WW2 USAAC P-47 Thunderbolt pilot wings

[Tonomachi]

I came across these pilot wings that look real having what appears to be legitimate patina (not chemically enhanced) as well as wear that you would expect to see on a WW2 era pilot wing.  The outline of the P-47 Thunderbolt looks well made and attached professionally by a jeweler.  Are these legitimate wings or some kind of jeweler made fantasy piece?  If they are legitimate were there other pilot wings with the outline of other aircraft attached like the P-51 Mustang?

 

  

[Kropotkin]

The wings are definitely WW2 era. Couldn’t really comment on the aircraft device but it looks convincing in terms of condition and patination.

[B-17Guy]

I would say completely legitimate period add on for novelty use.

 I see a couple of ebayer’s are in a major slug fest over it...Chase the item, not the bid...

[LuftStalg1]

I agree this is an OLD modification with proper age and wear.  Neat idea, wonder if more will suddenly turn up? 

[Tonomachi]

Many thanks for everyone's input and information.

[pfrost]

it is a FOX-made pilot wing. Not very rare, and probably only worth in the 25-50$ range.  The small brass P-47 cutout was probably made in a workshop by a bored crew member who had access to some saws/files and a soldering iron.  Or maybe it was by a pilot who just learned he would be trained to fly P-47s. I've seen various additions to wings over the years--its not common, but it wasn't unheard of either.  Like B17John said, it is more than likely a novelty item--although it is easy to see an ebay auction with "Rare P-47 Ace wing--awarded for outstanding combat flying in the ETO!  Many members of the Tuskeegee airmen wore these. Its the REAL DEAL.  Manufactured by POWs from Stalug 3!"

But I am a cynic.

 

Still, it is a very neat wing, and one I wouldn't sneer at if the price were correct.  I have a couple of bracelets that were made using old copper/brass wire and a wing.  Clearly made in the workshop.

 

 

 

 

[pfrost]

Here is a small smattering of wings that I have picked up over the years.  Novelty items and/or modifications.

The Juarez wing is touching as it is a women's size bracelet with a gold star.  probably someone's son or husband was killed during the war.  The pink booty wing was given to my dad during Vietnam. He was a non-flying officer in a squadron.  LOL.  The USN aviator wing has the ruptured duck added to it.

The chairborne wings seem to be the most common of the novelty wings.  There are many different variations.

 

[Tonomachi]

Thanks for this information and posting these examples.

[B-17Guy]

$416? 😳