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Description
UNUSUAL WWII U.S. ARMY STERLING SILVER IDENTIFICATION BRACELET WITH CHINESE CHARACTERS!
An interesting and historically significant World War II-era military identification bracelet, manufactured in sterling silver by Forstner Chain Company (FCC) and featuring an American serviceman's name, Army serial number, and an inscription in traditional Chinese characters.
The oval identification plate is professionally engraved:
ROBERT M. GIBBONS
羅伯特捷朋士 (tentative transcription)
33182168
The eight-digit identification number is consistent with the numbering system used for enlisted U.S. Army personnel during World War II.
The Chinese inscription appears to be a phonetic rendering of the serviceman's name. Particularly interesting is the elaborate first character, which corresponds to the traditional Chinese character used in the name Robert.
POSSIBLE CHINA-BURMA-INDIA (CBI) THEATER CONNECTION
During WWII, American military personnel serving in China sometimes carried identification bearing Chinese writing. This could help Chinese civilians or military personnel identify an American serviceman who was injured, unconscious, missing, or deceased.
The bilingual engraving on this bracelet suggests a possible connection to that practice. The exact military unit and service history of its original owner have not been established.
The reverse of the identification plate is clearly hallmarked FCC STERLING, identifying the American manufacturer Forstner Chain Company.
The professional engraving, original aged appearance, and unusual combination of English and Chinese lettering make this a particularly interesting piece of WWII military identification jewelry.
Condition
Offered AS FOUND, with original patina, surface wear, small marks, consistent with age and use.
IMPORTANT: THE BRACELET CHAIN IS INCOMPLETE. A portion of the original chain is missing, and the bracelet is not complete or ready for normal wear in its present condition.
The oval sterling identification plate remains intact, with the English lettering, Chinese characters, and Army identification number clearly visible.
The silver has not been polished, preserving its aged appearance.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the description.
An unusual piece of American military history, especially appealing to collectors of WWII identification bracelets, China-Burma-India Theater memorabilia, sterling silver military jewelry, and Chinese-language wartime identification.
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SHIPPING - PLEASE IF YOU ARE IN A HURRY I CAN SPEED SHIPPING TIME UP FOR YOU. JUST LET ME KNOW...I (USUALLY) USE USPS GROUND OR FIRST-CLASS IF UNDER A POUND. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO TRACK THE PACKAGE ALL THE WAY. HOWEVER, IF YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY AND HAVE ME PUT YOUR ITEM IN AN ENVELOPE (DEPENDING ON SIZE) AND SHIP WITHOUT TRACKING, LET ME KNOW AND I'LL CHANGE SHIPPING OPTIONS FOR YOU.IT COULD SAVE APPROX 2-3 DOLLARS BUT REMEMBER WE WOULD NOT HAVE TRACKING ON THE ITEM.EITHER WAY IS GOOD WITH ME. ALSO, I USE USPS 100 DOLLAR INSURANCE FOR MOST PACKAGES.IF YOU WANT TO UPGRADE LET ME KNOW AND DONOT PAY UNTIL I ADJUST FOR THE DIFFERENCE. IF YOU PAY WITHOUT COMMUNICATION,I'LL ASSUME THAT YOU'RE OK WITH THE 100 DOLLAR INSURANCE COVERAGE. I THINK THAT'S ALL THE SHIPPING STUFF, EGADS, MY HAND IS POOPED :)
OPPS, FORGOT THIS...I use USPS, and shipping is determined by weight and address. I do not add any handling fee or other nuisancefees. If you would like a different shipper, please let me know asap.
