10K Yellow Gold Izaak Walton League of America Enameled Pin
Brooch/Pin (Member Lapel Pin) · Yellow Gold alloyed with copper and silver to provide a classic warm golden hue with increased tensile strength.
Purity: 10K (41.7% gold content). This purity is standard for high-durability fraternal and organizational pins designed to withstand daily wear.
Type
Brooch/Pin (Member Lapel Pin)
Purity
10K (41.7% gold content). This purity is standard for high-durability fraternal and organizational pins designed to withstand daily wear.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold alloyed with copper and silver to provide a classic warm golden hue with increased tensile strength.
Weight
1.5 to 2.5 grams. These pins are typically struck from thin gold sheet to remain light enough for clothing lapels.
Description
A fine example of conservation-focused fraternal jewelry, this 10K yellow gold pin represents the Izaak Walton League of America. The circular pin features a beaded border, green enameled ring with the organization's name, and a central gold relief of a figure walking through nature.
Key Features
Distinctive green enamel ring; 'IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA' lettering; central gold silhouette; beaded 'milgrain' style outer edge.
Color & Finish
Classic yellow gold with a high-polish beaded outer rim and a textured/sandblasted background behind the central figure. Features green vitreous enamel fill.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped '10K' and a maker's mark (such as Robbins Co. or Dieges & Clust) on the reverse side, though not visible in the photo.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 12mm to 15mm in diameter (roughly 1/2 inch); standard lapel pin size.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Features green glass enamel (inlay) surrounding a central relief of a figure and text.
Clasp & Closure
Typically a threaded post with a screw-back nut or a friction post with a butterfly clutch; common for 20th-century organizational pins.
Chain & Links
N/A - This is a rigid pin construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck construction; the relief is crisp and the enamel is level with the gold partitions, indicating high-quality commercial jewelry manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Color consistency of 10K gold (not brassy/green); sharp, professional die-striking on the lettering; flush enamel work with no bleeding.
Origin & Maker
United States; likely commissioned by the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) from a specialized fraternal jeweler.
Era & Period
Mid-Century (c. 1940s-1970s). The typography and recessed enamel style are characteristic of mid-20th-century American fraternal jewelry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the font style of 'IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE' and the patina of the gold.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American conservation movement and the tradition of 'merit jewelry' given to members for service or long-standing commitment to environmental protection.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. There is visible surface wear and light scratching on the central gold figure ('scuffing'). The enamel appears intact without major chips.
Value Estimate
Resale value $60 - $100. Melt value is currently approx. $45 - $60 depending on exact weight; collector premium adds $20-$40.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners as they can vibrate and loosen the glass enamel from the gold base.
Similar Items
Sterling silver versions of the same pin, 14K gold varieties for high-level officers, and modern brass-plated base metal versions.
Interesting Facts
The Izaak Walton League, founded in 1922, is one of the oldest conservation organizations in the US, named after the 17th-century author of 'The Compleat Angler'.