Pre-WWII Split Brooch Purple Heart Medal to Emilio Genozzi
This item is identified as a pre-WWII era Purple Heart medal, specifically a 'split brooch early contract' style, indicating its manufacture prior to the widespread production of the medal during World War II. The medal itself is heart-shaped, rendered in a gold-colored metal, likely bronze or gilding metal, with a smooth, polished finish. The obverse features a relief bust of George Washington in profile, facing left, set against a background of black enamel, which provides a striking contrast and enhances the portrait's detail. The overall dimensions appear consistent with standard Purple Heart medals of the era. The medal is suspended from a ribbon, predominantly purple with a narrow white stripe along each edge, consistent with the traditional Purple Heart ribbon. The suspension device, or 'split brooch,' is also gold-colored and attaches the ribbon to the heart-shaped medal. The reverse of the medal is engraved with 'FOR MILITARY MERIT' at the top, a standard inscription for the Purple Heart. Below this, it is personalized with the name 'EMILIO GENOZZI', indicating it was officially awarded to him. Furthermore, the medal is numbered '46639', a significant detail for verifying its authenticity and tracking its provenance. The condition appears to be good, with a visible patina consistent with age and handling, but no obvious signs of severe damage such as dents, scratches, or significant enamel loss. The engraving is clear and legible. The craftsmanship appears to be of high quality, with precise detailing on Washington's bust and clean edges on the medal itself. The 'split brooch' design is a key distinguishing feature marking it as an early issue. This medal represents a significant piece of American military history, directly linked to a specific service member from World War I.
AI-Generated Appraisal Disclaimer
Estimated Value
$1,500 - $2,200
Basic Information
Category
Military Medal
Appraised On
August 28, 2025
Estimated Value
$1,500 - $2,200
Additional Details Provided By Owner
User Provided Information
Split brooch early contract pre WWII style Purple Heart medal, numbered 46639 and officially engraved on the reverse to Emilio Genozzi. He was an immigrant from Italy, born in Castelleto in 1889. His 1917 draft registration notes that he served for 3 years in the Italian Calvary, before coming to the United States. He mustered at Camp Pike as a private, serial number 3274481 of the 2nd Automatic Replacement Draft, Infantry Company and sailed for France in August of 1918. Research is unclear as to which unit he served with in France, but when he registered during WWII for the draft, he noted as one of his distinguishing features a “gunshot wound to the abdomen.” He passed away in 1971.
Item Description
This item is identified as a pre-WWII era Purple Heart medal, specifically a 'split brooch early contract' style, indicating its manufacture prior to the widespread production of the medal during World War II. The medal itself is heart-shaped, rendered in a gold-colored metal, likely bronze or gilding metal, with a smooth, polished finish. The obverse features a relief bust of George Washington in profile, facing left, set against a background of black enamel, which provides a striking contrast and enhances the portrait's detail. The overall dimensions appear consistent with standard Purple Heart medals of the era. The medal is suspended from a ribbon, predominantly purple with a narrow white stripe along each edge, consistent with the traditional Purple Heart ribbon. The suspension device, or 'split brooch,' is also gold-colored and attaches the ribbon to the heart-shaped medal. The reverse of the medal is engraved with 'FOR MILITARY MERIT' at the top, a standard inscription for the Purple Heart. Below this, it is personalized with the name 'EMILIO GENOZZI', indicating it was officially awarded to him. Furthermore, the medal is numbered '46639', a significant detail for verifying its authenticity and tracking its provenance. The condition appears to be good, with a visible patina consistent with age and handling, but no obvious signs of severe damage such as dents, scratches, or significant enamel loss. The engraving is clear and legible. The craftsmanship appears to be of high quality, with precise detailing on Washington's bust and clean edges on the medal itself. The 'split brooch' design is a key distinguishing feature marking it as an early issue. This medal represents a significant piece of American military history, directly linked to a specific service member from World War I.
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