Name/Title
"AJR" Lapel PinEntry/Object ID
2025.2.24Description
A small lapel pin formed of three stepped, overlapping square enamel panels, each carrying a single raised gilt capital letter, together reading A J R. The panels asscend left-to-right in the colors of the Cuban national flag: "A" in gilt on blue (lowest, at left), "J" in gilt on white (center), and "R" in gilt on red (highest, at right). Each panel has a thin raised gilt border.Use
Obtained in Cuba by Anna Veltfort and brought to New York City with her when she moved back to the US.Context
The AJR organized Cuban youth in the first years after the 1959 triumph. It began as a semi-military body under the Rebel Army/FAR Department of Instruction headed by Che Guevara, initially enrolling demobilized young fighters and unemployed adolescents (13–18), later opening to all young people (14–25) under the slogan "Estudio, trabajo y fusil" (study, work, and rifle). Its First National Plenary (21–24 October 1960) turned it into the unitary mass organization of revolutionary youth, absorbing the youth sections of the 26 of July Movement, the Partido Socialista Popular, and the Directorio Revolucionario 13 de Marzo. The organization existed under the AJR name only until 4 April 1962, when it became the UJC — making AJR-marked material relatively short-lived and specific to 1960–1962.Collection
Anna Veltfort collectionAcquisition
Accession
2025.2Source or Donor
Anna VeltfortAcquisition Method
GiftMade/Created
Time Period
1960sPlace
Country
CubaRegion
Caribbean, Central AmericaNotes
Maker/Attribution: Unmarked and unidentified (reverse not seen). Cuban manufacture. Designer unknown.
Date: circa 1960–1962 (the lifespan of the AJR name, from its 1960 constitution to its 4 April 1962 conversion to the UJC).Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionTranscription
AJRNotes
Letters "A," "J," "R" (one per panel).Parts
Single badge of three joined/overlapping letter-panels.Materials
Material
MetalMaterial Notes
Stamped metal (brass/bronze) with vitreous enamel grounds (blue, white, red) and gilt raised lettering and borders.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Anna VeltfortNotes
ownerPerson or Organization
A.J.R.Related Places
Place
City
HavanaCountry
CubaRegion
Caribbean, Central AmericaNotes
acquisitionPlace
City
New York CityState/Province
New YorkCountry
U.S.A.Continent
North AmericaNotes
preservationCreated By
María A. Cabrera ArúsCreate Date
May 6, 2022Updated By
María A. Cabrera ArúsUpdate Date
June 18, 2026