Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful example of the type of souvenir brought home by a member of an American Armored Division after WWII. We believe the original soldier may have belonged to the 11th Armored Division due to the center containing 6 of them. The pillow itself is in great condition but there is staining and thread loss. This would be a great display item and should not be used as it was originally intended. It measures approximately 14 inches across.

The throw pillow came to us from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser's donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this was acquired.

The original triangular Armor insignia was designed in 1918 and was worn by the World War I Tank Corps and subsequent tank units of the infantry. The colors of the shoulder patch were blue for infantry, red for artillery and yellow for cavalry –the three basic components of Armor. The insignia symbolized the union of the three forces.

The basic design and combination of colors remain in today’s Armor insignia. In 1940, the superimposed figures, taken from the shoulder insignia of 7th Cavalry Brigade (Mechanized), were added to the triangular design. The tank track stands for mobility and armor protection, the gun represents firepower and the lightning bolt denotes shock effect. These triple characteristics of the tank are embodied in Armor’s striking power.

A lovely display item ready to be added to your War Rooms!