4-H Clubs Youth Membership Pin Identification

Information on dating various pin, awards and other items comes from 4-H Handy Books (all-in-one member book and catalog) and later, Supply Catalogs.

​

They were not offered in the 1927-28 Handy Book, but were offered by 1930 as official 4-H Club Pins.

​

Official Youth 4-H Club membership pins indicated membership. There were 4 styles:

• Design A - notes the number of years of membership.

• Design B - notes the number of years and the state - special order (discontinued by the 1956 catalog)

• Design L - without years or state.

• Design S - notes state (discontinued by the 1956 catalog)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

In 3 finishes:

• Bronze (early bronze pins DID NOT have black and green enameling)

• Sterling silver (with black and green enameling)

• 10k gold filled (with black and green enameling.)

In 2 sizes:

• 1/2" x 1/2" pins are older

• 5/8" x 5/8" pins are newer (and may not be available in Design B or Design S.)

​

​

​

​

​

Youth 4H Membership pins come in 2 sizes.  The 1966 4-H catalog lists the size of the pin as 1/2" x 1/2". 2004 catalog states they are 5/8" x 5/8".

Also note with these 2 pins - Oregon is spelled ORE, unlike the pin example in Design B that spells OREGON.

​

And in multiple variations in manufacturing:

• Variations in the laurel leaf border on all four pin designs. 3 known variations: Banded Laurel, Pointed Laurel and Even Laurel

• Spelling of states vary, example OREGON or ORE.

• Different shades of green enameling

• Older pins came with "hook" catches or safety catches (up through at least 1977), later pins have butterfly catches or safety catches

2 Sterling Silver 4H pins showing different shades of green enameling.

​

​

​

​

​

​

...

Older Junior Leadership pins have more "rays."

4H Clubs:

• 4H Membership Pins

• 4H Club Rings

• 4H Panel Pins and Medals

• 4H County Honors

• 4H Adult Pins

• 4H Dress Uniforms