Original US Special Forces Patch w/ Experimental Airborne Tab | Cut Edge
Description
The iconic arrowhead with a rare color-matched twist.
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Special Forces Heritage: The arrowhead represents Native American stealth and woodcraft, the V-42 dagger signifies unconventional warfare, and the three lightning bolts stand for speed and the ability to infiltrate by land, sea, and air.
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The Experimental Tab: Instead of the universal black-and-gold "AIRBORNE" arc, this set includes a highly sought-after "color-matched" tab. Designed as a test to unify the patch colors, it was never fully adopted across the force, making surviving examples extremely rare.
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Construction & Condition: Both pieces feature the classic flat "Cut Edge" and white bobbin return threads on the reverse ("snowy back"). The main shield shows light field use with a great patina, while the experimental tab is in mint, unissued condition.
Technical Specs:
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Item: Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) + Tab
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Unit: US Army Special Forces (Green Berets)
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Variation: Cut Edge, Snowy Back, Color-Matched Experimental Tab
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Era: 1950s–1960s (Cold War / Early Vietnam Era)
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Condition: Shield is lightly used; Tab is mint/unissued
