Original Items: Only One Lot of 5 Available. This is a fantastic grouping of WWII era Aviator wings as worn by the Pilots and Crew members aboard the various types of aircraft during and after the war. All are in wonderful condition with functional pin arm back with locking catches. Two of the wings appear to be American made while the USN/USMC wings is an Austrial made example by the well known Sydney based jewellers, Angus & Coote.
The Wings In This Lot:
- US Army Air Forces Australian Made Pilot “Wings”: During World War II, with the rise of the Army Air Forces, a second series of aviator badges were issued to include a design that has survived to the modern day. The Pilot Badge was issued in three degrees, including Pilot, Senior Pilot, and Command Pilot. A polished silver colored version of these badges is currently used as the United States Air Force Pilot Badges. This example is for a Pilot and is offered in wonderful condition with a functional pin arm and locking catch.
- US Army Air Forces Senior Pilot “Wings”: This badge is similar to the Pilot wings with the exception of the star on top of the center shield. This was to identify a pilot of their seniority. The higher degrees are denoted by a star or star with wreath above the badge.
- US Naval Aviator “Wings”: The aviator badge currently used in the Navy has remained virtually unchanged since it was first issued on 13 November 1917. The Naval Aviator Badge is earned by all U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard pilots upon graduation from advanced flight training. Additional aviator badges exist for Naval Flight Officers (USN & USMC), Naval Flight Surgeons, Naval Aviation Physiologists, Naval Flight Nurses, Naval Aviation Observers (USN & USMC) and enlisted Naval Aircrewman (USN, USMC & USCG). Naval Aviators' badges are gold in color. Unlike the Air Force and the Army, the naval services do not employ senior or command/master aeronautical ratings.
All badges are still in functional condition with their respective pin or locking catch mechanisms. All details are still crisp but does show wear. They are all presented without any extensive damage and comes more than ready for display.
