1911 Diamond Gum pins

[abroome]

I know this is quite an obscure and rare issue and little has been written on them. Anyone on the board actively collect this set?
I'm curious because I recently picked up an odd piece from this set. I only found it because Dots Miller is one of my Player collections.


This piece appears to have not been issued with the pin backing. Some might say the "P" word (proof) but I'm not a fan of the word and I'm pretty sure this is just a case of being made and never wrapped and sealed with celuoid to the pin backing.
I like the fact that it wasn't made into the pin and has not suffered the inevetible yellowing from the celuoid deterioration.

What is more interesting is there appears to be at least one more like this. SGC pop says theres a Lajoie slabbed as "1911 PE2 Diamond Gum" and "photo without pin." It would have to be like the Miller since if it was as issued, it wouldn't fit in an SGC slab.
The few PSA have slabbed are all as issued pins.
Has anyone else ever seen these?

And like anything else, there appears to be someone making their own of these and hocking them on the 'bay. They are listed as repros and are 3/4" larger than the originals.