c.1945 WWII Honorable Service Lapel Button Ruptured Duck Sterling Screwback Pin

Original c.1945 World War II Honorable Service Lapel Button, known as the “Ruptured Duck.” Designed by sculptor Anthony de Francisci, the emblem shows an eagle in flight within a circle of thirteen vertical stripes representing the original colonies. Issued to honorably discharged U.S. service members between 1939 and 1946, this example is gold plated over sterling silver and marked “STERLING” on the reverse. The pin retains its threaded post, though the screw-on fastener is missing. The gold plating shows moderate wear around the eagle’s face and upper body, softening some detail from handling during the period.

– Date: c.1945
– Material: Gold plate over sterling silver
– Type: Honorable Service Lapel Button (“Ruptured Duck”)
– Designer: Anthony de Francisci
– Size: Approx. ½” tall × ⅝” wide
– Marking: STERLING
– Attachment: Threaded post (nut missing)
– Condition note: Plating wear around eagle’s face and upper field
– Issued for: U.S. military honorable discharge, 1939–1946

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