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All repros????? WW I wings from Manions


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I think the first 2 are good. I think the second two are bad.

 

Although, you will likely get arguments about the very first one.

 

Patrick

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"GREETINGS & SALUTATIONS!" Might be wrong, but it seems that wool cloth backing would have moth holes? Very often wool rots and you see loose thread. Perhaps there will be some person at a local insignia show that knows more about First World War insignia that can tell you for sure? You might write to the people who authored books on such insignia, they might answer if you send them photographs and a self-adressed pre-stamped envelope? think.gif Philip R. Martin who wrote "Pilots Wings of the U.S."

post-837-1202925767.jpg

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I think the first three are good but I'm fairly certain the the Dallas Pilot's wing has had the wool backing replaced at one time. The Bomber wing (Bomb Aimer) is a damn good copy...if it is in fact a copy. The last wing used to be widely accepted as authentic.

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That book is mostly for airline wings and most of the pics are better here. Good for airline listing, but not for makers and varities. The wings look good from here, but I am sure there are more vocal folkes out there. Dave

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I have my doubts about the Dallas Wing, but the other three are good based on the pictures.

Gary

 

 

 

Gary, I actually like the Dallas wing even though I believe its been repaired or recovered. The US center is perfect and well jeweled unlike the usual suspect fakes. Tough one!

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another quick observation is that the Junior Aviator wings beading extends beyond the wingtip which is usually a bad sign. Also, the US center is very sloppy. It looks like the second wing is most likely a repro.

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Actually you want the beading to extend beyond the wingtip(that's what I don't like about the Dallas wing as they used the same wings. In the picture it doesn't look that sloppy but you have it in hand and I don't!

 

 

Cheers

Gary

another quick observation is that the Junior Aviator wings beading extends beyond the wingtip which is usually a bad sign. Also, the US center is very sloppy. It looks like the second wing is most likely a repro.
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Actually you want the beading to extend beyond the wingtip(that's what I don't like about the Dallas wing as they used the same wings. In the picture it doesn't look that sloppy but you have it in hand and I don't!

Cheers

Gary

 

 

I'm sure you're correct. It's been awhile since I've been involved with WW I wings.

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I'm sure you're correct. It's been awhile since I've been involved with WW I wings.

All of the wings above are currently being listed on Manions as reproductions. I see no reason to doubt their appraisal in this particular case.

 

I think the best of the lot is the middle wing which APPEARS to be a real wing that has been re-worked.

 

They are offering a nice pair of REAL dallas wings in their current catalog, but the opening bid is $2500.

 

Chris

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All of the wings above are currently being listed on Manions as reproductions. I see no reason to doubt their appraisal in this particular case.

 

I think the best of the lot is the middle wing which APPEARS to be a real wing that has been re-worked.

 

They are offering a nice pair of REAL dallas wings in their current catalog, but the opening bid is $2500.

 

Chris

 

People can think and say what they want about Manion's, but I will say that the guy that has the final say on vintage aviation insignia is about the most knowledgeable guy that you could have making the call. I'd stack his opinion up against anybody's. If he calls them reproductions, that is what they are.

Allan

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People can think and say what they want about Manion's, but I will say that the guy that has the final say on vintage aviation insignia is about the most knowledgeable guy that you could have making the call. I'd stack his opinion up against anybody's. If he calls them reproductions, that is what they are.

Allan

 

In the interest of full disclosure, here is a link to the Manion's page where the above wings are listed.

 

Manions US Wings

 

I think their descriptions are pretty much spot on.

 

However, the genuine "Dallas" wings are no longer listed. They must have ended. Mea culpa.

 

Chris

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I have to admit that the listings seemed confusing because the wings look pretty decent. The Dallas wings are noted as authentic however they don't seem to conform, and the Bomb aimers wing looks great (textbook). John knows his stuff and I have to agree that if he says they're repro...they are. Pretty scary repros!

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One last comment regarding these wings. I strongly feel that a mistake has been made regarding the authenticity of these wings. We all make mistakes. In fact I believe that the Dallas wing is most likely authentic but has had significant repairs done, The Junior MA appears good, the Bombing Aviator looks good and the Observer is a repro. Just my humble opinion.

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