Original Item: Only One Available.This is a very nice pair of original WWII U.S. Army Air Forces aviator qualification wings, consisting of a Pilot Wing with a Fox-associated maker hallmark and a Sterling silver Aerial Gunner Wing of the distinctive Bell Pattern. Both badges retain excellent molded detail and attractive period age toning, and together represent two of the best-known USAAF flying qualifications of the Second World War.

The first badge is the standard U.S. Army Air Forces Pilot Wing, recognizable by the central vertical-striped shield between a pair of outstretched wings. This is the basic Pilot rating, without the additional star or wreath used on the higher Senior and Command Pilot grades. The reverse of the Pilot Wing is fitted with two clutch-back posts, both of which retain clutch fasteners. A small maker's emblem is impressed into the reverse of the central shield, consisting of an F within a rounded or circular device. This hallmark is commonly associated with the Gustave Fox Company.

The second badge is an original U.S. Army Air Forces Aerial Gunner Wing, a qualification badge introduced during WWII for enlisted airmen trained to operate the defensive armament aboard American combat aircraft. Its design features the distinctive winged projectile at center, flanked by a pair of outstretched feathered wings. This example is of the style commonly referred to by collectors as the “Bell Pattern,” a designation used for a distinctive die pattern associated with insignia attributed to the Bell Trading Post of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The term describes the characteristic form and detailing of the badge rather than necessarily indicating that every example was actually manufactured by Bell, particularly when no Bell maker's mark is present. This example is constructed as a one-piece die-struck badge, with the central winged projectile formed integrally as part of the same piece of metal rather than being separately applied. The reverse is stamped: STERLING, indicating sterling silver construction. It is fitted with a traditional horizontal pin-back attachment consisting of a hinged pin and catch.

Both wings retain the appealing, naturally aged surface character expected of original WWII aviation insignia. The Pilot Wing is especially noteworthy for its Fox-associated hallmark, while the Sterling Aerial Gunner Wing stands out as an example of the desirable Bell Pattern.

All pins are 3” wide.