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August C. Frank


triplecanopy
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August C. Frank

Here are some rarely seen United States Air Force (USAF) Parachute badges from 1956. The USAF had its own distinctive parachute insignia from 1956-1963. The badges shown were the early type 1 which had nine suspension lines. Later Type 2 USAF parachute badges had only 7 lines. Due to wide unpopularity, this design parachute badge was discontinued in 1963 and the USAF returned to the wear of the US Army style parachute wings.

 

 

This maker was by the company started by August Conrad FRANK, (1864-1946). He was a German-American engraver and die sinker. Born in Germany, 1864, He came to America 1893. He founded the August C. Frank Company, Philadelphia, in 1894. Frank was probably the only engraver for the firm in early years, later he accepted dies engraved by others that his firm would strike. After he died the firm was operated by his sons using the same company name but ultimately sold to Medallic Art Company in September 1972.

 

The hallmark on these badges is Aug C. Frank Co. Phila. It is in a circle with STERLING in the center. The hallmark appears to be stamped. This collector has not encountered other military insignia with the Aug. C. Frank hallmark.

Front side shown here. Reverse side shown in next frame.

 

 

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Shown here are the reverse sides of the USAF nine line Type 1 parachute badge from 1956. These are all clearly marked Aug. C. Frank Phila.

The study of old USAF parachute badges from 1956-1963 is an interesting field of collecting. If anyone has interest in this subject, please get in touch. There were several other makers of this badge besides Aug. C. Frank.

Also shown here is an USAF photograph from 1961 from Donaldson AFB depicting the USAF Parachute badge being worn on black ball caps.

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