U.S. Army Aviation (1917-1945)

This is identified as a number variant of Figure 9 in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 13 as Figure 13.  It varies slightly from the one in the book having a number "20" instead of "11".  In all other respects, it is identical.

Morris considers this wing to be one of the rarest and most unusual wings of WWI.  He located only 3 metal and 1 bullion wing.  This would be the second known bullion wing, as the one shown in the book is clearly numbered 11.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 2-5/8 inches across.

The condition is near excellent with tarnish from age.

This is identified as an unissued badge in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 12 as the war was over before sufficient flying time could be accumulated for the star.  This is most probably a 1920s era wing.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 3-1/2 inches across.  This is a very three-dimensional wing, with the balloon very rounded.

The condition is near excellent with tarnish from age.

This is an unusual variant of the Aeronaut balloon wing, with the long style blimp balloon as used by several artillery spotting units in France during WWI.

This wing has a number of interesting details, including variant shapes of the wings.  It was most likely made in France and used in lieu of the round LTA balloon style most usually seen.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 3-1/4 inches across.

The condition is near very good with tarnish from age.

This is identified as a wing authorized by Change 1 to SR#42 of 29 December 1917 in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 12 as Figure 9.  It varies slightly from the one in the book having a longer more pointed wing and beaded bullion border around the "O"

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 2-1/8 inches across.

The condition is near excellent with tarnish from age.

This is identified in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 33 as Figure WB-72.  It is virtually identical to the one in the book having a black wool backing.

This wing is part of an named lot, identified to Lieutenant Seminons Brown.  His photo is also included as well as the metal rank insignia (front and rear views) seen on his overseas cap in the photo.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 2-1/8 inches across.

The condition is near excellent with tarnish from age.

This is identified in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 15 as Figure WB-6.  It is described as a "unique variation" of the 1917 RMA badge.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 2-1/8 inches across.

The condition is near excellent with tarnish from age.

This wing is a variant of the RMA badge.  It has some unusual features including gilt US and beaded bullion border similar to the design of the wing above.  The shield is much less pointed, and the wing is thicker, as shown.

This wing is not identified by Terry Morris.

Here is a view of the back.  It has not been mounted and was apparently made to be sewn directly to a uniform.

It measures 2-1/4 inches across.

The condition is near excellent with slight tarnish from age.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service wing badge in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 19 as Figure WB-26. This wing is indicated as being made in England.

The one in the book has "droopy" wingtips in the RFC style, however, these wings are straight across in the US style. In all other respects, it is identical.  It measures 3-5/8 inches across.  The heavy dark gold bullion is on charcoal gray wool.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent.  It has deep tarnish. It is difficult to tell if the silver is tarnished almost gold or if gold was the original color.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service wing badge in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 19 as Figure WB-27. This wing is indicated as being made in the US.

The one in the book has a brass form with pin mount.  This one is not mounted. In all other respects, it is identical.  It measures 3-7/8 inches across.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent.  It has deep tarnish throughout.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service wing badge in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 23 as Figure WB-33. This wing is indicated as being made in the US.

This wing is similar to several variations shown in the book of the American made bullion wing.  It most closely resembles the one referenced as WB-33.  It measures 3-5/8 inches across.  The feathers are interesting in their application, with exceptional individual definition.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent.  It has deep tarnish throughout.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service wing badge in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 24 as Figure WB-36. This wing is indicated as being made by the Dan S. Dunham Co., in San Antonio, Texas.

This wing is more sharply defined than the one referenced as WB-36. In fairness, the photo is a bit soft in the focus in the book, otherwise it appears virtually identical. There is a slight variation in the applied letters, these are smooth and not chased.  It measures 3-5/8 inches across (including the backing).  This badge has exceptional definition.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent, with slight to moderate tarnish throughout.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service wing badge in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 24 as Figure WB-38. This wing is indicated as being made by the Dan S. Dunham Co., in San Antonio, Texas.

This wing is virtually identical. There is a slight variation in the backing.  It measures 2-7/8 inches across (including the backing).  This badge has exceptional definition.

Here is a view of the back.  It has screw post mounts. One mounting nut is absent.

The condition is near excellent, with slight to moderate tarnish throughout.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service wing badge in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 24 as Figure WB-38. This wing is indicated as being made by the Dan S. Dunham Co., in San Antonio, Texas.

This wing is virtually identical. There is a slight variation in the backing.  It measures 2-7/8 inches across.  This badge has exceptional definition.

Here is a view of the back.  It has a pin back mounts. It is content marked STERLING.

The condition is near excellent, with slight to moderate tarnish throughout.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service wing badge in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 24 as Figure WB-49. This wing is in the same style and type made by the Eisenstadt Co., in St. Louis, Missouri.

This wing is an interesting variation having characteristics of both WB-48 and WB-49. Eisenstadt was known to have made multiple variations, trying to design the perfect wing.  This wing eliminated the needle sharp wing tips and incorporated descending feathers to frame the small shield. It measures 2-1/2 inches across and 1/2 inch high.  This badge has exceptional definition.

Here is a view of the back.  It has a pin back mounts. It is content marked STERLING.

The condition is near excellent, with slight to moderate tarnish throughout.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service wing badge in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 29 as Figure WB-57. This wing has a very intriguing recurved design with the shield vaulted above the level of the wings, giving the impression of flight.  It is identical to the one above, with a black wool felt backing.  It is not quite as sharply recurved as the one above, however is does have the reflex curve to the wings.

This wing has a very early style of safety catch on the pin. It measures 3-1/4 inches across (including the backing).

Here is a view of the back.  It is content marked STERLING.

The condition is near excellent, with slight to moderate tarnish throughout.

This is an unusual variant of the Aeronaut balloon wing, with the round style balloon as used by several artillery spotting units in France during WWI.

This wing has some variation from the bullion examples shown in Morris's book.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 3-1/4 inches across.

The condition is good to near very good with tarnish from age.  There is some damage to the upper two threads on the left side (looking at it).

This is a gold and silver bullion wire aviator instructor wing in an early design similar to the ASSC wings seen on collar device USC4-01, below. The wing is unmarked.

It measures 1-1/2 inches.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent.

This is a gilt aviator instructor wing in a later (post WWI) design similar to the ASSC wings seen on collar device USC4-01, below. The wing is unmarked.

It measures 1-1/2 inches.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent.

This is an embroidered ASSC 131st Squadron Enlisted Mechanic Patch.

This company size unit was assigned to the 29th Wing in Shawbury, England in April 1918.

It measures 4-3/4 by 5-1/2 inches. It is identical (except for the unit number) as the one shown in Morris' book on page 48 as figure S-7.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent.

This is an extremely rare named and documented US Army/US Navy aviator insignia lot.

Alfred Crockett Dunn was one of only a handful of US Navy Long Distance Horizon (Aerial) Photographers. He was an enlisted man in the US Navy, and at the outbreak of WWI, he was loaned to the US Army Air Service. He wore a US Army uniform with USN collar disk insignia specially made by FIX Paris, with the engraved letters USN. Each aerial photographer in his squadron was issued two Aerial Photographer half wings, one for the flight suit, and one for the uniform. In 1918, Dunn took flight training and became an enlisted aviator, wearing two sets of wings on the same uniform.

He was later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Service Aeronautics section assigned to Mitchell Field, Long Island, New York in 1919, adding yet another set of officer flight wings (not included in this lot).

This lot contains a copy of his 2LT commission, his Aerial Photographer half wing, the USN silver enlisted collar disks, his enlisted aviator wings (two variants), and his collar and rank insignia of a 2LT. There is a brief typewritten biography with the information above.

This lot is in near excellent condition overall, as shown.

Here is a view of the back of the insignia..

This is a named aviator 2nd Lieutenant Lloyd F. Pinkham pilot lot, including collar insignia, wings, photograph RMA ID card and case,  flight log book, post WWI business card, and biographical summary of his service and his brother's (William D. Pinkham) concurrent service in the US Air Service.

This lot is named to Lieutenant L. F. Pinkham and dates from April 13, 1918 during WWI through December 11, 1918. His RMA license is dated from the date of his commission December 10, 1918.  Images are shown at the links below:

• ID Document and cover
• Pilot Log detail 1 -- 2 -- 3
• Wings back
• Insignia back view

The wings are American made silver bullion on black wool, with a rounded shield and gold bullion US.  These wings are identical to those shown in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 17 as Figure WB-17. They measure 3 inches across.

The collar insignia (flags and torch) match those shown as C-1 on page 37 with the globe devices as shown on C-7 on page 38.

The pilot's book is the same as shown on page 68, except belonging to this pilot.  The ID cards and case are identical to those shown on page 72, even signed by the same officer (who was a captain of Infantry as shown before being promoted to Lt. Col of ASA in 1919, as shown in the book.).  This ID predates the one in Morris's book by 6 months.

The condition is near excellent.  There is some red residue from the display case that will come off with gentle cleaning.

This is a named aviator bomber pilot lot, including insignia, wings, photographs, Military Aeronautics School graduation document, and duplicate flight log book.

This lot is named to Lieutenant William Edwin White and dates to the end of WWI through 1919. Images are shown at the links below:

• Document
• Pilot Log detail 1 -- 2 -- 3
• Photos 1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5
• Insignia back view

The wings are American made three-piece silver on black wool, with a rounded shield and applied gold US and measure 3-1/2 inches across. These wings are not shown in Morris's book, although the style is depicted by several three-piece wing examples.  Note the triangular shape of the wings and the round pointed shield with incised stars in chief and gold US applied.

The graduation document is virtually identical to the one shown in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 62, except this one has a military form number 3-6009 instead of locally printed.  This document (and similar) were used by the eight universities in the US offering Ground School.  This one was awarded at the University of California, Berkeley, California on November 16, 1918.

The condition is near excellent.

This is a balloon aviator enlisted crewman's  lot, including insignia, very rare balloon patch, a very rare 2nd PROVISIONAL Aero Regiment unit history, a photograph of a balloon of the regiment in the anchor position, World War I victory medal and side hat with unusual screwback aviation wing.

• Close-up of History
• Lot back view

The condition is near excellent.

2LT Scofield Pilot Aviator Named Lot

This is a WWI US Army Air Service (Aeronautical) National Army officer aviator pilot's  lot, including wing prop branch insignia, bullion pilot wing, a very scarce ORIGINAL commission document with embossed seal and quill pen signatures, a photograph of the aviator, 2nd Lieutenant Edward E. Scofield, several Special Orders and other documents relating to his service.

• Bullion Pilot Wing ( front) (back)
• Collar Branch Insignia (front) (rear)
• Photograph
• Commission
• 2nd Ind Special Order 86
• Special Order 182
• Special Order 219
• Special Order 221
• Special Order 226
• Travel Receipt
• Wright Field Envelope
• Military Envelopes (two identical)

The wing is identical in all aspects to the wing identified as WB-26 on page 19 in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris.  The collar branch insignia most resembles the device identified as C-16.  The photo in the book is a bit unclear, but the details are very close, if not identical.

The documents are all originals, with seals where appropriate. The 2nd endorsement is a WWI period type carbon copy.  The photo is a very sharp and clear image printed from the original glass negative on Kodak marked paper.

The condition is near excellent.

This is a balloon aviator enlisted crewman's  lot, including one sergeant ASSC rank insignia, very rare balloon wing, the ORIGINAL discharge, dated 1919, a VA disability document, and a promotion document to the rank of corporal dated February 1918. He was promoted to sergeant first class in May, 1918.

Here are some images of this great wartime aviation lot:

• Patches: Front -- Back
• Discharge Front -- Back
• VA Document (dated 1951)
• Promotion document

The condition is near excellent.

This is a 3rd Aviation Instruction Center named aviator enlisted pilot lot, including one very rare bullion instructor  wing, an original period 3rd Aero Squadron patch, his Privilege Pass, and a letter from a relative documenting his WWI service.

Here are some images of this great wartime aviation lot:

• Patch and Wing: Front -- Back

The condition is near excellent.

This is a pilot aviator Lieutenant H. W. Prince officer insignia lot, including one wing propeller insignia and one U.S.R insignia.

Here are some images of this great wartime aviation lot:

• Insignia: Front -- Back
• Photo: Overall -- Close-up of Wing

Please note the wing shown in the photo is NOT a part of this lot and it is no longer available.  It is however, an interesting variation, and one not documented in Morris's book.  Sharp period photographs of rarely encountered wing variations are extremely scarce.

The condition is near excellent.

This is an early aviator officer insignia lot, including two wing insignia and one pair of U.S. officer insignia, three 2LT bars, and two period photographs showing the same rank insignia in wear, and an ORIGINAL set of Special Orders S.O. 212 with A.E.F. handstamp with named officer aviators on authorized flight status listed to July 31, 1918.

Included in this lot is a rare pin back wing, shown front and rear here.  This wing is virtually identical to the US Air Service wing badge in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 26 as Figure WB-45 attributed to J. R. GAUNT, London. This one varies from the book in that it is 2/3-size, measuring 2 inches long.

There is also a screwback 1-5/8 inch ROBBINS ATTLEBORO hat wing, shown front and rear here. This is a view of the rear with the nut off, showing the maker mark.  It is not described in Morris.  Note the interesting SINGLE row of stars in the chief.

Here are some images of this great wartime aviation lot:

• Special Orders: Front -- Back
• Metal Insignia: Front -- Rear

There are also two photographs, taken in France, and a pair of chits.  One for the French railroad and an early French military script currency.

The condition is near excellent, with routine tarnish and minor wear.

Rare US Army Air Corps Dental Flight Surgeon

This is a very rare 1942 GOLD Flight Dental Surgeon wing.

This wing was made before General Arnold mandated that ALL USAAF wings would be silver colored and none would be gold.  This standard was set in early 1942 while medical staff (flight nurses, flight surgeons, and other aviators in the medical field wore gold wings to distinguish themselves from pilot aviators). The back is shown here.

This is a three-piece wing, with a separately applied black enamel "D" on another separately applied caduceus attached to an observer's wing.

It measures 3-3/16 inches across and 1 inch high.

The condition is near excellent.

Rare US Army Air Corps C-46 Aviation Pioneer Trophy

This is a Pre-World War Two 1940 First Place General Motors Curtiss C-46 Conestoga Transport Aircraft IDed Aviation Pioneer Trophy.  

This trophy is named to Edward G. Budd. His bio and specifics of the award are shown here.

These are views of the front in close-up, the name detail, detail of the C-46 from the top, the top, the back and the bottom.

This is a LARGE trophy, measuring 18 inches high, by 14 inches across and 4-1/2 inches deep.

The condition is near excellent.

This is identified as an unauthorized variation of the US Air Service Signal Corps collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 37 as Figure C-2.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 1-1/4 inches wide.

The condition is near excellent.

This is identified as an unauthorized variation of the US Air Service Signal Corps collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 37 as Figure C-3.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 1-1/4 inches wide.

The condition is near excellent.

This is a design variant of the insignia identified as an unauthorized variation of the US Air Service Signal Corps stateside collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 38 as Figure C-4. The primary difference is the large head torch with the narrow shaft, as pictured  of Emerson's Encyclopedia of United States Army Insignia and Uniforms on Page 57 as Figure 38-10

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 1-1/4 inches wide.

The condition is near excellent.

This is identified as an unauthorized variation of the US Air Service Signal Corps collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 38 as Figure C-4.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 1-1/4 inches wide.

The condition is very good to near excellent with some slight bends in the staffs and tarnish.

This is identified as a French Theater made  variation of the US Air Service Signal Corps collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1 913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 38 as Figure C-6. There are differences in the torch flame, at spikes on the staffs of the flags, and the application of the silver US. This is a scarce variant.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 3/4 inches wide.

The condition is near excellent, with a slight bend on one staff.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service Signal Corps collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 38 as Figure C-6.

The ONLY difference between this device and the one in Morris is that the winged globe is silver.  It is a French made device, note the long "cone" on the torch and the small flame and non-stippled flags.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 1-1/4 inches wide.

The condition is near excellent, with slight bends on the shafts, as shown.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service Signal Corps collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 38 as Figure C-7.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 1-1/4 inches wide.

The condition is near excellent.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service Signal Corps collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 38 as Figure C-7.

The major distinction is the location of the winged globe and early style flaming torch.  Here is a view of the back.

It measures 1-1/4 inches wide.

The condition is near very good, with bends as shown.

This is a US Air Service Signal Corps collar device of unusual design.

It has loops for sewing to the collar and a winged prop device with an abbreviated propeller.  Here is a view of the back.

It measures 1-1/4 inches wide.

The condition is near very good, with bends as shown.

This is identified as a French-made variation of the US Air Service Officer shirt collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 41 as Figure C-17.

It is a two piece design with separately applied silver prop on chocolate brown painted bronze wing.  Note the unusual pattern of the feathers. Here is a view of the back.

The wings measures 1-3/4 inches wide.

The condition is near excellent.

This is identified as a Tiffany design variation of the US Air Service Officer shirt collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 41 as Figure C-19.

It is a one piece design with a STERLING silver content mark on the back of the wing.  Note the distinctive straight pattern of the top of the wing.  Morris attributes this design to Tiffany & Co, New York. Here is a view of the back.

The wings measures 1-3/4 inches wide.

The condition is near excellent.

This is identified as a J.R. GAUNT London England design variation of the US Air Service Officer shirt collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 41 as Figure C-21.

It is a two piece design winged prop applied to a gilt wreath to form an unauthorized cap badge used in place of the usual US Army cap eagle device. It was used by an aviation officer in France near the end of the war. Here is a view of the back. It has a nut and two stabilizing wires as a fastener.

The wings measures 1-1/4 inches wide and the wreath is 2 inches wide.

The condition is near excellent.

This is identified as a French-made variation of the US Air Service Officer shirt collar device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 42 as Figure C-22.

This is a VERY scarce MATCHED two piece set.

It is a two piece design with separately applied silver prop on a die-struck hollow bronze wing.  Note the unusual pattern of the feathers. This is definitely a French design, but has a number of minor differences in the top of the wing and feather placement. Here is a view of the back.

The wings measures 1-3/4 inches wide.

The condition is near excellent.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service Signal Corps enlisted man collar disk device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 43 as Figure C-25.

Here is a view of the back.

It measures 1 inch in diameter.

The condition is near excellent.

This is identified as a variation of the US Air Service Signal Corps enlisted man collar disk device in the reference United States Army Air Service Wing Badges -- Uniforms and Insignia 1913-1918 by Terry Morris on page 43 as Figure C-25.

Here is a view of the back, the inside, and a close-up of the insignia.

The disk measures 1 inch in diameter.  The cap is about a size7-1/8

The condition is near excellent.

This is an unusual small wing prop insignia, possibly for the side hat. The wing is bronze solid wing with an applied silver U.S with only the center dot. The wing is interesting in that it has upswept wingtips, a design variant rarely encountered. There is a maker mark stamped on the back from CLEV METAL SPECIALTIES CO. CLEVELAND.

It measures 3/4 inches.

Here is a view of the back.

The condition is near excellent.