Gold-Plated/Brass Corporate or Service Award Lapel Pin
Brooch/Pin (Lapel Pin/Tuxedo Stud style) · Yellow Gold plating over base metal (likely brass or bronze). Alloy likely contains copper and zinc to mimic gold tones.
Purity: Non-solid; gold-plated or base metal alloy. No gold fineness hallmarks (like 14K or 585) are present, suggesting negligible gold content.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Lapel Pin/Tuxedo Stud style)
Purity
Non-solid; gold-plated or base metal alloy. No gold fineness hallmarks (like 14K or 585) are present, suggesting negligible gold content.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold plating over base metal (likely brass or bronze). Alloy likely contains copper and zinc to mimic gold tones.
Weight
3 - 7 grams (primarily base metal weight).
Description
A decorative gold-toned lapel pin or service award featuring an ornate scalloped border and a central circular motif. This style of item is traditionally used to denote membership, years of service, or corporate achievement.
Key Features
Wide horizontal mounting bar on the back, scalloped beaded edge, and a central tiered medallion design.
Color & Finish
Vivid brassy yellow; high-shine polished edges with a matte/textured recessed central medallion area.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. The absence of purity marks on the reverse of a cast item strongly indicates it is not solid gold.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 18mm to 22mm in height; standard small lapel pin/stud sizing.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones. Features relief casting and textured metal detailing as the primary decorative elements.
Clasp & Closure
Magnetic or Slide-on clip. Features a wide flat bar/bridge on the reverse designed for a friction fit over fabric or into a buttonhole.
Chain & Links
N/A - Solid cast body. The edge features a scalloped or beaded decorative border.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial centrifugal casting. The reverse shows typical flat-back finishing and a soldered-on bridge attachment for the closure.
Authentication Indicators
The 'yellow-orange' hue and uneven tarnish on the back bar are red flags for solid gold; these are indicative of brass or gold-plated base metal.
Origin & Maker
Unknown manufacturer; likely mass-produced for the promotional or corporate award industry.
Era & Period
Contemporary (Late 20th Century - Present). Industrial mass-production style typical of corporate giveaways or service medals.
Age Estimate
1990s - Present day. The condition of the plating and the specific clasp style suggest modern production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gold Watch' era of workplace culture, where tiered awards symbolize institutional loyalty and professional achievement.
Condition Notes
Good. Visible oxidation/tarnish on the central bar on the reverse. Surface wear consistent with light use. Minor buildup in the recessed textures.
Value Estimate
Primarily sentimental or decorative; $1 - $10 USD. It has no significant 'melt value' as it is not precious metal.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth only. Avoid jewelry cleaners or acids which will strip the thin gold plating and expose the duller base metal underneath.
Similar Items
Solid 10K gold service pins (which would bear a '10K' stamp), gold-filled pins, or enamel pins with similar structural backing.
Interesting Facts
Lapel pins have been used since the 13th century as symbols of status, but 'service pins' became popular in the US during the industrial revolution to track employee longevity.