Original 1932 celluloid pinback from Richmond Public Schools promoting student health. The gold-tone face shows a “ladder” checklist—EYES, EARS, NOSE, THROAT, TEETH, POSTURE, NUTRITION—with RICHMOND PUBLIC SCHOOLS HEALTH around the rim. Backpaper reads “Bastian Bros. Co., Rochester, N.Y.” with the union imprint, a well-known maker of early 20th-century badges and school/municipal pins.
History and context:
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Bastian Brothers of Rochester, NY began in 1895 and became a major producer of pins, medals, and celluloid novelties, especially for schools and civic groups.
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Richmond was among the early U.S. cities to establish a public health department and school nursing programs by the early 20th century. By the 1930s, schools were emphasizing screenings for vision, hearing, and dental care, as well as posture and nutrition—exactly what is outlined on this pin.
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These pins would have been given to students as part of a health awareness campaign, encouraging healthy habits during the Depression era.
Details:
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Size: approx. 1.25" diameter
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Materials: Celluloid over tin with paper backer; open “D” style pin
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Colors: Mustard-gold ground with black print
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Maker: Bastian Bros. Co., Rochester, N.Y. (union backpaper)
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Condition: Good vintage condition with light age toning and minor edge wear; pin functions properly. See photos.
Why it’s special:
A locally significant Richmond school artifact from the early Depression era, combining education history and public-health messaging. Excellent for Virginia collectors, education/public-health historians, or pinback collectors.
Pricing guidance:
Similar Richmond Public Schools health pins from the 1930s have sold in the $25 range. Given this example’s slightly larger 1.25" size and intact backpaper, a fair retail range would be $32–38, with a quick-sale floor around $24–26.
Search Terms:
Richmond VA pinback, Richmond Public Schools button, 1932 school health pin, Bastian Bros Rochester celluloid, Virginia history memorabilia, public health ephemera, vintage school nurse program, education history collectible, 1.25 inch pinback badge, Richmond ephemera