Chinese Mao Zedong Lapel Pin

Peaked cap, tiny red star over the brim, and a head cut out to fit.

This Mao Zedong lapel pin is from China, and dates to the 20th century. Badges and lapel pins bearing Mao's face were produced by the billions, and Mao himself called a halt to production in 1969 because the metal used was seen as wasteful. Turned three-quarters to the left, the small molded head wears a soft cap with a tiny red star at the front. The collar carries a red tab on each side. The surface is a mottled yellow gold with dark greenish flecks in the recesses. It is 0.5 inches wide and 0.75 high.

Every stitch of that uniform survived the casting.