BB&B Co. Aviator Wing cut down!

[MMcollector]

I picked up this wing on eBay, interested to hear your opinions on it. You can see the anchor was completely removed from the wing and it appears to be a period removal. Maybe a WWI Aviator who later served as a Flight Instructor? 

[rathbonemuseum.com]

Really nice original BB&B naval aviator that has been cut down. I have found a few examples of naval wings cut down like this and period photos show them being worn by commercial pilots flying for small outfits. It was cost effective and wouldn't be confused with military insignia in this configuration. This is the first BB&B example i have seen. 

[5thwingmarty]

These cut down wings are kind of like the pilot wings that can be found where the shields have been ground down and polished smooth.  They are interesting but without the context like the photos Tod has seen, it would be hard to guess why it was done.  I think I have a cut down Naval Aviator wing somewhere too, but mine isn't a BB&B. 

[rathbonemuseum.com]

Here are two more examples. Simple C catches.