Original WWII-era Legion of Merit with dark enamel finish – early production variant
Key Information:
Country: United States
Award: Legion of Merit – Legionnaire Grade
Period: World War II era production
Dimensions: approx. 50.36 × 47.29 mm
Material: Bronze with multi-color enamel
For condition, please refer to the pictures. All dimensions are approx.
Medal Design:
Eight-pointed gilt bronze star with white and red enamel arms, green enamel wreath, and central blue disk with white stars. Reverse with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” Roman numerals, and symbolic military motifs.
This example features the early WWII-style darker enamel, typical for first-generation U.S. contractors.
Condition:
Good vintage condition for its age. Enamel shows expected patina and wear consistent with a WWII-produced medal. Ribbon original.
Please refer to the pictures for full condition details.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
This is a World War II era production variant of the Legion of Merit.
Early wartime medals often display darker red and green enamel due to differences in pigments and firing techniques used by various contractors.
During WWII, production was contracted to several makers including:
Bailey, Banks & Biddle (BB&B)
Rauh & Co.
Gemsco
Robbins
Graco
These companies used different enamel formulas, which resulted in known variations such as:
deep, dark burgundy-red enamel
darker olive/forest green wreath enamel
slight differences in star size and central medallion details
Your medal matches the WWII dark-enamel wartime type, highly sought after by collectors.
Summary:
Original WWII-era U.S. Legion of Merit (Legionnaire Grade), featuring the desirable dark enamel wartime variant associated with early contract production. A historically significant piece with strong collector interest.
Please refer to the pictures.