Stump the Chump (Me)

[CliffP]

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UNKNOWN World War 1 WING BADGE - I am stumped, can you identify it?

 

This is a small WW1 wing badge made in the USA... possibly for the cap of an Enlisted Pilot. It might also be a sweetheart pin of some type. Many of its features closely resemble those of a popular WW1 pilot badge made by the Robbins Company in Attleboro, MA.

 

It is approximately 1 15/16" wide, die struck two-piece construction with additional hand chase work and burnished embellishments. The four bladed propeller has a gold wash.

 

The only markings on the back read STERLING - WING.

 

ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED.

 

Cliff

[Jack's Son]

Cliff,

I believe this is supposed to be a flight engineer's wing.

I've don't like the look of the wing design, and don't recall that I've seen one like it.

It appears to be a nice strike, but it does not look authentic.

 

I am a novas when it comes to wings, so I hope I'm not raining on your parade. :crying:

[Paul S]

When did 4-blade props start showing up on airplanes?

[Jack's Son]

When did 4-blade props start showing up on airplanes?

Thank you Paul.

I was so busy digging into the particulars, I overlooked the obvious.

[CliffP]

When did 4-blade props start showing up on airplanes?

 

Paul,

 

Definately in World War One.

 

Cliff

[pfrost]

Thank you Paul.

I was so busy digging into the particulars, I overlooked the obvious.

 

I don't think it is a fake, that is for sure. I think it is a real beauty of a wing.

 

As to the what and when.

 

This pattern of wing was used well into the post WWII era, and likely was part of a company (like Blackinton for example) stock of base wings that could be used for all sorts of fraternal, police, civilian, reunion, or class/school related jewelry.

 

For example, here is an example of a similar wing that is being used for a 1930's vintage airline (New England Airlines). I have seen similar wings with fraternal or reunion devices in the center.

 

So, based on the post WWI style pin and catch, and the design on the wing, I would expect that this may have been a 20's or 30's or even 40's non-military lapel or hat wing maybe associated with a flight school, aviation mechanic school, souvineer for an air race, award from an aviation company. It could have even been something to memorialize one of the land mark aviation flights (like Lindberg's flying across the Atlantic).

 

Who knows? But sill very nice.

[hawk3370]

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UNKNOWN World War 1 WING BADGE - I am stumped, can you identify it?

 

This is a small WW1 wing badge made in the USA... possibly for the cap of an Enlisted Pilot. It might also be a sweetheart pin of some type. Many of its features closely resemble those of a popular WW1 pilot badge made by the Robbins Company in Attleboro, MA.

 

It is approximately 1 15/16" wide, die struck two-piece construction with additional hand chase work and burnished embellishments. The four bladed propeller has a gold wash.

 

The only markings on the back read STERLING - WING.

 

ANY HELP WILL BE APPRECIATED.

 

Cliff

 

Cliff,

Very unique piece. I would lean towards it being a "sweetheart" wing from the 20's early 30's. I have seen a number of variations of enlisted pilot type wings purchased as sweetheart wings shortly after the war, perhaps this falls into that area. At any rate it is very impressive and most likely one of a kind. That is until you posted it. Will see how long it takes for one to appear on e-bay.

Terry

[rustywings]

Hello Cliff,

Your small wing may have been worn on an Enlisted Pilot's overseas cap. Frequently referred to as a sweetheart piece, I found this "Officers" Pilot badge badge attached to an overseas cap. My wing has a very similar design and the identical "STERLING" and "WING" stamp on the back. Most likely made in the same shop. Maybe this badge is another piece to your puzzle?

 

Russ

[rustywings]

Image of the back with near identical markings.

[CliffP]

Hello Cliff,

Your small wing may have been worn on an Enlisted Pilot's overseas cap. Frequently referred to as a sweetheart piece, I found this "Officers" Pilot badge attached to an overseas cap. My wing has a very similar design and the identical "STERLING" and "WING" stamp on the back. Most likely made in the same shop. Maybe this badge is another piece to your puzzle?

 

Russ

Howdy Russ,

 

With many thanks for your pointing out the identical "STERLING" and "WING" stamps on the back of both badges this puzzle just might be coming together after all.

 

I’ve always suspected my badge pre-dated 1919, principally because of the four bladed propeller in the center with a circular wreath behind it. Let me explain:

 

Below is pictured a 1918 Enlisted Aviator shoulder sleeve insignia that belonged to Robert O. Lindsay, who later received a Reserve Military Aviator (RMA) rating and flew with the 139th Aero Squadron. Also pictured is an Air Service enlisted man shoulder sleeve insignia worn by men with no rating. Both of these insignia sport a WW1 style four-bladed propeller similar in design to the gold prop on the cap badge.

 

Also note the picture of a 1916 style WW1 French Pilot badge with its bronze wings resting atop a symbolic wreath of leaves. Might that French design have influenced the placement of a gold prop atop a similar wreath on the cap badge which I have to varify it really was for a U. S. Air Service Enlisted Pilot??

 

... and then there is the fact that even after the badge was die struck, it also received a significant amount of hand chase and burnishing work before it was completed. We just don’t see that type of additional hand-craftsmanship on post-WW1 badges.

 

All the best,

 

Cliff

[CliffP]

A closer look. What do you think?