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This is a classic vintage Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) membership pin in the traditional trefoil (three-leaf clover) design.
It features the raised American eagle with outstretched wings, a shield with stars and vertical stripes (evoking the Great Seal), olive branches and arrows, and the letters “G S” on the top leaf. This matches the design Juliette Gordon Low patented in 1914 (U.S. Design Patent No. 45,234), which became the organization’s longstanding emblem and membership pin.
Age and Details
• The design was used for decades as the standard membership pin (worn by members and adults on the uniform). It remained available even after a “contemporary” version was introduced around the late 1970s/early 1980s.
• This example has the older-style open safety-pin (or open-wire) clasp on the reverse, which is typical of mid-century and earlier versions (commonly 1940s–1950s, and sometimes listed as earlier). Later pins more often used improved C-clasps or locking catches.
• It appears to be gold-tone or brass-colored base metal with typical light wear and patina for its age. Similar examples are frequently described as mid-century (1950s) or 1920s–1940s; some carry a small “B” maker’s mark (often linked to Bastian Brothers or L.G. Balfour).
• Size is roughly ⅞–1¼ inches across based on the ruler in your photos, consistent with standard membership pins of this type.
It is the traditional membership insignia (not a special award pin such as a Senior star-style pin or First Class pin).
These are common in the Girl Scout memorabilia market. Comparable gold-tone trefoil eagle pins in good used condition typically sell in the $5–20 range on , Poshmark, and similar sites (many listings cluster around $8–15), depending on exact condition, any maker’s marks, and buyer interest. They are not rare or high-value, but they are popular with scouting collectors, former members, and people interested in mid-century Americana or uniform insignia.
The safety-pin clasp and overall appearance support an older (pre-modern clasp) date, which collectors often like. Value can rise slightly with a clear maker’s mark, exceptional condition, original packaging, or strong provenance, but most examples stay in the modest range above. Prices fluctuate with the secondary market; check recent sold listings for the closest comps.
Overall, it’s a nice authentic piece of Girl Scout history with the classic patriotic eagle design that defined the organization for much of the 20th century.
See all photos for details.
Will ship via USPS insured and tracking # to USA addresses only
