WW1 US AEF 218th Field Artillery Officers Collar Insignia Single

This item is a World War I-era United States Army officer’s collar insignia for the 218th Field Artillery. The insignia is a single piece, intended for wear on the collar of the service uniform. During WWI, American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) officers used distinctive collar devices to indicate their branch and unit affiliation. The 218th Field Artillery insignia would typically feature crossed cannon barrels, the traditional symbol of the artillery branch, with the unit number “218” superimposed or displayed prominently. Constructed from metal, these insignia pieces were manufactured in various finishes, including gilt or bronze, depending on the period and officer’s rank. Such badges served both functional and organizational purposes, assisting with identification within the chain of command. This collar insignia reflects the standards and insignia practices employed by U.S. Army artillery units in France and other theaters during the First World War. It offers tangible insight into the personal equipment of AEF officers.