DescriptionPin: Port of Embarkation. Hoboken, N.J. 2372. Circa 1918-1919, possibly to 1921. Stamped plated brass,1-1/2" diameter; with painted infill; pin back; 1/8" diameter drilled hole near top (purpose not known.) Maker's mark on back: Whitehead & Hoag, Newark. Hoboken served as the U.S. Army's main Port of Embarkation for military troops being sent to Europe in World War I. After the Nov. 11, 1918 armistice, it became one of several Ports of Debarkation, a role the Hoboken port had until 1921. It is possible that this pin would not have been replaced immediately, if at all, when the war ended. This pin badge was probably worn by a civilian worker who was an employee of the one of the many companies that served the port and its related facilities. (n.b. other identification badges and passes for the port in this era are known that were not anonymous.) Original infill paint appears to be a dark blue with some losses evident; a later white or off-white paint is found on the front and on the back (including a heavy encrustation on the clasp preventing it from operating.) Scratch marks are present from crude cleaning done at some point.