Brass wings brass

[Leroy Simpson]

Seeking assistance, found a set of pilot wings, my understanding is early style with pin attachment on the back. Strangely it’s brass with a silver gild not markings anywhere. Was this common, possible copy for overseas service or local manufacturer? Any assistance greatly appreciated.

[Nack]

Is this a ground-dug piece?

 

Can you post a shot of the back?

[Leroy Simpson]

Ground dug piece, was located in North Queensland Australia, little more cleaning has brought out more detail on the back

[Bull Moose]

Your Wing is a 1st pattern Amcraft (early WW2).

It is silver plated brass with their characteristic snowflake back. Attached are photos of a similar wing with their logo. 

[Bull Moose]

Pre war and early war wings could be Sterling or plated metal (mostly brass). After brass became a critical war material, almost all U.S. made WW2 era wings were sterling.
Wings without a manufacturers hallmark were purchased by the U.S. Government for issue to pilots upon completion of flight training. Wings with a manufacturers hallmark were private purchase items.

 

Your wing is a nice find, early WW2 graduation wing.
 

Care to share any details on where you found it, Air Base site, R&R area, crash site, etc.

[pfrost]

When we say "pre war" it is rather unlikely that this wing showed up in Australia prior to 1941--as the USAAF didn't move to Australia until 1942.  These pattern of wings do seem to have been used relatively early, before AMCRAFT shifted to its more common version, but these wings were actually worn will into the War years (and probably even post war). A very nice wing, none-the-less. And even more interesting that it was found in the ground.

[Leroy Simpson]

The "pre war" description could be spot on. Item was found at a Airfield near Townsville briefly used by some of the first units hastily deployed to Australia and soon after some of the first to take the fight back to the Japanese after Pearl Harbour. Only a couple squadrons used this field and this found in an area used by members of the 22nd Bomber group. Quite a bit of stuff found in the area relating to the B26. Should mention information on stuff and their location is being found is being passed on to both the prolific military historian Peter Dunn from Oz at War and the local RAAF Museum.