Photo Credit: Maison Rive
Vintage 14K Gold U.S. Ruptured Duck Pin From World War II
Buy It Now Price: $199.99 (price as of 2019; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This vintage World War II era U.S. military Ruptured Duck pin, also known as the Honorable Service Discharge pin, is made from solid 14 karat gold.
-This vintage military pin measures 0.625 inches (16 mm) across and weighs 1.9 grams (0.0611 troy ounces), excluding the clutch.
-The Honorable Service Discharge pin allowed a veteran to continue wearing his military uniform after being discharged – a point of great importance in the immediate post-World War II era when civilian clothing was often hard to find due to rationing.
-This pin features a screw-back fastener with a threaded post, which is consistent with its 1940s attribution. This type of fastener was last used during the World War II era when it was replaced by the smooth post, Ballou clutch type.
-According to tradition, the Ruptured Duck pin gained its bizarre nickname because the ungainly eagle emblazoned on the pin looks more like a misshapen duck than a dignified raptor.
-This vintage Ruptured Duck pin is marked “M14K” and “Gordon B. Miller & Company, Cinti. O.” – a respected jewelry manufacturer based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They specialized in corporate service pins for major American firms like Proctor & Gamble, Glidden, Chevrolet, etc. Gordon B. Miller operated from the 1930s until 1990 when it was purchased by Jostens, Inc.
–Vintage U.S. military insignia are rapidly gaining the attention of militaria collectors due to the loss of the World War II generation.
-This period pin comes in its original case, which reads “in Recognition of SERVICE to COUNTRY in the U.S. ARMED FORCES WORLD WAR II”. The inside of the case says “14 Kt. Gold Authorized HONORABLE DISCHARGE EMBLEM – Mfgd. under license by General Motors”. The reference to GM – the 20th century’s leading car manufacturer – really boosts the appeal of this piece.
-Because this vintage Ruptured Duck pin is rendered in 14 karat gold and comes in its original box, I believe the $200 asking price is justified. It is quite rare to find World War II U.S. military insignia in solid karat gold, making this example an exceptional investment.
Cons:
-The asking price for this piece is definitely on the upper end of the typical range for vintage U.S. military insignia. However, it is also a tremendously handsome specimen – possibly the finest Ruptured Duck pin I’ve ever seen. If you are interested but don’t like the $200 price tag, the seller is open to lower offers.
Read more fascinating Antique Sage miscellaneous spotlight posts here.
-or-
Read in-depth Antique Sage investment guides here.
