US Army Branch Tape Value Guide

The US Army Branch Tape is a foundational piece of Vietnam War-era militaria, specifically designed for the OG-107 utility uniforms used between 1960 and 1975. These tapes are highly collectible as they represent the standardized shift toward black-on-olive drab identification used by soldiers in the field.

What affects the value of US Army Branch Tape?

• Condition of the embroidery, specifically looking for fraying or fading of the black thread.
• Whether the tape is 'deadstock' (unissued) or has been removed from a combat-worn uniform.
• The presence of original starch or backing material which can indicate an authentic period piece.
• Historical provenance if the tape is still attached to an original OG-107 utility jacket.

How to Identify US Army Branch Tape?

• Look for black embroidered block lettering specifically on a heavy olive drab cotton base.
• Verify the dimensions fit the standard placement for the area directly above the left breast pocket.
• Check for the characteristic tight embroidery style consistent with 1960s-1970s US military manufacturing.
• Ensure the material is a non-synthetic cotton weave typical of the Vietnam-era utility fatigues.

History of US Army Branch Tape

Branch tapes became standard issue on U.S. Army utility uniforms, such as the OG-107 fatigues, beginning in the late 1950s. This specific style, featuring black embroidered block letters on an olive drab background, was prevalent throughout the Vietnam War era and is a foundational piece of U.S. military uniform identification for that period. These patches were placed directly above the left breast pocket.