B-17Guy Posted March 21, 2017 Share #1 Posted March 21, 2017 So I picked up this Robbins Aviator Wing Badge a couple of weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised when I saw it. There were only two marginal photos in the auction and I wasn't totally sure what I was getting. The wing is a Robbins pattern, but is flat, not vaulted like all the others I have seen and it has closed flukes. It has the typical Robbins trademark for the era and the same Sterling mark seen their other wings. I am leaning toward WWI with this wing and would also appreciate hearing from anyone that may have encountered this pattern previously. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted March 21, 2017 Author Share #2 Posted March 21, 2017 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted March 21, 2017 Author Share #3 Posted March 21, 2017 3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted March 21, 2017 Author Share #4 Posted March 21, 2017 4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfrost Posted March 21, 2017 Share #5 Posted March 21, 2017 John, as I recall, you and Cliff had a very nice theory about the development and modification of Robbin's wings based on the lines in the shield. I think that your theory is a very good one and based on that I posted some of my Robbins wings in this thread. I have a small 2 inch wing with a variety of hallmarks, including the 3-version. http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/276703-a-study-of-early-robbins-usn-wings/?hl=%2Bwwi+%2Brobbins If I had to guess, the only reason I don't think this is a WWI wing (or at least a circa-WWI wing) is that the catch is not the Tiffany style (but hey, I could be wrong). I have this pattern wing as an unmarked badge and it has been vaulted (but that can be done just by bending the wings a bit more). Mine has the "C" catch, and have always felt that it may be circa-WWI. Very nice wing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted March 21, 2017 Author Share #6 Posted March 21, 2017 Thanks for the reply Patrick. Like I said, I am leaning toward WWI, but can't say 100% However, regarding the lever lock or Tiffany catch as collectors call it, there are quite a number of documented, biographical WWI Aviator wings, that do NOT have the Tiffany catch and it was actually used well into the 1920's. I think it is one those many collector/dealer "Truths by common knowledge" that is so often wrong. Also, the Robbins wings which are vaulted, ie everyone I have ever seen, was not vaulted by "bending the wings", rather the wing was stuck that way, as the shield is curved as well. Patrick, if you have this wing already, please add it to the thread for comparison. Best, John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfrost Posted March 21, 2017 Share #7 Posted March 21, 2017 Hi John, I have a "bad" picture of my wing but I'll try to get some better tomorrow. Mine is clearly "bent" at the edges. I wouldn't call them vaulted but bent. Whether or not they are from the same die as yours, it is hard for me to say for sure based on my poor scan. I think they are though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfrost Posted March 21, 2017 Share #8 Posted March 21, 2017 actually, it looks like the shield ma be "broader" in my wing than yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted March 21, 2017 Author Share #9 Posted March 21, 2017 Yea, that is a Blackinton, not a Robbins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfrost Posted March 21, 2017 Share #10 Posted March 21, 2017 there you have it then.... Foiled again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtnman Posted March 28, 2017 Share #11 Posted March 28, 2017 Spectacular and rare...Just beautiful my friend! The design itself speaks to World War 1 possibly later in the war or at the very latest nineteen-twenties. There was a condensed integrity and solid profile unbroken by spaces where the solid mass is broken by a punch-through effect, accentuating such elements as the anchor, on these early Naval aviator wings. Just a beautiful find John and thank you for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted March 29, 2017 Author Share #12 Posted March 29, 2017 Thanks for noticing and commenting on the wing Mel, appreciate it. Honestly I am surprised that such a rare wing got such a small response... John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garth Thompson Posted March 30, 2017 Share #13 Posted March 30, 2017 I'm not a wing collector but the three marks in a row look a great deal like english sterling silver markings. Could you take an enlarged picture of that area? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-17Guy Posted March 30, 2017 Author Share #14 Posted March 30, 2017 Here is the back mark, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pfrost Posted April 4, 2017 Share #15 Posted April 4, 2017 Here is a 10K marked ROBBINS CO 2 inch USN wing. Note it has the same drop in catch style as your wing. 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