{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-sterling-silver-airborne-parachutist-jump-wings-badge-pin-back","title":"Original U.S. WWII Sterling Silver Airborne Parachutist “Jump Wings” Badge - Pin Back","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a WWII-era U.S. Army Parachutist Badge, commonly referred to as “Jump Wings.” Constructed in silver and marked \u003cb\u003eSTERLING\u003c\/b\u003e on the reverse, the badge features the familiar spread-wing design surrounding an open parachute, with its original-style horizontal pin-back attachment remaining in place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn interesting characteristic of this particular example is the appearance of the central parachute. Unlike many examples displaying sharply defined ribs or segmented lines across the canopy, the parachute on this badge is notably smooth, with very little surviving surface definition. The contrast is particularly apparent beside the wings, which retain considerably stronger feather detailing. Whether this resulted from the original strike, subsequent polishing, or wear over its service life cannot be determined conclusively from its present appearance and should therefore be left open to interpretation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse retains the horizontal pin, hinge, and catch. The badge displays an attractive aged silver appearance with dark toning and oxidation, particularly within recessed areas and around the reverse hardware. There is scattered surface wear consistent with age and handling. As noted, the parachute canopy exhibits substantially softer definition than the surrounding wing feathers. Overall, a well-preserved example with considerable period character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe U.S. Army Parachutist Badge originated during the rapid development of American airborne forces immediately before the United States entered WWII. In 1940, the Army began experimental parachute training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and the success of the original test platoon contributed directly to the organization of the 501st Parachute Battalion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distinctive badge was designed in early 1941 by Captain William P. Yarborough of the 501st Parachute Battalion. Sent to Washington to obtain an appropriate insignia for qualified parachutists, Yarborough produced the original sketch, from which the Office of the Quartermaster General prepared the finished design. The badge received formal War Department approval on March 10, 1941, and the first quantity had reached the 501st within days. Yarborough later received a design patent for the insignia in February 1943.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeriod regulations described the Parachutist Badge as an oxidized silver badge consisting of a parachute with a pair of wings attached at its base, displayed and curved inward toward the body of the parachute. The combination of the open parachute and wings represented both airborne flight and the individual soldier's parachute qualification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring WWII there was only the single grade of the metal Parachutist Badge represented here. The Senior and Master grades familiar today were later developments, authorized after the war in 1949 and formally announced in Army regulations in January 1950. Consequently, the unadorned parachute-and-wings configuration is the form associated with qualified U.S. Army parachutists throughout WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45917396631621,"sku":"ONSV26CNB032","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/3253FF49-0F14-421E-9CAE-7FC9C2238982.jpg?v=1790966984","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-sterling-silver-airborne-parachutist-jump-wings-badge-pin-back","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}