The United States Army Institute of Heraldry, also known as The Institute of Heraldry (TIOH), (from 1918 to1960 as the Heraldic Program Office) is a Department of the Army that furnishes heraldic services to all the U. S. Armed Forces, U. S. government organizations, including the Executive Office of the President, in the development, standardization, quality control, and approval of all symbolic items, such as unit insignia, badges and awards.  Samples are required for final approval, and are made by contract to various authorized manufacturers. In the case of embroidered insignia, the standard machine run of 280 pieces, far exceeded the TIOH contract, and are produced at a loss by the contractor. Therefor most authorized manufacturers didn't bid on these contract, since the only advantage was to have stock on hand if the item was approved.

Having sold my U. S. Military Insignia business (H. J. Saunders U. S. Military Insignia, Inc. - America's Largest Retail Insignia business) after 35 years, in November 2003, I am now selling my personal collection, many of which are government contractors samples, accumulated over the last 50 years.