Featured Confused on pony express badges.

Given their weight and construction, I'd agree that these are novelty items from the 1960s.

Debora

 

I know the American Legion does or did something of a “run” with I believe the members who ride motorcycles were or are give those badges, where members would go from post to post for donations. My husband is a USPS employee and we have been to the museum, I honestly don’t think we saw them there. I think I remember seeing them at the Legion years ago when one of our kiddos was either going into the military or JROTC.

 

Our family just found one of theses badges on a hike in the High Sierra , Ca. I came across this thread. Thank you for all of your contributions, I really appreciate all of your insights. We decided to give it to my six year old son.

 

Welcome to Antiquers, @BrieAdaJuJu -- That sounds like a good thing to do. Six years should be old enough for him to use the back pin with care.

 

or old enuf to learn a lesson..... when it draws blood !!!

 

That, too. And I hope it doesn't happen!

 

The simple answer is that it’s a very romantic part of history that people are fascinated by. If you make an old timey looking thing with Pony Express written on it some of the people interested in that part of history will buy the item. More or less the only reason to make something is when there is a demand and people will lay down their greenbacks for it. Hopefully most of the original buyers knew they were repops or fantasy pieces. I’m sure some unscrupulous dealers worked hard to make sure they didn’t know, or at least didn’t publicize the fact.

 

I agree. Especially the badges. My husband has a collection of kinds of postal things & over the years he has had customers give him badge’s & doesn’t have the heart to tell them they are fantasy pieces.