US Army Colonel Rank Insignia Value Guide

The US Army Colonel Rank Insignia, featuring the iconic 'War Eagle' design, has been a symbol of high-level command since 1832. These specific pieces from the 1941-1975 era are highly collectible due to their historical association with World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

What Is US Army Colonel Rank Insignia Worth?

The typical price range for US Army Colonel Rank Insignia is $10 - $11 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Material composition, with sterling silver examples often fetching higher interest than nickel or steel.
• The specific attachment style, such as pin-back or clutch-back, which helps date the piece.
• Overall condition of the silver plating and the crispness of the eagle's feather detailing.
• Historical provenance or association with a specific conflict period between 1941 and 1975.

How to Identify US Army Colonel Rank Insignia?

• Look for the 'War Eagle' design where the eagle's head is turned specifically toward the olive branch.
• Check for silver-plated brass, nickel, or steel construction typical of the mid-20th century.
• Verify the presence of an olive branch in one talon and a bundle of arrows in the other.
• Inspect the reverse side for potential sterling silver hallmarks, common in WWII-era examples to conserve strategic base metals.

History of US Army Colonel Rank Insignia

The eagle has symbolized the rank of Colonel in the U.S. military since 1832. This specific 'War Eagle' design, with the eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows while looking towards the olive branch, has been the standard for decades across several branches of the Armed Forces. During World War II, many of these pins were crafted from sterling silver to save on strategic metals like nickel and brass.