Original Item: One Lot of Four Wings. This is an attractive grouping of four U.S. Army Air Forces aviation qualification badges of WWII pattern, consisting of a Bombardier Badge, two Pilot Badges in different sizes, and an Air Crew Member Badge. Two of the wings are specifically marked STERLING, while the smaller Pilot wing bears the well-known N.S. Meyer maker marking. Together they make a very representative group of the specialized metal aviation insignia associated with the enormous wartime expansion of the Army Air Forces.

The first is a U.S. Army Air Forces Bombardier Badge. It features the characteristic extended feathered wings surrounding a central downward-pointing aerial bomb and target device. Bombardiers occupied one of the most specialized positions aboard American heavy and medium bombers, receiving extensive training in navigation, bombing procedures, and operation of increasingly sophisticated bombsights.

This example has a particularly attractive deep age patina, with brighter silver-colored highlights along the raised portions of the wings and central device. The reverse is stamped: STERLING. It is fitted with two rear posts, and both clutch fasteners remain present.

The second is the classic U.S. Army Air Forces Pilot Badge, with the familiar vertically striped shield positioned between a pair of fully extended feathered wings. This was the basic aviation badge identifying a rated Army Air Forces pilot and remains one of the most recognizable pieces of American WWII aviation insignia.

The front has a pleasing silver surface with natural toning and darker coloration retained in the recessed areas, which gives the feather and shield details excellent definition. The reverse is unmarked and shows an even dark patina from age. One of the original rear attachment posts is unfortunately missing, while the other post and its clutch fastener remain in place.

The third is the U.S. Army Air Forces Air Crew Member Badge, identified by the circular central medallion displaying the Coat of Arms of the United States. The Air Crew Member qualification was used for qualified flying personnel whose duties were not represented by one of the more specialized aviation badges, and became an important part of the expanding system of USAAF flying qualifications during WWII. This example is also marked: STERLING on the reverse of the central medallion.

Both attachment posts and their brass clutch fasteners remain present. The front retains excellent definition, particularly in the miniature eagle, shield, arrows, olive branch, and surrounding feather work. The reverse shows age toning with oxidation

Completing the grouping is a smaller U.S. Army Air Forces Pilot Badge, again displaying the traditional vertically striped shield and extended wings. This is the reduced type commonly encountered as a shirt-size aviation wing, made for wear when the shirt was worn as the outer garment.

Of particular collector interest, the reverse bears the maker marking:

N.S. MEYER INC.
NEW YORK

together with the firm's small shield trademark. N.S. Meyer of New York was one of the best-known American manufacturers and suppliers of military insignia during the period.

This smaller Pilot wing retains both rear posts and both clutch fasteners. It has a lightly toned silver-colored finish with darker patination remaining in the feathering and shield recesses.

All four badges display varying amounts of toning, oxidation, and wear. Included in the lot:

- 1x USAAF Bombardier Badge, clutch back, marked STERLING
- 1x USAAF Pilot Badge, clutch back, one attachment post and clutch missing
- 1x USAAF Air Crew Member Badge, clutch back, marked STERLING
- 1x Smaller USAAF Pilot Badge, clutch back, marked N.S. MEYER INC. / NEW YORK with Meyer shield trademark