COLLECTING 1870-1890 US ARMY INSIGNIA
Whilst there is an abundance of replica US Army badges and insignia at very affordable prices, collecting post-Civil War originals will cost more, but could be a sound investment as these items become rarer to find. Etsy Global (Time Traveller Military) currently has a pair of Colonel’s dress frock coat shoulder boards, in gold bullion lace, on offer for $454. A California eBay dealer offers a genuine model 1872, 4th Cavalry, officer kepi and badge for $950 but for a more affordable entry into the subject, a Massachusetts eBay seller has a set of three original 1870s brass cavalry and infantry cap badges at 50% off, reduced to $87.