This is a companion piece to the Seals Tour belt buckle from our November 2015 Auction #48. However, this pin is in far better condition than the belt buckle. We do not know whether the item was presented to Tour members, or the press, or whether it was simply offered for sale at the time. However, we do know that it is a high quality item with an enameled representation of a baseball containing the word, "SEALS" above images of two seals. "SAN FRANCISCO SEALS GOODWILL TOUR OF JAPAN. 1949" is inscribed in raised letters at the bottom. The back was stamped, "216". We do not know the significance of this inscription. The only other example we have ever seen (in our Auction #50) had the number 160 on the back. So, most likely, the badges were individually numbered. At any rate, it is an unusual keepsake from what may have been the most anticipated of all U.S. baseball Tours of Japan.

Size: 1 5/8" x 2 1/4"

Condition: Ex/Mt