USMC Korean War MP Brassard

Korean War MP Brassard

This is the military police brassard, an armband worn on the upper sleeve so an MP on duty could be identified at a glance. It is a scarlet band with gold MP lettering and snap fasteners at both ends, the Marine Corps-associated version from the Korean War period. Collectors of USMC and Korean War insignia want it, and so do reenactors who need an MP impression to look right from across a field.

Features

• Scarlet Felt Band — The band is made from a dense red felt-textured cloth that holds its shape around the arm.
• Gold MP Lettering — Large block letters in gold cloth are applied to the face of the band and read clearly at a distance.
• Snap Fastener Closure — Metal snaps join the two ends, so the brassard goes on and comes off over a sleeve without pins.
• Adjustable Fit — One end carries two columns of snap studs, letting you fasten it tighter or looser to suit a bare arm, a utility shirt or a field jacket.
• Brassard Format — A brassard is a removable armband rather than a sewn-on patch, so it can be moved between uniforms.
• Korean War Era — The pattern dates to the Korean War period, which makes it a fit for 1950s Marine Corps displays and impressions.
• Catalogued Stock Number — The item is listed under stock number 8455-00-237-8006, the military supply class for badges and insignia.

Issue and Provenance

This is genuine government-issue insignia. It was not made later for the collector market. Red and gold were the Marine Corps colors, and the brassard was the standard way to mark a military policeman on post, at a checkpoint or directing traffic. For a collection or a period uniform, an issued piece gives you the original cloth, lettering and hardware.