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Early US Navy Meyer Observer wing......


Flightpath
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Hi,

 

I am very happy/surprised to have won this early Meyer Observer wing today, going by the looks of it and the hallmark it was probably made in the late 1920s when they replaced the silver observer wings.

 

This is the only wing of this type that I've seen with a fouled anchor, all others have a plain anchor (without the rope).

 

I hope you guys like it as much as I do...... all comments appreciated,

cheers, John

post-105780-0-85633000-1515281464_thumb.jpg

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Hello John,

 

Thank you for sharing your new acquisition with us. The front centerpiece, with rarely seen fouled anchor is indeed unique and eye-catching... But II have concerns with the incised Meyer hallmark on the reverse, which I believe is consistent with the size and font seen in more recent (1980's +/-) restrikes and collector's copies.

 

In the same breath, I'm also concerned about the pin and catch not being consistent with the style normally associated with original pre-WWII era Meyer-contracted badges.

 

Not to leave you hanging, but in a couple of days, when I have access to a known original USN Observer example, I'll be happy to share some images for comparison.

 

If you or other Forum members have addition insight, information,or opinions, I look forward to the exchange of ideas....

 

Russ

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Hi Russ,

I did notice the catch, it at least made me cautious and put in a lower bid than I thought it would go for.. I was expecting it to sell for well over my budget so getting it for under $110 may show that others also had concerns.

 

The good news is that the seller has a 30 day return policy and it is already on the move to me. I'll look forward to you examining that known example and hearing the opinion of other members.

 

cheers and thanks for your input, John

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About the catch,

 

I've been looking at the catches on 1930s Meyer navy wings, some do have a simular catch to this observer wing, if this wing was made in say, 1930, how can we tell which examples of early Meyer aviator wings were made at the same time, is there any way to tell?

 

Here's some examples of the catches....

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/128710-early-meyer-naval-aviator-wing/

 

Hallmarks....

Here's a low quality copy regarding Meyer hallmarks....... seems to be lower right Fig.1 (A).

 

Hope we can get to a positive ID if it's a restrike it will be returned at no great loss, if not..... I'm very happy.

 

cheers, John

post-105780-0-17037200-1515337068_thumb.jpg

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One thing that occurs to me is that Meyers had everything made by other companies for them and it probably depended what catches/pins the maker had in stock and what type of die/stamp they decided to use........ looking forward to hearing back from you Russ!

 

I just realised that the hallmark diagram showing Fig. 1 (A) says (Raised), the hallmark on this wing is stamped.

 

cheers, John

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I dont like to be the one to bring bad news, but I agree with Russ about this wing.

As much as I would like to tell you it is a great new find, I feel, as Russ stated, that it is from the 1980s.

Also, I would not put too much faith in the Meyer trademark chart. It is a good base guide, but it is not iron clad.

Russ has many examples that I am sure he will post to show correct Meyer period pieces.

I will post a few when I get a chance as well.

 

John

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Hi John

there's no big problem finding that it's a 1980s repro as long as it can be returned.... and use the money for another wing ☺

cheers, John

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When I first saw this posting, I liked the wing, but now I think I'd like to see better pictures. I guess the main question I have is does the pin open up to about 90 degress or flop all the way over? And does the hinge have those little legs on the base? I agree with B17John, that the hallmark chart is mostly useless. I recall a restrike WWI NS Meyer wing that came out in the 90's that had this type of hallmark and the few USN aviator wings made by NSM have a different hallmark, best I can recall, support both Russ and John's points. Still.... maybe I just WANT this one to be good, because it is a neat bird.

 

On the other hand, I don't recall there being a lot of NS Meyer restrikes of USN wings from the 80's. Not that they don't exist, I just don't recall that being a big issue with the NS Meyer's wings. Because of that, I would be more charitable with this wing that Russ or John at this point--as long as the pin doesn't flop over.... (that is the kiss of death, as far as I am concerned).

 

Hoping for the best!

BTW here is a WWII vintage NSM naval aviator wing. Ironically, the NSM-made navy wings are rather rare (all things considered)-- MUCH less common than the AMICO, LGB, and HH/Imperial wings. In fact, i would rate NSM-made USN wings only a bit more common than the AECO or NUS made wings. But they have nowhere near the same value.

 

P

post-1519-0-94744400-1515348645.jpg

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In viewing the photos you supplied and the link in the above post, I can honestly say I don't like the wing.

As much as i would like to give you a positive review, I can't in good faith, the wing is all wrong for a Meyer.

Here are a couple of pics for reference.

I only have two Meyer second pattern NAO wing badges, one full size and one cap size.

Note the consistency in the findings.

I am sure Russ has more and can provide more examples then I.

Also, there are some Meyer USN Radar and Nav wings on ebay now, all with the same pin and back mark.

My personal opinion, I would stay away from them all.

 

Best, John

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post-12439-0-79643200-1515426046.jpg

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Patchcollector

Just an observation about the OP Wing.From the front the wings themselves look pretty good to me,but the way that the anchor is placed within the disk looks kind of "sloppy" IMO.

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Thanks for all your comments guys, (nice wings John)

 

I was able to contact the seller on Sunday before the wing was posted and explain what the issues were with the wing, he gave me a full refund straight away.

 

cheers, John

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Over the past several months, the frequently slippery slopes of ebay have become a bit more treacherous as the estate of Alan C. Beckman is being liquidated by another dealer, who will remain nameless...

 

With the passing of Mr. Beckman last year, many of his "enhanced" and "fantasy" badges, as well as numerous authentic newer wings and badges are being listed on ebay. I don't know the origins of the badge which started this thread, but I agree with PatchCollector's comment that something's amiss with the application of the fouled anchor.

 

Very similar to the Meyer's example which B-17Guy posted above for comparison, here's a pre-war Meyer with the raised shield and small incised "1/20th 10K Sterling" stamped upside-down. This example also has the stop-gap finding which prevents the pin from opening beyond 45 degrees or so.

USN OBS6.jpg

USN OBS3.jpg

USN OBS2.jpg

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