Blackinton Sterling WWII Public Health Service Pin

Collectibles : Militaria : Historical : Memorabilia

 

This is a real collectors piece! A glorious eagle sits atop a stars and stripes emblem, and in the background there is a fouled anchor and a caduceus.

The fouled anchor signifies a seaman in distress or a sick seaman. The caduceus, a winged wand with two serpents intertwined, is often used today as a symbol of medicine. However, at the time that this emblem was designed, circa 1870, the use of the caduceus was not commonly used to represent medicine. It was more often associated with the god Mercury and used to symbolize trade or commerce.

It has been speculated that the caduceus of Mercury was used in the emblem because of the Public Health Service's relationship with merchant seamen and the maritime industry.

This beautiful pin is 2 inches high and 2.2 inches wide. It is hallmarked STERLING BY BLACKINTON. Blackinton began operations in 1852 and is still in business today. This company holds a long standing tradition of being the maker of high quality badges for public health and safety organizations.

A beautiful, historic piece, and now you know its meaning, if you didn't already.

Item ID: PB1178

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