Michigan Resident Small Game License 1931 Pinback Button

This is a 1931 Michigan Resident Small Game License pinback button, a round celluloid covered badge with serial number 170541 printed on the face.

The tan face keeps strong black graphics and clear color in the photos, the metal pin clasp still works, and the oxidized metal back shows surface rust in the paper license pocket with no paper insert left inside.

Michigan issued hunting and fishing licenses as celluloid pinback buttons for only four years, 1928 to 1931, before moving to paper backtags. The duck rising from the marsh on this final year badge suits a Michigan hunting memorabilia shelf or pin board.

Details

• Item: 1931 Michigan Resident Small Game License pinback button
• Item Type: Hunting license pinback button
• Era: 1931
• Materials: Celluloid covered face, metal back plate and pin clasp
• Color: Tan cream face with black text and duck marsh illustration
• Maker and Mark: Face reads 1931, MICHIGAN, RESIDENT SMALL GAME LICENSE, serial 170541. Michigan Department of Conservation resident small game license button.
• Pattern or Model: Resident Small Game License with duck over marsh illustration
• Style: Celluloid pinback hunting license badge
• Dimensions: 2 inches round
• Special Features: Horizontal metal pin clasp for jacket or vest wear; cutout metal pocket on the back made to hold a folded paper license counterpart. Paper insert is not present.

Condition Grade: Very Good

Positives

• Graded Very Good: Light use on the face. Every flaw is named below, and none of them get in the way of display.
• Tan face color and black graphics remain strong and readable, including 1931, MICHIGAN, serial 170541, RESIDENT SMALL GAME LICENSE, and the duck marsh drawing.
• No cracks or severe scratches break across the celluloid face in the photos.
• Metal pin clasp still opens and closes and holds the badge for wear or display.
• Serial number 170541 is clear and fully legible.

Issues / Wear

• Metal back plate shows heavy oxidation, mottled discoloration, and rust spots, especially inside the paper license pocket and around the cutouts.
• The original folded paper license counterpart is missing from the back pocket.
• Brass pin shows darkened age patina.

Find more like this in our Pins & Provenance: Vintage Jewelry + Commemorative Pins.

If you collect Michigan Resident Small Game License pins from the short 1928 to 1931 window, this 1931 duck marsh badge with a working clasp is ready for the board. If it's the one you've been looking for, it's ready to come home.