13th Airborne Division Patch Value Guide

The 13th Airborne Division patch is a distinctive WWII collectible featuring a golden winged unicorn on a blue shield, representing the 'Golden Unicorns' activated at Fort Bragg in 1943. This insignia is particularly unique among paratrooper memorabilia because the division, despite arriving in Europe in 1945, never engaged in full-unit combat due to the rapid Allied advance.

What Is 13th Airborne Division Patch Worth?

The typical price range for 13th Airborne Division Patch is $25 - $30 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Physical condition, specifically the presence of 'moth nips' or fraying to the blue twill background.
• Whether the patch is 'theatre-made' or a standard US-issue version, as variations in embroidery style can impact rarity.
• The presence of the 'Airborne' tab attached or included with the main shield insignia.
• Historical provenance, such as being part of a documented paratrooper's uniform or grouping.

How to Identify 13th Airborne Division Patch?

• Look for the characteristic golden winged unicorn embroidered with cotton thread on a blue twill shield background.
• Check for a 'snowy' white reverse side, which is typical of authentic World War II era American-made embroidery.
• Verify the dimensions and stitching density, as original 1940s patches feature tight embroidery without the synthetic sheen found in modern reproductions.
• Ensure the patch lacks a merrowed (overlocked) edge, as authentic WWII examples typically have a flat, cut-edge construction.

History of 13th Airborne Division Patch

Activated in 1943 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the 13th Airborne Division was nicknamed the Golden Unicorns. While they arrived in the European Theater of Operations in 1945, the division is unique because it never saw actual combat as a full unit, as many of their planned operations were canceled due to the rapid advance of Allied ground forces.