10K Yellow Gold National Safety Council 7-Year No Accident Pin
Brooch/Pin (Corporate Award Lapel Pin) · Yellow Gold. Common alloy includes silver and copper to provide a classic warm yellow tone while maintaining structural rigidity for a functional pin.
Purity: 10K (41.7% Gold Content). This purity is standard for industrial and service awards due to its superior durability and hardness compared to higher karats.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Corporate Award Lapel Pin)
Purity
10K (41.7% Gold Content). This purity is standard for industrial and service awards due to its superior durability and hardness compared to higher karats.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold. Common alloy includes silver and copper to provide a classic warm yellow tone while maintaining structural rigidity for a functional pin.
Weight
2.5 to 3.5 grams. Corporate service pins of this size are typically solid but lightweight to accommodate suit lapels without tearing the fabric.
Description
A prestigious National Safety Council service award pin. The design features the 'Green Cross for Safety' at the crest, with a white enamel field reading 'NO ACCIDENT' and 'YEAR AWARD' surrounding a center shield with the digit '7'. The lower arc is inscribed 'NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL' in raised gold lettering against a green enamel background. It is a symbol of professional diligence and safety excellence.
Key Features
Hard enamel (cloisonné) technique, raised '7' year marker, and the official Green Cross for Safety trademark of the National Safety Council.
Color & Finish
Classic mid-yellow gold color. The finish includes high-polish gold raised lettering and borders contrasted by white and green hard enamel (cloisonné) fields.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped '10K' on the reverse side of the pin or on the clutch clasp. May include a jeweler's hallmark such as 'Balfour' or 'LGB' (Balfour) which often produced these commission pieces.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 15mm to 18mm in diameter (approx. 5/8 inch). Standard lapel pin size designed for high visibility without being overbearing.
Gemstones & Inlays
No gemstones. Features decorative hard enamel inlays in 'Safety Green' and 'White'. Central shield contains a raised gold numeral '7'.
Clasp & Closure
Usually features a post with a brass butterfly clutch (pinch) back or a safety screw-on nut. The pin post is typically made of a harder base metal for strength, even if the face is gold.
Chain & Links
N/A. Single structural piece with a die-struck flat back design.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck construction for sharp, legible text. Hand-filled enamel (cloisonné) which was then fired and polished flush with the metal ridges. This requires higher skill than modern printed pins.
Authentication Indicators
Crispness of the die-striking, depth of the enamel, and the characteristic warm hue of 10K gold. The weight will feel distinctly denser than modern plastic or base-metal replicas.
Origin & Maker
USA. Likely manufactured by a specialty award jeweler like Balfour, Herff Jones, or Josten's for the National Safety Council (NSC).
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern to Retro (approx. 1950s-1970s). The typography and the specific Green Cross for Safety design are indicative of mid-20th-century American industrial safety culture.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980. The condition of the enamel and the specific logo branding suggest a vintage production piece from the mid-to-late 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American 'Safety First' movement. During the mid-20th century, these pins were badge-of-honor collectibles among union workers and corporate employees, signifying years of injury-free service.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The enamel appears intact with no visible chips or 'spidering.' Some minor surface oxidation or patina on the gold borders consistent with age and long-term storage in a plastic baggie.
Value Estimate
Melt value is approximately $60-$85 USD based on 10K gold spot; however, as a collectible, it may carry a premium, trading for $100-$150 USD to niche industrial memorabilia collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners as the vibrations can occasionally loosen old enamel from the gold base. Store in a dry place to prevent 'bronzing' of the 10K alloy.
Similar Items
14K versions of the same award (rare), gold-filled (GF) or gold-plated (HGE) versions which have less intrinsic value, and various pins from the 5, 10, or 25-year categories.
Interesting Facts
The National Safety Council was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1953. These pins were highly regarded in the trucking, manufacturing, and railroad industries as symbols of professional status.