US3442.)EARLY FIRST-ISSUE SILVER STAR MEDAL: circa 1932 first-issue type SSM with period split-brooch mounted pin-back. This is one of those Silver Star Medals that was retroactively awarded to WWI era recipients. Handsome early pendent with separately applied silver star device in center. Clean ribbon shows only the slightest of wear and age. Note how the back of the suspension clasp is marked 'B.B.B.Co. PHILA.' (for the premiere Philadelphia maker Bailey, Banks and Biddle). EXC++++