Up until the mid-1980s, the United States Coast Guard issued ornamented belt buckles featuring the Enlisted and Officer insignia worn on Garrison Caps as well as insignia for different types of certification (Cutterman, Coxswain, etc.). Additionally, silver belt buckles with Coast Guard cutter profiles were issued. Interestingly, these ornamented buckles were authorized for everyday uniform wear, with all hands required to own an unadorned brass buckle for wear during uniform inspection or when so prescribed by a Commander.
This brass buckle is mounted with the Coast Guard Officers’ insignia—a spread eagle grasping a horizontal, fouled anchor and mounting the Coast Guard shield. Although it is not authorized for wear by Active Duty/Reserve with current uniforms, it can be worn by veterans who served while it was authorized. It also makes a wonderful addition to a shadowbox or other type of memorabilia collection!
More Devices / Accouterments for Coast Guard Officers
Officer Cap Device
USCG Sleeve Device
Officer Cuff Links
Officer Tie Tack/Clasp