bschwartz Posted March 19, 2015 Share #1 Posted March 19, 2015 I generally don't post too many of my new acquisitions here but I thought people might appreciate this one. This is a very special grouping for me and one that basically fell into my lap. This is from Lieutenant George B. Fredell who earned his wings in April of 1919. While after WW1 it's still an interesting grouping as each of the items was made by Shreve & Co and Fredell lived in San Francisco, was in charge of the Air Reserve grouping there and is buried at the Presidio. I was thrilled to get this grouping. I'll post a closeup of the bracelet below a picture of the group. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bschwartz Posted March 19, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted March 19, 2015 The inscription on the back reads as follows: First Airplane Landing Apr 27, 1919 From the citizens of Carlistoga Cal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bschwartz Posted March 19, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted March 19, 2015 Wing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
empireguns Posted March 19, 2015 Share #4 Posted March 19, 2015 Thats a quality set of items, I really like those wings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bschwartz Posted March 19, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted March 19, 2015 Thanks to Cliff Presley it has been determined that he did indeed earn his wings prior to the end of WW1 and was a WW1 qualified pilot. Now that doesn't mean he served overseas in the war but he did earn his wings during the war. The bracelet was a presentation item for the first airplane landing in the city of Carlistoga, California. Thank you Cliff and that amazing research library of yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Costa Posted March 19, 2015 Share #6 Posted March 19, 2015 nice bob--- detail on the wings is stands out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchcollector Posted March 19, 2015 Share #7 Posted March 19, 2015 Great group.The Wing is beautiful and the bracelet is cool too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwnorma Posted March 19, 2015 Share #8 Posted March 19, 2015 Bob, Top shelf! Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bschwartz Posted March 19, 2015 Author Share #9 Posted March 19, 2015 Thanks guys. Oh and I fat fingered the name of the city on the back of the badge, it's Calistoga not Carlistoga. Yeesh I'm getting old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ram957 Posted March 19, 2015 Share #10 Posted March 19, 2015 That is a GREAT grouping !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CliffP Posted March 19, 2015 Share #11 Posted March 19, 2015 Congratulations Bob, that's one of the smartest looking wings any of us might hope to find. . . and it's especially nice to know it's going into the collection of one of the finest, most unselfish members of this board that I know. Many thanks for all that you have done over the years to help promote this fine hobby. Clliff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumpin Jack Posted March 19, 2015 Share #12 Posted March 19, 2015 I'm not into WWI items, but you have to appreciate quality when you see it! Great groupings. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trenchbuff Posted March 19, 2015 Share #13 Posted March 19, 2015 Breathtaking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDK Posted March 19, 2015 Share #14 Posted March 19, 2015 Very nice. Both the bracelet and wings are top notch! JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cutiger83 Posted March 19, 2015 Share #15 Posted March 19, 2015 All of the pieces are simply breathtaking. I noticed the sweetheart item has two stars. Do you know if he had a sibling who served? ....Kat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted March 19, 2015 Share #16 Posted March 19, 2015 Beautiful grouping and this wings are to die forsake I've said before, to bad the AF couldn't go back to those designs.Even the collar insignia has great detail. I found him mentioned in this article. http://dmairfield.com/people/henley_al/index.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dskjl Posted March 19, 2015 Share #17 Posted March 19, 2015 Great finds and beautiful wings. I shopped and Shreve and Co in Downtown San Francisco for years and my wife wears an engagement ring from them. I also used to live on Calistoga Road just outside of town, so how is it I never found anything like this, dang I must be looking in the wrong places. Congrats on a wonderful find. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bschwartz Posted March 19, 2015 Author Share #18 Posted March 19, 2015 Thanks again for the compliments. Thanks too firefighter for the link to the article. That's really cool that he participated in the air races. cutiger83, I'm not sure if he had a sibling that served but it would make sense given the sweetheart item with the two "in service" stars. The interesting part of that piece is that it's 14k gold and the prop is sterling. The quality of that piece is outstanding. It's clear that Shreve was, and is, a very high end jeweler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustywings Posted March 19, 2015 Share #19 Posted March 19, 2015 Bob, Congratulations on adding an absolutely gorgeous grouping to your collection. And, as mentioned above, thank you for all of your selfless efforts in providing us with the best wing resource out there! www.ww2wings.com Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted March 19, 2015 Share #20 Posted March 19, 2015 Very, very nice set Bob, well done! John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieony Posted March 19, 2015 Share #21 Posted March 19, 2015 Wow, what a beautiful and rare group! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fstop61 Posted March 19, 2015 Share #22 Posted March 19, 2015 An absolutely beautiful pair of wings-thanks for posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwnorma Posted March 21, 2015 Share #23 Posted March 21, 2015 Wing So, I know that some (like Duncan Campbell) like wings polished bright... I know that some think patina is sacred and won't even consider cleaning them... I just want to say that these wings of Bob's are exactly what I find most attractive--Specifically dark in the recesses and lightly polished on the high points. To me this is the allure of antique silver. The contrast really brings out the beauty of these wings. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conway Posted March 21, 2015 Share #24 Posted March 21, 2015 Bravo Bob - there is still hope! Those who search thoroughly and carry a big wallet don't get them all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted March 21, 2015 Share #25 Posted March 21, 2015 As far as shinning a badge I'm on the fence.I like the patina, shows the real age.But I also like the shine, like how it was worn almost a 100 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now