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Up for sale is a exceptional piece of commercial aviation history: an authentic vintage Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) 5-Year Employee Service Lapel Pin.Item Details:
- Authenticity: Officially stamped "LGB 10K" on the back, confirming it was struck by the prestigious L.G. Balfour company out of solid 10K yellow gold.
- Design: Features the iconic Pan Am blue enameled globe grid surrounded by a gold border. A single attached star on the outer rim denotes 5 years of service.
- Condition: Exceptional vintage condition with no chips, cracks, or wear to the beautiful blue enamel. Comes with its original gold-tone clutch backing.
- Packaging: Includes the original vintage clear plastic display box with its original green protective foam insert intact. Small residue on back of case (see photos).An incredible addition to any serious aviation, Pan Am, or vintage solid gold pin collection.Fast shipping from a smoke-free home! Please review the high-resolution photos FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) FOR Is this pin solid gold or gold-plated?
A: This pin is guaranteed SOLID 10K YELLOW GOLD. The back plate is clearly stamped "LGB 10K." It is not gold-filled (GF) or gold-plated base metal.Q: What does the "LGB" stamp mean?
A: "LGB" stands for L.G. Balfour, the legendary American jewelry company tasked with manufacturing high-end military, corporate, and airline service awards during the mid-to-late 20th century.Q: What does the single star at the bottom indicate?
A: In Pan Am's traditional uniform ranking system, a single gold star indicates exactly 5 Years of Dedicated Service. Employees received this award pin upon reaching their 5-year employment anniversary milestone.Q: Who originally wore these pins?
A: These milestone service pins were worn proudly on uniform lapels, ties, and hats by Pan Am personnel—ranging from pilots and flight attendants (stewardesses) to ground crew, mechanics, and corporate staff.Q: Is the display box original?
A: Yes! The pin comes housed inside its original, vintage clear plastic presentation case complete with the classic green foam insert used by the airline for award distribution.