WWII USN Flight Nurse wing variants.

[rustywings]

I believe most collectors interested in WWII era USN Flight Nurse wings will agree that those hallmarked by “AMICO” appear to have been the most prevalently produced of these rare and historical badges.  

“H&H” (Hilborn-Hamburger Inc.) also produced a limited number of Navy Flight Nurse wings during the war… But their infrequency in collections and lack of availability on the market seems to verify they are more scarce than those marked “AMICO.” (You can find very nice images of both “AMICO” and “H&H”  variants on Bob’s website ww2wings.com).

 

There’s a third legitimate WWII era USN Flight Nurse wing variation out there with a “N.S Meyer Inc.” small shield hallmark and “1/20 10KGonS” metal content marking. I believe what makes the Meyer variation unique is it was likely produced under a contract between Meyer and AMICO, using AMICO’s existing dies and metal content stamp.

 

I understand that “Robbins Co.” may have produced a limited run of their own Flight Nurse wings with variant design, but I’ve never seen one? Have you?  Or any other example(s) from a manufacturer besides AMICO, H-H, or N.S.Meyer’s?

 

Here’s a few images of those three known manufacturers…

Top - AMICO.

Middle - H-H.

Bottom - Meyer.

 

[rustywings]

[rustywings]

Note the close similarities between the AMICO and MEYER… 

 

[rustywings]

A group shot with a little “Navy Nurse Corps” collar insignia garnishment.

[bschwartz]

Beautiful collection of some extremely rare wings. There were so few Naval Flight Nurses that there just aren't a ton of these wings floating around. I have never seen the N.S. Meyer made wings before. Thanks for sharing all of these, Russ. 

[rathbonemuseum.com]

Very interesting note about NS Meyer working in partnership with AMICO! Thanks for sharing Russ. I pinned this thread hoping we find more items in other collections that get posted.

[Steve D.]

Here is a bullion example on a NNC Flight Nurse Jacket, and an Amico wing Bracelet.

[Steve D.]

I remember reading that Amico made all of the NNC Flight Nurse wings issued during WWII, and the other variants are post war. ( This may be folklore, however,

the wartime contract would have been small as there were so few NNC Flight Nurses.) 

[bschwartz]

Incredible bullion wing on that jacket and bracelet as well. Those are amazing treasures.

[rustywings]

Steve, your Flight Nurse jacket with rare bullion wings is a terrific WWII era NNC artifact! Thank you very much for posting the images of that exceptional piece!

 

Steve, I wonder if AMICO hallmarked Flight Nurse wings may have been have been the badge of choice and presented at all of their graduation ceremonies? And the H&H and Meyer hallmarked variants offered at BX’s and PX’s as a source for a second or replacement wing? (Just speculation on my part?)

[Steve Brannan]

Here’s my old Navy Flight Nurse wings. AMICO but stamped on the right side. 

[rustywings]

Excellent Steve!  Thank you! The more variations posted, the more informative this thread may become…