Item Description
Original Items: This is a wonderful set of three genuine WWII sterling silver "Bell Pattern" aviator wings for a Pilot, Air Crew, and Aerial Gunner. There were a multitude of different manufactures of the various flight badges, and many did not mark the badges made. This pattern has lovely distinctive wrist / wing bend, that is identical on all three badges. There are also three lines towards the outside. This very desirable type has been attributed to the Bell company.
Nothing symbolizes a flying person more than his or her pair of wings, whether the wing be constructed from cloth, plastic or metal. A wing identifies a person as a individual trained in airmanship to a specific level of expertise, and is usually awarded to the trainee pilot on successful completion of their exams and first solo flight.
Most individuals awarded a pair of wings cherish them as they represent an accomplishment or milestone in the person's life. It's this human involvement and sense of accomplishment, encapsulating: adventure, excitement and romance that creates a portal into the golden years of aviation, that sparks an interest to collect aviation wings.
Aviator wings are symbolic of a specific job performed by an individual; the style of wing indicating which job. The US Army Airforce (USAAF or AAF) during the Second World War required wings to be produced for several standard aircrew functions: pilot, engineer, air gunner, navigator, bombardier and observer. Sub variants of these wings were also produced to be issued to: glider pilots, balloon pilots, liaison pilots, technical observers, flight nurses and flight surgeons.
This set is comprised of the following three wings:
PILOT WINGS
Classic WW2 pilot's wings with beautiful detail. These were issued to pilots in three grades. These wings measure 3" across are marked STERLING on the reverse. Pin back (pin back, hook close, complete).
AIR CREW WING
Anyone trained in flight operations was authorized to wear this badge, including pilots, bombardiers, navigators, flight engineers, radio men and gunners. The badge was also awarded to certain ground personnel at the discretion of their commanding officer. Non-crewmembers eligible for the badge were individuals with flying status such as aircraft maintenance supervisors and technical inspectors. These wings measure 3" across are marked STERLING on the reverse. Pin back (pin back, hook close, complete).
AERIAL GUNNER WING
Established 29 April 1943, this wing was awarded to individuals who had completed the 6 weeks aerial gunnery course. The center of the wing depicts a flying bullet with wings. These wings measure 3" across and are marked STERLING with a shield logo on the reverse (pin back, roller close, complete).
A great set of three WWII USAAF Bell Pattern Sterling silver wings. These are always hard to find on the market. Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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