Vintage Boy Scouts of America First Class Rank Pin

This is a vintage Boy Scouts of America (BSA) First Class Rank lapel pin, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The piece is constructed from die-struck metal with a gold-tone or brass finish. It features the iconic fleur-de-lis design representing the scout's compass, superimposed with a spread-winged American eagle clutching a shield, which signifies freedom and a scout's readiness to defend that freedom. Two five-pointed stars are visible on the left and right petals of the lily, representing truth and knowledge. The item shows significant signs of age and wear, characterized by heavy green oxidation (verdigris) across the central eagle and shield area, and a darkening of the recessed textured surfaces. The gold plating is worn down in several areas, revealing the base metal underneath. There is visible pitting and surface grime consistent with long-term storage or exposure to moisture. The pin is small in scale, typically measuring approximately 1 inch in height, and appears to have a standard pinback closure on the reverse. The craftsmanship exhibits the standard industrial production quality of mid-century scout memorabilia, with moderate relief detailing on the feathers and shield.