, Korean War, World War 2 memorabilia, and vintage military uniforms.

The US Navy Specialist Mark – Printer/Lithographer Patch is a testament to the Navy’s evolving needs for in-ship printing capabilities, crucial for producing orders, correspondence, and official documents. Established as a formal trade insignia in 1883, it was recognized by General Order No. 409 in 1893, aligning it with other Navy trade badges. In 1942, BPCL 107-42 reorganized trade insignia, merging the Printer mark into the Lithographer mark, reflecting the integration of printing and lithography functions within naval operations. By 1955, the Printer mark was fully absorbed, marking the end of its standalone existence.

This patch not only signifies expertise in the printing trade but also serves as a historical artifact that highlights the Navy’s commitment to skilled craftsmanship and operational efficiency. Whether you’re a collector of insignia and patches, a history buff, or someone with a personal connection to the Navy, this patch offers a tangible link to the past.

If researching a specific service member, consider exploring the Navy Department Library’s ZB (Personnel) files and the Navy Memorial’s Navy Log for service records and additional context on the usage of the printer mark.

Additional information