Is this a particularly rare version or a more common version?

Well what more can I say, a truly impressive piece, Edward must have seen a lot 

Hello This very badge is a model 1897, the first model for the expert rifleman badge, which is a weapon qualification badge, people that got this before the introduction of the new style could still be able to wear it afterwards, a nice example is general Douglas MacArthur. This badge was also used by the USMC and now they still have it with two crossed M1 garand instead.   As for when it changed to a simple cross with oak leaf and ribbon I am not sure, I'd say 1930s because before this decade I've never seen any of those newer style badges    Hope it helps  Alberto 

Boozer pair. 😄

No,  South Orange county.  I needed to get my post count to 30 today to post in the sale section. . So posted a few photos here to get to 30. .     

Hello MCM Very nice collection You wouldn't be in Auburn would you?  

The ring is not a replica, this was a live fuze and was inerted. My grandfather worked at the factory, there is no way a live fuze can have a replica and back then there was no replicas. Everything is original here. Have you seen any examples better than this? I can't find one that comes close. 100% original

Am not sure anyone knows numbers for sure. But early 2's were rare with steel or brass links. As it was a new model & switched to a lanyard hole soon after it was released.  Based on my memory that is. Have all the books, but not much is written. I know some top model 2- collectors / they would know for sure.  Will share this link with Wally. 

Who wears it better? Me or Sean Connery?  mikie

Nice! Thanks for sharing.