{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-usaaf-sterling-pilot-technical-observer-and-aerial-gunner-wings-by-n-s-meyer-vanguard-lot-of-three","title":"Original U.S. WWII USAAF Sterling Pilot, Technical Observer, and Aerial Gunner Wings by N.S. Meyer \u0026 Vanguard - Lot of Three","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Items. Only One Lot Available. This is a fantastic grouping 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 of the sets were produced by \u003cstrong\u003eN.S. Meyer Inc\u003c\/strong\u003e of New York, and the third was produced by \u003cstrong\u003eVanguard\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is generally believed that the N.S. Meyer firm was founded in 1906 by Nathan S. Meyer in New York. This company, located at 79 5th Ave, was considered an army and navy equipment store. His father, Simon N. Meyer, was a clothing merchant whose business began selling “gold and silver trimmings” and eventually was listed under “Regalia” in the directors in the 1880s and 1890s. It is believed that Nathan played an active role in this business. This explains why some sources state that N.S Meyer had created medals for the Army since the late 19th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wings in this lot:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- US Army Air Forces Pilot “Wings”:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 offered in wonderful condition with a functional pin arm and locking catch. It bears the \u003cstrong\u003eVANGUARD \u003c\/strong\u003ein the center of the reverse.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- US Army Air Forces Aerial Gunner “Wings”: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe 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 the NS Meyer Shield and STERLING on the reverse. The pin arm and locking catch work well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- US Army Air Forces Technical Observer “Wings”: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe third and final version of the Observer Badge was the Technical Observer Badge, an Aviator Badge with a T and O motif in the center. The Technical Observer Badge was primarily awarded to flight engineering personnel assigned to assist the flight engineer. This set is fantastic with a lovely patina. The reverse is marked with the NS Meyer Shield. The pin arm and locking catch work well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fantastic lot of wings, ready for further research and display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42627102638149,"sku":"ONJR25MAMB029","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25MAMB029__01.jpg?v=1743779219","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-usaaf-sterling-pilot-technical-observer-and-aerial-gunner-wings-by-n-s-meyer-vanguard-lot-of-three","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}