National Defense Service Medal Appraisal

National Defense Service Medal

The item is a National Defense Service Medal suspended from its distinctive service ribbon. The medal itself is circular, appears to be made of a bronzed or brass-colored metal, and has a slightly aged patina consistent with its military origins and potential age. The obverse of the medal features a prominent American bald eagle with its wings spread, perched upon a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing military readiness and peace. Encircling the top half of the eagle are the words "NATIONAL DEFENSE" in raised capital letters. The edges of the medal appear smooth without significant damage. Below the medal, a small, intricate link connects it to the ribbon. The ribbon is a vibrant red, with a central stripe of yellow, flanked by thinner stripes of white and blue on either side. The ribbon itself shows some slight creasing, as would be expected from handling or wear, but no significant fraying or discoloration is immediately apparent. The overall construction suggests a standard military issue item, designed for durability. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures discernible from the image, but the design is standard for this particular service award. The estimated age of such a medal could range from the 1950s (Korean War) through the early 2000s (War on Terror), as the medal was awarded for various periods of national emergency. The quality is consistent with mass-produced military insignia.