K.G. Luke of Melbourne, AUS: examples and patterns

[Insigina Hunter]

Backs

 

[Insigina Hunter]

Close up 1st pattern

 

[rathbonemuseum.com]

Congratulations! Those are really an excellent example. And yes, as far as all my research, E for Flight Engineer. As the big four bombers entered the Pacific, especially B-29s, this would be in more demand. And hat tip to Luke for figuring out the most economical way to supply different rates.


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[5thwingmarty]

A B-17 flight engineer I met showed me the wing he was issued when he graduated from the Boeing FE school.  I can't recall if it was an Amico or an LGB wing, but it was an Observer wing with an applied E.  It is the only such wing of the type I have ever seen but there must be more out there as he said his entire class received them.

[jweitkamp]

This set of wings belonged to and was worn by my dad; he was a flight engineer on B-17’s and served in the 7th and 19th Bomb Groups in The Philippines, Java and Australia in 1942. He later served in the 388th Bomb Group in 44-45 and was a POW INNStalag Luft IV.

[jweitkamp]

I never in my wildest dreams believed I’d someday see an identical example. 

[MikeK]

Wow, not one but 2 rare originals with provenance posted within a few hours!  Great wings both, thanks for showing them!

 

Regards

Mike

[rustywings]

Nice addition to your collection Insignia-Hunter!  And thank you Jweitkamp for sharing your equally nice Flight Engineer example. Although this letter "E" style badge was never authorized, they were indeed worn and are highly sought after by aerial badge collectors.

 

Fellow Forum member "B-17 Guy" (aka John) authored an excellent three page article, with numerous Flight Engineer images, back in the September 2014 edition of "The Trading Post." Back copies of that terrific quarterly publication might still be available for purchase through "The American Society of Military Insignia Collectors."  <[email protected]> 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

[Tesla]

I just received my first KG Luke wing today as well.  Many thanks to Mel for his threads and guidance.

[Tesla]

I spoke with Mel and he advised I should add this KG Luke aircrew for reference.  Thanks Mel for all of your help and for sharing your vast knowledge!

[juvatwad]

So is this referenced as legit or repro?

[The Rooster]

According to all the info in the post, it looks to be genuine.

[juvatwad]

Maybe it’s my phone, but other than the hallmark, I’m not seeing the demonstrated die “flaws”, and the obverse surface looks smooth.

[Tesla]

This one is genuine.  Mtnman advised it's extremely rare.

[mtnman]

There's not much more that I can say other than that is one of the rarest and most beautifully authentic KG Luke WWII wings I have ever seen. It is the first KG Luke authentic aircrew wings I have seen, with and incredibly copious number of authentic tells, all over it! This Wing belongs in the category of most sought-after and rarest of the theater made Australian wings, very splendid and discerning find Doug. Best of the Best.

[juvatwad]

If I came across these, I would consider them real. In the context of this thread, however, where are the pertinent tells on the wing (excluding the maker mark)? I don’t see them. 

[jeff41st]

Just thought I would share my first K.G. Luke wing that I recently acquired. Definitely has some character and fills one of the many holes in my wing collection.

 

Shout out to Mel, Patrick, John and Bob for putting up with all of my questions and giving me the thumbs up before purchasing it.

 

[Tesla]

Awesome wing!  Very nice.

[pfrost]

Cool beans Jeff.  Mel is the expert, all I did was agree with him!

 

[Tesla]

Here is my most recent find; a KG Luke Observer wing.  The hallmark is raised and the word sterling is impressed.  Can someone tell me which pattern this is for them? (1st, 2nd, etc)

[rathbonemuseum.com]

As far as I know, the only legitimate pattern.

[pfrost]

Mel posted a great thread about Luke wings. I’d review that one

[Tesla]

I found it...1st pattern.  Thanks!

[Insigina Hunter]

Where do you keep finding these?! I'm searching high and low!

[rathbonemuseum.com]

This fantastic wing was part of a large 5th Air Force group at the 2022 MAX show. 1st pattern Luke observer that has a custom shield device applied to create an aircrew wing.