Original Item: Only One Available. These lovely Observer Wings are attributed to Naval Aviator Stanley Ralph Soulby (1890-1978) an early Naval Aviator who piloted Balloons and Dirigibles for the United States Navy, including the U.S. Navy Airships USS Macon, USS Akron, and USS Shenandoah in the 1920s-1930s. Soulby then again was called up to be reactivated and served during WWII. LTA (Lighter Than Air) Navy LTA Aviator Insignia from the Pre-World War Two period is nearly impossible to find.

The first United States Aviator Badges were issued to members of the Air Service during World War I. The badges were issued in three degrees: Observer (a "US" shield and one left-side wing), Junior Aviator or Reserve Aviation Officer (a "US" shield between two wings), and Senior Aviator (a star over "US" shield between two wings). The Army Air Service also issued a badge for balloon pilots, known as the Aeronaut Badge.

Enlisted Aviators wore their regular rank insignia and the Observer's badge. There were 29 enlisted pilots before the American entry into World War I. The second enlisted aviator, William A. Lamkey, got a discharge and flew for Pancho Villa. The remaining enlisted pilots received commissions in 1917. There were 60 enlisted mechanics who were trained as pilots in France during the war, but they were used for ferrying duties and did not fly in combat. The recruiting and training of enlisted Aviators ended in 1933.

The original Observer Badge was a half-wing variation of the Aviator Badge worn by military pilots of the United States Army Air Service and later the United States Army Air Corps. The badge was mainly awarded to gunners, spotters, and navigators on the first armed military aircraft. With the advent of bombing, the Observer Badge was also initially authorized for aircraft bombardiers. A new badge was soon created for these duties, however: the Bombing Aviator Badge.

Those rated as Balloon Observers were also eligible for the badge, and the badge was typically referred to as both the Airplane Observer Badge and the Balloon Observer Badge. The design of the badge awarded was identical in both cases, and towards the end of the First World War was commonly referred to as the "Airplane and Balloon Observer Badge", although the ratings for which the badge was issued remained distinct.

The badges are in excellent condition. The pinback catches and arms are still fully functional and operates as intended. There is minor tarnishing present but it just adds to the lovely patina of the wings. The bullion badge is one of the best we have seen and was well cared for. There is almost no tarnishing present on the wire threads and the backing has minor staining present.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.