Original Items: Only One Lot of 3 Available. This is a fantastic set of WWII era Aviator wings as worn by the Pilots and Crew members aboard the various types of aircraft during and after the war. Two are pinback and marked STERLING, and the third has clutchback pins.

The wings in this lot:

- US Army Air Forces Pilot “Wings”: During World War II, with the rise of the Army Air Forces, a second series of aviator badges were issued to include a design that has survived to the modern day. The Pilot Badge was issued in three degrees, including Pilot, Senior Pilot, and Command Pilot. A polished silver colored version of these badges is currently used as the United States Air Force Pilot Badges. This example is for a Pilot and is stamped STERLING with early clutchback pins, marked PATENT PENDING on the back.

- US Army Air Forces Aerial Gunner “Wings” by Levelle: The winged bullet on this badge represents the training and hazardous duty of aerial gunners who served on bomber aircraft such as the B-17 and B-29. It was authorized for wear from WWII until 1953 when it was replaced by the aircrew member badge. This set has the nicest patina we’ve seen, with fantastic shadowing and wear. Marked with STERLING on the reverse. The pin arm and locking catch work well. This style is attributed to the maker Levelle.

- US Army Air Forces Aircrew Wings: The first version of the Aircrew Badge was issued by the Army Air Forces during the Second World War. The badge was similar in design to the Aviator Badge, however, and displayed an emblem denoting enlisted status on its circular shield, or escutcheon, centered between two wings. The emblem featured the arms of the United States of America, in clear relief generally against a horizontally lined background, on a disk with a raised rim. 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. For example, aircrew badges were issued to Automatic Flight Control Equipment (A.F.C.E.) and Bombsight Shop personnel and others essential to "keep 'em flying" who flew instructional and maintenance flights but who did not actually take part in combat missions during World War II. This example is pinback and marked STERLING in the center.

A great lot, ready for display.