Michigan Resident Small Game License 1928 Pinback Button

This is a 1928 Michigan Resident Small Game License pinback button, a round celluloid covered badge with serial number 270739 printed on the face.

The red and cream face stays bright with some staining visible in the photos, the metal pin clasp still works, and the oxidized metal back shows heavy surface rust with no paper license left in the pocket flap.

Michigan issued hunting and fishing licenses as celluloid pinback buttons for only four years, 1928 to 1931, before moving to paper backtags. The rabbit illustration and 1928 year banner on this first year badge suit a Michigan hunting memorabilia shelf or pin collection.

Details

• Item: 1928 Michigan Resident Small Game License pinback button
• Item Type: Hunting license pinback button
• Era: 1928
• Materials: Celluloid covered face, metal back plate and pin clasp
• Color: Red and cream face with black serial number
• Maker and Mark: Face reads MICHIGAN, RESIDENT SMALL GAME LICENSE, 1928, serial 270739. Michigan Department of Conservation resident small game license button.
• Pattern or Model: Resident Small Game License with rabbit illustration
• Style: Celluloid pinback hunting license badge
• Dimensions: 2 inches round
• Special Features: Horizontal metal pin clasp for jacket or vest wear; rectangular metal pocket flap 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.
• Red and cream face colors remain bright and readable, including MICHIGAN, the rabbit drawing, RESIDENT SMALL GAME LICENSE, serial 270739, and 1928.
• No severe fractures or hairline cracks break across the celluloid face.
• Metal pin clasp still opens and closes and holds the badge for wear or display.
• Serial number 270739 is clear and fully legible in the photos.

Issues / Wear

• Some staining is visible on the cream face in the photos.
• Metal back plate and pin bridge show heavy oxidation, dark spotting, and surface rust consistent with outdoor use.
• The original folded paper license counterpart is missing from the back pocket flap.

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 first year rabbit 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.