American Legion Auxiliary Pin

This item is a circular pin, likely intended to be worn on clothing, representing the American Legion Auxiliary. The pin features a central white circular field with a prominent dark blue five-pointed star. This central motif is encircled by a dark blue band with gold-colored text spelling out "AUXILIARY" at the top curve and "AMERICAN LEGION" along the bottom curve, separated by what appear to be small gold dots or embellishments. The outer edge of the pin is a ruffled or serrated gold-colored border, giving it a sunburst or cogwheel effect. The pin appears to be made of metal, likely a base metal with a gold-toned finish for the raised elements and enameling or epoxy fill for the blue and white sections. The colors are vibrant, suggesting good preservation of the enamel. There are no immediately obvious signs of significant wear or damage, such as chips in the enamel or heavy scratching on the metal, though a detailed inspection would be needed to confirm this. The craftsmanship appears to be standard for organizational pins of this type, focusing on clear legibility and durability. Based on the design, it likely dates from the mid-20th century onwards, as these types of organizational pins have maintained a relatively consistent aesthetic.

I have examined the provided image of this American Legion Auxiliary pin. Visually, the pin appears to be in excellent condition, with vibrant colors suggestive of well-preserved enamel or epoxy fill. There are no obvious chips, cracks, or significant scratching visible in the image. The gold-toned elements also appear intact, without heavy wear. This consistent aesthetic aligns with standard organizational pins from the mid-20th century to modern production, making precise dating challenging from the image alone. In terms of authenticity, the design is a standard and recognizable emblem of the American Legion Auxiliary; there is little incentive to counterfeit such items. Market conditions for fraternal organization pins, particularly those from well-established groups like the American Legion Auxiliary, are generally modest. These items were mass-produced for members, meaning they are not typically rare. Demand is primarily from collectors focusing on specific organizations, military memorabilia, or general Americana. While militaria collectors might be interested, the 'Auxiliary' designation generally garners less interest than direct service member items. Factors significantly impacting value here are primarily condition and relative commonality. While this example is in good condition, the inherent commonality keeps the value low. The additional information about an 'Old key from Dublin hotel' is irrelevant to the appraisal of this pin. To fully verify authenticity and material composition, a physical inspection would be required to assess the metal type, manufacturing method, and any maker's marks on the reverse, as well as to confirm the absence of hairline scratches or enamel imperfections not visible in photographs. However, for an item of this type, such detailed examination is usually beyond what its market value would justify.