US Army 1st Cavalry Division Patch Value Guide

The US Army 1st Cavalry Division patch, known as 'America's First Team,' is a premier military collectible representing one of the most decorated units in American history. These vintage 1930s-1940s embroidered insignias are highly sought after for their iconic yellow and blue shield design which symbolizes a deep cavalry heritage.

What Is US Army 1st Cavalry Division Patch Worth?

The typical price range for US Army 1st Cavalry Division Patch is $15 - $25 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Physical condition, including the presence of fraying, fading, or moth nips to the embroidery.
• The specific embroidery style, such as the 'flat' look common in the 1930s versus the thicker WWII production.
• Provenance or evidence that the patch was removed from a period-correct uniform.
• Market demand for 'First Team' memorabilia, which typically ranges from $15 to $25 for standard examples.

How to Identify US Army 1st Cavalry Division Patch?

• Look for the distinctive yellow shield shape featuring a diagonal blue stripe and a black horse head silhouette.
• Examine the reverse side for 'snow' or white bobbin thread, which is characteristic of authentic WWII-era embroidery.
• Verify the materials are high-quality embroidered cloth and thread rather than modern synthetic fabrics.
• Check for the absence of a plastic backing, which indicates a period-correct 1930s or 1940s construction.

History of US Army 1st Cavalry Division Patch

The 1st Cavalry Division, known as 'America's First Team,' is one of the most famous and decorated divisions of the US Army. Formed in 1921, its distinctive yellow and blue shield, featuring the horse's head and diagonal stripe, symbolizes its cavalry heritage and armored mobility. The division has served in nearly every major conflict since its inception, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and subsequent operations in the Middle East, cementing its legacy as a formidable and storied military unit.