1919 Adams Wing - Regulations and patterns

[cwnorma]

Came across these clippings from the Air Service Journal Vol 4 (JAN-JUL 1919).  They don't particularly shed any new light on the matter, but it is interesting to see what was being written contemporaneously:

 

 

Then in mid February:

 

 

Finally this interesting bit by the end of February:

 

 

The bit about "Fake Insignia" begs the question:  Could this represent a lead pointing to the origin of the "FROM OFFICIAL DIE" stamping?  More research needs to be done.

 

Chris

[5thwingmarty]

Ok Chris, for your next assignment, please find a copy of Special Regulations No. 42 that describes the new insignia. 

 

The following is from Special Regulations No. 41 in 1917 , and the descriptions of the insignis are much less detailed than what was included in the Air Service Journal article you shared.  Did you find original copies to review in your current assignment, or scanned copies somewhere?

 

[5thwingmarty]

I found a scanned copy online, but I am not able to download or print it.  Th descriptions of the new insignia are the same as was given in the Service Journal.  It is interesting the Service Journal was dated January 11, 1919 while the changes were included in Changes No. 7 dated January 25, 1919.

[rathbonemuseum.com]

I am glad you found that service journal article from February, the second one posted. It clearly reflects what a lot of us have commented on, to whit: "how did they go from this high style and fabrication to this incredibly plain, monotonous design?" Clearly the ones who would wear the new wings were not fans!

[cwnorma]

[B-17Guy]

Thanks for posting this Chris, great information!
John

[5thwingmarty]

Here are copies from the actual regulations showing the dates they were done.  The verbiage looks the same as what was in the articles.

 

[rathbonemuseum.com]

Illustrated below is a memorandum dated November 9, 1918 which specifies the nature of the "Official Die" and how manufacturers were to obtain working dies to create official insignia. The Commission of Fine Arts, once it had created the approved pattern, was to create an official master die to be held by the US Mint, Philidelphia under the direction of the QM Depot. Manufacturers could then apply to use the die and at their cost, create working dies.

[rathbonemuseum.com]

A "From Official Die" Adams pattern wing to add to my collection. Really happy to finally land this. Some interesting elements of this particular example: 1) the little "hot dog" die blemish on the left wing, inside edge; 2) the break in the lowest part of the shield edge; and 3) the sterling stamped upside down.