Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
The brooch is stamped 'STER' confirming sterling silver composition, consistent with the seller's acid test claim. It features the USGA emblem and 1894 founding date. An indistinct mark appears next to the 'STER' stamp, but it is illegible, preventing maker identification.
Story
This brooch features the official emblem of the United States Golf Association (USGA), commemorating its founding in 1894. Based on the construction and stamping, it is a mid-to-late 20th-century commemorative piece. The exact manufacturer remains unidentified due to an illegible hallmark adjacent to the 'STER' stamp. Golf memorabilia has a dedicated collector base, but mass-produced commemorative pins generally trade as accessible, entry-level items.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Based on the provided images, the front relief work appears intact with normal surface wear and patina consistent with age. The 'STER' stamp is clearly visible on the reverse, confirming the metal content. The clasp mechanism is not fully visible, which is a standard condition checkpoint for vintage brooches.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Golf memorabilia has a dedicated collector base, but mass-produced commemorative pins generally trade as accessible, entry-level items. Sterling silver variants carry a modest premium over their base-metal counterparts, appealing to both golf enthusiasts and silver collectors. Sales volume is steady but prices remain relatively flat, typically moving through online marketplaces and specialized sports auctions rather than high-end jewelry venues.
▲ Confirmed sterling silver composition (stamped 'STER') provides a significant premium over common base-metal versions.
▲ Official USGA commemorative design appeals to a dedicated golf memorabilia collector base.
▲ Direct auction comparable of a sterling USGA pin at $51 establishes a strong, verified baseline.
▼ Unverified clasp functionality — a broken or replaced pin mechanism would discount the value.
▼ Missing weight and dimensions — buyers of sterling items often calculate intrinsic melt value as a baseline.
▼ Illegible maker's mark prevents attribution to a potentially notable silversmith.
Best Venue
List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or a sports memorabilia platform. Price at $60-$65 with 'Best Offer' enabled to capture the sterling premium. Ensure the listing includes the exact weight in grams and clear photos of the clasp to reassure buyers.
Upside Potential
If the illegible hallmark can be identified as a highly regarded silversmith or jewelry house (e. g., Tiffany & Co., which frequently produced sports commemoratives), the value could easily exceed $150.
Also found — market-range context
Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.