Permission to post the images of the USS Helena Silver Pin received from Joe M.
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An Original and Wonderful Spanish American War Era USN Navy USS HELENA Ship's Pin.
The USS Helena pin is formed in the shape of a Ship's pennant and is 1-3/8" in size. It is constructed in Silver as per the marks on the reverse.
It is all hand made with each letter and period applied separately.

It was probably made in Cuba as it is marked with an unknown Silversmiths marks.
The piece is pin backed with a "T" bar pin and open wire "C" catch.

The USS Helena was a Gunboat commissioned in 1897, with Commander Swinburne in command.
The USS Helena saw plenty of action with blockade duty at Casilda and Tunas on July 1, 1898.
The Helena and its crew were recognized for the Sampson Medal with a Manzanillo or Tunas action.

Front.

Back.