Unknown ATC Numeral Patch - Civilian Contract Airlines

[Scarecrow]

Recently acquired this ATC uniform (Civilian Airline Contract Branch). Below the normal ATC Wright Brothers Memorial SSI is a patch bearing the number 19. Does anyone have an idea what this 19 patch might mean and/or it's significance? Does it represent a Base, an Airfield, a Hanger, an Airline or an aircraft? Any help or thoughts greatly appreciated.

[Teamski]

Now that I haven't seen before!

 

-Ski

[vintageproductions]

I believe it represents a manufacturer.

 

I have had them before for Consolidated aircraft in San Diego but can't remember the number off the top of my head.

[lamarhooten]

New one to me! Haven't seen very many uniforms with the large patch on it too. Can't wait to hear about this one!

[Scarecrow]

I believe it represents a manufacturer.

 

I have had them before for Consolidated aircraft in San Diego but can't remember the number off the top of my head.

 

Is it possible that the number might represent an airline rather than a manufacturer? Consairways. being Consolidated's, airline arm had a contract with the ATC. So I'm wondering if the number may be for the airline, TWA, United, Pan Am etc. However just speculation on my part at this point.

[vintageproductions]

It could be.

 

Try contacting John Cook, Cookieman, on here. I believe he is who identified mine when I had them years ago.

[COOKIEMAN]

I can give you a positive ID. The number indicates a specific airline under contract to Air Transport Command. A quote from a PanAm uniform directive dated 27 January, 1943.

 

AIRLINE NUMBER CLOTH EMBLEM: Each contract airline has drawn a number (PAA's number is 11) which will be worn by all non-supervisor ground personnel.

 

Eight major airlines like PanAm, flew primarily transcontinental and international routes, while a lot of smaller companies flew feeder routes in and out of the major ATC hubs. For example, Southwest Airways, of Thunderbird Field fame, flew several feeder routes into and out of San Bernardino AAF.

 

I have never seen a definitive list of the airlines and their assigned numbers, I'm sure it rests in some dusty file. Perhaps it will come to light some day.

 

Congratulations on your great find.

[Scarecrow]

I can give you a positive ID. The number indicates a specific airline under contract to Air Transport Command. A quote from a PanAm uniform directive dated 27 January, 1943.

 

AIRLINE NUMBER CLOTH EMBLEM: Each contract airline has drawn a number (PAA's number is 11) which will be worn by all non-supervisor ground personnel.

 

Eight major airlines like PanAm, flew primarily transcontinental and international routes, while a lot of smaller companies flew feeder routes in and out of the major ATC hubs. For example, Southwest Airways, of Thunderbird Field fame, flew several feeder routes into and out of San Bernardino AAF.

 

I have never seen a definitive list of the airlines and their assigned numbers, I'm sure it rests in some dusty file. Perhaps it will come to light some day.

 

Congratulations on your great find.

Cookieman,

 

Thank you very much for the Id! Greatly appreciated. Now the search will be on to find a copy of the assigned airline number list. Just one little confusing bit, just like your quote, reference to the Wright Brother's Memorial SSI says "will be worn by non-supervisor ground personnel". But this SSI and airline number patch are definitely on an id'd pilot, first officer four pocket jacket. Once again I guess its a case of "never say never and never say always". Again many thanks for the response.

[doinworkinvans]

Absolutely killer!! An AT collectors dream! Hope you can ID the 19

[ASMIC2971]

Northwest Airlines held the 19 contract. I showed this to my dad who is the Executive Director of the Northwest Airlines History Centre. He was able to tell me that 19 was Northwest Airlines.

[BILL THE PATCH]

Awesome research and outcome. Great pick up

 

Sent from my XT1031 using Tapatalk

 

 

[Scarecrow]

Northwest Airlines held the 19 contract. I showed this to my dad who is the Executive Director of the Northwest Airlines History Centre. He was able to tell me that 19 was Northwest Airlines.

Drew,

Fantastic information! Thanks very much for passing that along. I believe the pilot's name is on the tailor's tag on the inside pocket. Don't want to go to the well too often but if I retrieve the name, might your Dad be able to find any information on him?

 

Again thanks for taking the time to solve the "19" patch mystery.

[ASMIC2971]

Sent you a PM