WW2 Authentic U.S. Purple Heart Metal with Ribbon Unsigned Unnumbered Military Issued
SKU: 853
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Government Contract Production
Date Manufactured: 1941-1945
Materials / Construction: Bronze Gilt
Condition: Near Mint
Price: $200.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Code: PS40
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This is an authentic World War II U.S. Purple Heart Medal, an original military-issued example presented in excellent condition. The medal is unsigned and unnumbered, a characteristic commonly found on many wartime-issued Purple Hearts produced during the Second World War. Featuring its original purple ribbon with white edge stripes, this historic decoration represents one of the most respected and recognizable military awards ever issued by the United States Armed Forces.
Instituted by General George Washington as the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 and revived in 1932 as the Purple Heart, this prestigious decoration has been awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were wounded or killed in action while serving their country. During World War II, hundreds of thousands of Purple Hearts were produced in anticipation of continued combat operations, including the planned invasion of Japan. Many of these medals remained in military inventories for years following the war and were later awarded during subsequent conflicts.
This original WWII example features the classic heart-shaped bronze medal bearing a profile bust of General George Washington, surmounted by his family coat of arms. The reverse retains the standard engraved panel for the recipient's name but remains blank, as issued. The medal is suspended from its original silk ribbon displaying the distinctive purple center with narrow white borders and is fitted with the correct brooch for uniform wear.
Unlike earlier numbered Purple Hearts issued during the 1930s, the vast majority of World War II production medals were unnumbered, making this an authentic representation of wartime manufacture. The lack of a maker's hallmark is also consistent with numerous WWII government contract examples supplied by various manufacturers.
Specifications
- Country: United States
- Conflict: World War II (1939–1945)
- Award: Purple Heart Medal
- Material: Bronze
- Type: Original U.S. Military-Issued Decoration
- Maker: Unsigned (Government Contract Production)
- Serial Number: Unnumbered
- Ribbon: Original Purple Heart ribbon attached
- Reverse: Blank naming panel
- Condition: Excellent
Condition
The medal remains in excellent original condition, displaying an attractive, untouched bronze patina with crisp, well-defined details throughout General Washington's portrait and the surrounding enamel finish. The original ribbon retains strong color, shows only minimal handling wear, and remains securely mounted to the suspension brooch. The reverse is clean and unengraved, while the mounting hardware functions properly. Overall, this is a highly presentable collector-grade example suitable for display or inclusion in any World War II U.S. military medal collection.
Historical Significance
The Purple Heart is one of America's most revered military decorations, awarded exclusively to service members who were wounded or made the ultimate sacrifice in combat. Original World War II Purple Hearts are enduring symbols of extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty. Whether preserved as part of a historical collection or displayed in honor of the generation that served during World War II, this authentic military-issued medal remains an important artifact of American military history and a lasting tribute to the men and women who served with distinction.
