-40%
World War 2 WWII RUPTURED DUCK Automobile Badge Car Grill / License Plate Topper
$ 52.77
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
Vintage World War 2 (WWII) “RUPTURED DUCK” Automobile Badge Car Grill or License Plate Topper in Used/Weathered Condition (See Images - weathered, but still physically intact/solid).Measuring approximately 5” x 5”, this authentic Ruptured Duck topper has only a single screw hole (unlike oval sliding holes on later and/or repro badges) as well as NO makers marks in back or front (See Images). It is made of a non-magnetic alloy (aluminum/spelter?). Procured with other original WWII German war era items.
ORIGIN OF THE RUPTURED DUCK SYMBOL*:
“The original Ruptured Duck was a cloth insignia depicting an eagle inside a wreath. It was worn on uniforms above the right breast pocket by WWII servicemen and women.
It was issued to service personnel who were about to leave the military with an Honorable Discharge. It also allowed them to continue to wear their uniform for up to thirty days after they were discharged since there was a clothing shortage at that time. This showed the MP's that they were in transit and not AWOL. Well, the boys thought the eagle looked more like a duck; and, because it meant they were going home, the popular saying was, "They took off like a Ruptured Duck"...hence the nickname.”
*(Borrowed from “therupturedduck[dot]com” site)