A revisit- Screw back Airborne wings

[Chris]

Some years ago, there was a thread about this variation of Parachute wings. While they are known to exist, at least one type maker marked, there was no definitive information available and no conclusions could be drawn as to their period of use, purpose, etc. I just recently acquired a lot of four from an old Vermont estate. They were accompanied by a sterling clutch back type. These are full size, nicely made. But unmarked. I wanted to post these for informational purposes, but also to revisit this unusual badge variation and see if any additional info has come to light. It is obvious that they have not been modified. They were produced exactly as you see them. The third picture is merely to show the size comparison to a standard sterling clutch back type.

[triplecanopy]

This type parachute badge was worn on helmet liners of paratroopers during parades and guard duty. There is a hole on at least one type of helmet liner that the threaded post on these wings would fit. I hope someone can find old photos of 82nd or 101st Airborne Division parade reviews where these badges would have been worn.

[Chris]

That was my best guess. I could not think of another logical purpose. Is there any timeframe associated with these? The standard sterling wing that was in with these looked Korea-early Vietnam era. But...?

[triplecanopy]

I believe that the threaded post jump wings were most likely in use in the mid 1950's to mid 1960's. I do not recall seeing them in the late 1960's around Fort Bragg at least. My opinion is that there are from Post WWII and later.