Canada, CEF. A 97th Infantry Battalion "Toronto Americans" Cap Badge, Type II with "American Legion" Banner Hold engraved by Japanese characters standing

engraved by Japanese characters standing for “Order of Merit Decoration”

previously cleaned

official WWI period issue in silver gilt

with two 5 mm wide strips of fine aluminum bullion wire interlaced with white threading sewn horizontally near the top and bottom edges

The Order underwent a number of name and design changes in its short 5-year lifespan

Canada, CEF. A 97th Infantry Battalion "Toronto Americans" Cap Badge, Type II with "American Legion" Banner Hold engraved by Japanese characters standingIn browning copper, voided, maker marked "GEO. H. LEES & CO. 1915" on the reverse, measuring 47. 8 mm (w) x 44. 3 mm (h), both lugs intact, extremely fine. Footnote: The Battalion was raised and mobilized in Toronto, Ontario under the authority of G. O. 151, December 22, 1915. The Battalion sailed September 19, 1916 under the command of Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Clark with a strength of 31 officers and 798 other ranks. The Battalion was one of four