Q: I’m trying to determine the age and possible value of this U.S. Forest Service badge. It has an embossed circular stamp on the back that reads “St. Louis Button Co.” My understanding is the St. Louis Button Co. existed from 1893 to at least 1948. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

A: When the United States Forest Service started in 1905, a contest was held in the Washington, D.C. office to design a badge for the field officers. Designs were submitted by the office employees but the judges didn’t choose any of their designs. This shield-shape badge with fir tree in the middle was designed by one of the judges, Edward T. Allen, and an associate, William C. Hodge, Jr. It has been made in three sizes. The original badge was about 3 inches in diameter and slightly convex. A smaller version was issued in 1915. An even smaller one-inch version was made about 1922 and worn on dress uniforms until 1972. The official badge is almost the same as the 1915 version with minor changes. The letters “US” were made larger in 1920. The tree was made taller and roots slightly shorter in 1938. A nickel-plated version was also made, probably worn by lookouts or forest guards. Value, about $90.