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Vintage 1940s Garmisch-Partenkirchen 3D Celluloid Pin – Allied Occupation Era Hand-Painted Souvenir
Up for your consideration is a fascinating piece of post-WWII history: an authentic, late-1940s German 3D molded celluloid travel souvenir pin representing the famous Bavarian Alpine town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Dating strictly to the Allied Occupation era (circa 1945–1949), this style of early plastic tourist pin was highly popular with American GIs stationed in Germany who visited Garmisch—which served as a primary US Military Recreation Center—and purchased them as deployment souvenirs or tokens to mail home to sweethearts.
Design Features
Molded Scene: A beautifully detailed, three-dimensional panoramic view of a traditional Bavarian village nestled beneath towering, snow-capped Alpine peaks. Features charming mountain chalets and a distinct red onion-dome church steeple.
Artistry: Crisp, vibrant hand-painted accents over an off-white celluloid base, complete with a scrolled banner at the bottom bearing the town name data-path-to-node="17,2,0">Fastener: Features an authentic, original brass safety-pin style closure seamlessly melted directly into the celluloid backing—a classic manufacturing signature of immediate post-war German production where standard findings were scarce.
Dimensions & Measurements
Condition Report
This historic pin is in excellent vintage collector's condition. The molded celluloid remains perfectly structurally sound with no cracks, chipping, or warping. The original hand-painted colors are remarkably bright and intact, showing only the lightest, minimal surface wear consistent with an authentic 1940s piece. The melted-in pin mechanism on the reverse is rock solid, straight, and fully functional. Please review the high-resolution photographs to evaluate the exact cosmetic condition.
🏔️ Exploring Alpine and WWII History?Click"Visit Store" and check out our "Alpine Hat Pins & Badges" section to see companion pieces to this listing and save on combined shipping!We offer Domestic and International shipping:
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