WWII-era United States Merchant Marine service lapel badge in sterling.

This is a WWII-era United States Merchant Marine service lapel badge 25mm across.(also sometimes called a service emblem or insignia pin). The design features the classic USMM motif: a rope-bound anchor overlaid on a shield, set within a compass rose with the cardinal points W and E visible, all surrounded by the inscription “UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE.” The front has a warm gilt/gold-tone finish over sterling.
The maker: American Emblem Company
The back is stamped “STERLING” and “A.E. CO. UTICA N.Y.”