1907, US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, PISTOL SHARPSHOOTER BADGE, HALLMARKED

Original, Functional pinback with a “C” catch – open loop for the pin. Hallmarked “The Hayes Bros”

The US Army specified the first pistol qualification badges for National Guard troops in 1907. To set them apart from Regular Army badges, the army made them is a gold color that regulations called "bronze." At this time the Regular Army did not have any pistol badges.

Regulations allowed these bronze/gilt badges until 1914 when only the pistol expert remained, and that lasted only one more year.

Slightly smaller than the rifle version of the sharpshooters badge, this pistol variety was first made in 1907 in gold color for the National Guard Members.

Hayes Bros. was a prominent manufacturer of insignia and military badges in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for their high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, they produced a wide range of badges for various military and civilian organizations.

Hayes Bros., a renowned manufacturer of insignia and military badges, emerged in the late 19th century. While specific details about their founding are somewhat scarce, their name began to appear on high-quality badges during the late 1800s.

The company's rise to prominence coincided with a period of significant growth in the United States military and the establishment of various civilian organizations. This demand for insignia provided Hayes Bros. with a thriving market.

Hayes Bros. continued to operate throughout the early 20th century, producing insignia for both World War I and World War II. However, the exact date of their eventual closure remains uncertain. It is likely that factors such as changing manufacturing methods, competition from other companies, or economic shifts contributed to their decline.

Today, Hayes Bros. insignia are highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts of military history. Their reputation for quality and historical significance has ensured their enduring value.