Is this wing good? Post you advice requests here!

[bschwartz]

4 hours ago, 5thwingmarty said:

I like that the real one Patrick shared a link to is less expensive than the restrike, and the restrike is within a dollar of the other genuine one on ebay right now.  Maybe someone with a genuine one can send photos to Bob to add to his website.

 

I've got a Balfour marked version out there (Balfour marked Glider Pilot) but I'd be happy if someone would like to send me photos of an LGB marked example as well.

[5thwingmarty]

I looked right past that one on Bob's site.  In comparing, the Balfour marked wing has fine lines that run all the way across the shield, while the LGB marked wings have wider spaced lines that do not extend across the shield.

[donaldnol]

i have this one it's a 2''inch WW2 fight surgeon wings looks similar to a blackington wing it's sterling but most of the letters are finned out

[dmar836]

So, just so I am learning properly, the pin holes in this wing are from casting, no?

 

Dave

[donaldnol]

12 hours ago, dmar836 said:

So, just so I am learning properly, the pin holes in this wing are from casting, no?

 

Dave

that could be peck marks, what i look closely at is the outer edge for die shearing if its smooth along the edge then there's a problem, and look for informalities on the reverse side and if it's a cast it will be most likely under measurement 

[dmar836]

Thanks. I struggle as I tend to be a pessimist but it looks kind of blunt in the details anyway. It has that kind of double strike in the top of the S but the overall thing looks strange as does the back with that dark grey paint look. Pass. You look at something on eBay and next thing you know the seller is trying to hook you. It's a weird thing for sure.

Dave

[pfrost]

I am not sure I would include these in the "fake" box, as much as they belong in the "not vintage to WWII" sack.  These look like the type of souvenir wings produced for sale as collectible items at swap meets, airshows, hobby and model airplane shops, museum gift stores, rodeos, and Army-Navy surplus stores (to name a few).  Made out of a thin pot metal, they are typically stamped with cheap clutch back pins and usually painted with a blackish lacquer finish. For example, you can pick these up at the National Air and Space Museum gift shop.  You can buy them for wear on a hat or jacket.  I see them on ebay all the time and frequently at the flea markets.

 

My thought is that they were never intended to be sold as vintage wings, but can sometimes eventually migrate into the view of novice collectors.  Like I said, they aren't really intended to fool anyone like a cast reproduction, but like "HeWhoShallNotBeNamed" museum quality reproductions, they can sometimes show up being hawked by the less scrupulous dealers.

[dmar836]

Thanks. Since I haven't been observing the restamp, repro, and downright fake movements of wings, I have to learn one at a time. Appreciate you all tolerating my "simple" questions.

Dave

[dmar836]

With a grouping. What's the consensus with the pattern, pin opening, etc.? I assume the stamp on the right is just "sterling" from the low res pic unless someone else recognizes the pattern.

Dave

[donaldnol]

6 minutes ago, dmar836 said:

With a grouping. What's the consensus with the pattern, pin opening, etc.? I assume the stamp on the right is just "sterling" from the low res pic unless someone else recognizes the pattern.

Dave

i have seen this pattern style and it's legit 

[dmar836]

Thanks Don. I leave them on uniforms rather than putting them in the wing box so I guess  one without hallmark would be best for that.

Other's opinions? Is there any value to the wing?

Thanks in advance,

Dave

[pfrost]

It’s N S Meyers pattern. And based on the pin it’s likely a restrike. But no real way to know for sure without better pictures 

[dmar836]

Thanks you gentlemen.

Dave

[dmar836]

Had them send me more pics. They aren't great but that sure doesn't look like a WWII hallmark. Am I correct? Not looking for a Meyers land mine but was looking at the uniform. Add the wide opening pin and...

It is surprising to me(well, not really) how many dealer's "original" groupings have replacement wings with repops or post war versions while these same dealers have loose hallmarked wings for sale. 

[pfrost]

I think the photos confirm that this is not a WWII vintage wing.  More than likely someone used a restrike of an observer wing and mated it with the caduceus and then used that to enhance a uniform.  At best, the brass and standard SSI patch of an AAF office 4 pocket jacket is about a 35-50$ object.  Maybe a slight premium if it had solid provenance linking it to a medical officer/flight surgeon.  A GOOD vintage USAAF flight surgeon (depending on maker) would sell in the 150-300$ range on ebay (but closer to the lower end now a days).  Again, you could add a small premium if you had solid provenance to do with the wing or uniform.

 

So, if I had to guess, there is nothing telling me that this isn't a humped up uniform that someone tried to make more valuable.  That is why most collectors/dealers will say add up the components to get an idea.

 

Pretty much a relatively worthless restrike NS Meyer's pin (you can find a picture of a good one here http://www.ww2wings.com/wings/usaaf/flightsurgeon/johnsonaafflightsurgeonmeyer.shtml) on a very common uniform...

[dmar836]

Sounds about right and the way many uniforms are found - built.

Dealer is reputable but who knows where it came from? Don't think I'll say anything to them.

Appreciate the info. Slowly learning.

Dave

[donaldnol]

2 hours ago, dmar836 said:

Had them send me more pics. They aren't great but that sure doesn't look like a WWII hallmark. Am I correct? Not looking for a Meyers land mine but was looking at the uniform. Add the wide opening pin and...

It is surprising to me(well, not really) how many dealer's "original" groupings have replacement wings with repops or post war versions while these same dealers have loose hallmarked wings for sale. 

Now as i can see it it doesn't look like the one i saw selling at retail this looks toasted

[rathbonemuseum.com]

It is a good Amico. Solidly WWII

[Thrifter_01]

Hey folks, not sure if these are the right place to ask, but I found a 3 inch Naval Aviator wings from the flea market last weekend. I am curious if they real.

 

[B-17Guy]

Yes, honest WWII Naval Aviator Wing Badge.

HH made probably more Aviator wings (and Amico) than any other maker, these probably mid war, since they still have the Imperial mark.

They should be 2 3/4”.

John

[donaldnol]

10 hours ago, Thrifter_01 said:

Hey folks, not sure if these are the right place to ask, but I found a 3 inch Naval Aviator wings from the flea market last weekend. I am curious if they real.

 

it looks right a real nice one

 

[Pryo]

Picked these two up separately but the back pins seem similar. I liked the NS Meyer because of the raised shield but the black backing makes me think they’re restrikes, the orbers (I think) don’t have the finest detail, so I just wanted to get your opinions!

[donaldnol]

the meyers does look suspicious if the pins are long in which case they do look long, it's not W.W.2 or korean war possible restrike

[pconrad02]

I would think that the Meyer is definitely Post WWII - Later Korea?  but I don't think it's a re-strike per say. The Order looks nice .

[donaldnol]

17 hours ago, donaldnol said:

the meyers does look suspicious if the pins are long in which case they do look long, it's not W.W.2 or korean war possible restrike

it does look post korean era