CDR machete lapel pin, "10 Millones Van" (Zafra de los Diez Millones)
Entry/Object ID
2025.2.12
Description
Enameled metal lapel pin in the shape of a cane‑cutting machete (mocha). Red‑enamel blade with a black‑enamel handle. The blade is lettered in black: "10 MILLONES VAN," with "CDR" stacked vertically at the heel of the blade; the black handle carries worn lettering (likely "CUBA," illegible). Pin/clasp fastener on the reverse (assumed; reverse not shown).
Use
Belonged to Anna Veltfort, who brought it with her to the United States when she moved back in 1971.
Collection
Anna Veltfort collection
Acquisition
Accession
2025.2
Source or Donor
Anna Veltfort
Acquisition Method
Gift
Made/Created
Date made
circa 1969
Time Period
1960s
Place
Country
Cuba
Region
Caribbean, Central America
Notes
Maker: Issued in association with the Comités de Defensa de la Revolución (CDR), Cuba. Manufacturer not identified.
Date: Circa 1969–1970 — the "Zafra de los Diez Millones" (Ten Million Ton Harvest) campaign, whose slogan "los diez millones van" and CDR sponsorship this pin carries. In range.
Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Inscription
Transcription
10 millones van
CDR
Language
Spanish
Translation
The 10 millions go
CDR
Material/Technique
Etched
Dimensions
Height
0.8 cm
Width
4 cm
Parts
1
Materials
Material
Metal
Material Notes
Materials: Enamel on metal (brass or steel — tentative); metal pin fastener.
Technique: Die‑struck/stamped metal badge with colored enamel fill.
Commemorates the 1970 Ten Million Ton Harvest, a mass sugar‑harvest mobilization; the goal was not met (~8.5 million tons produced). The machete (mocha) form references cane cutting.
