I am selling this super cool vintage United Way lapel pin. It is gold metal although I'm almost certain not real gold, although I have no way of really knowing.

It is a really rare and unusual style pin. I think it is really old and predates the hands symbol that the company used. The back is stamped with the words "Union Made USA" and I took a photo of the back to show that closer. This is a really rare and unique style. It is certainly quite old and it was bought at an estate sale a long long time ago.

I got this at an estate sale, and the nature of estate sales are such that you often never really know the source of the items that you are buying, you have to do a lot of guessing as to the age. So I am not sure how old this is or what exactly it is worth but I do know that it is in good condition and it is super rare.

United Way is an international network of over 1,800 local nonprofit fundraising affiliates.[2][3] United Way was the largest nonprofit organization in the United States by donations from the public, prior to 2016.[4]

Current logo used since 2004. An earlier version of this logo was designed by Saul Bass in 1972.[1]

United Way organizations raise funds primarily via workplace campaigns, where employers solicit contributions that can be paid through automatic payroll deductions.[5][6] After an administrative fee is deducted, money raised by local United Ways is distributed to local nonprofit agencies.[7] Major recipients have included the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Catholic Charities, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and The Salvation Army.[8]

Anyway, I will add a little section of a Wikipedia article explaining this a little further (and probably a lot better than I could also).

Enjoy ;)

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.

Thank you for looking at my listing.

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The following is from Wikipedia about lapel pins in general.

Pinback

A lapel pin, also known as an enamel pin,[1][2] is a small pin worn on clothing, often on the lapel of a jacket, attached to a bag, or displayed on a piece of fabric. Lapel pins can be ornamental or can indicate the wearer's affiliation with an organization or cause. Before the popularity of wearing lapel pins, boutonnières were worn.

Lapel pins are frequently used as symbols of achievement and belonging in different organizations. Lapel pins from the organization are often collected by members and non-members alike.

Businesses, corporates, & political parties also use lapel pins to designate achievement and membership. Lapel pins are a common element of employee recognition programs, and they are presented to individuals as a symbol of an accomplishment. Like fraternity and sorority pins, these lapel pins instill a sense of belonging to an elite group of performers at the organization. Businesses also award lapel pins to employees more frequently to boost employee morale, productivity, and employee engagement.[3][4]

The Soviet Union had great production of these. Besides pins showing political figures and as souvenirs for tourist spots, there were pins for various sports, cultural, and political gatherings and for technical achievements of the Soviet Union.

In recent years, pin collecting and trading has also become a popular hobby. Demand for pin designs based on popular cartoon characters and themes such as Disney, Betty Boop, and Hard Rock Cafe has surged and led to the creation of pin trading events and other social activities. Disney pin trading is a prime example of this.[5]

The backside of a lapel pin holds the pin in place, and attachment pieces come in a variety of styles.[17]

* Butterfly clutch – One of the most popular modern methods of attaching pins is the butterfly clutch, sometimes called a military clutch. The back of the pin has a small prong attached and when the butterfly clutch is squeezed and pulled up from the prong the pin is released from the clutch. Butterfly clutches may be made out of metal, plastic, or rubber. Also known as a dammit.

* Jewelry clutch – The jewelry clutch, or tie tack, is a simple but elegant design. The clutch locks into place when it covers the prong.

* Safety clasp – A safety clasp is similar to a safety pin in design. A long pin prong tucks under a small hook or clasp to hold the pin in place.

* Magnetic clasp – Magnetic clasps are composed of a small disc magnet that is attracted to another magnet that is attached to the back of the pin. Although this method is generally less secure, it is designed to prevent hole punctures in garments. Bar magnet clasps help disperse the tension with two sets of magnets.

* Screw and nut – A screw and nut clasp is one of the most secure. The prong is threaded so that the nut screws into place to hold the pin firmly.

* Stick pin – A stick pin has a thin needle with a collar that slides up and down the needle to secure or release the pin.