October 31, 201312 yr #176 John is pretty sharp, though--and has a pretty good pipeline of excellent information. Maybe he knows more about this than I do (it would not the first time). But, I do seem to recall seeing someone a few years ago posting some sort of more specific evidence that Blackinton made the two "feathery" versions. Or maybe it was something along the lines of proof that AECO made the other version. I can't recall exactly now.
November 1, 201312 yr #178 John is pretty sharp, though--and has a pretty good pipeline of excellent information. Maybe he knows more about this than I do (it would not the first time). But, I do seem to recall seeing someone a few years ago posting some sort of more specific evidence that Blackinton made the two "feathery" versions. Or maybe it was something along the lines of proof that AECO made the other version. I can't recall exactly now. Thanks Patrick, for the kind words. Here are my thoughts- The First Pattern Luxenberg being made by Blackinton would be news to me and probably a number of other wing collectors. While the Second Pattern Luxenberg can easily be tied to Blackinton, I am not sure how the same can be done with the First Pattern. In the discussions I have had over the years with Cliff, Ron, Russ, David and others, I never have heard anyone mention this theory. Cliff tells me that Duncan visited the Blackinton offices a number of times and gained a great deal of first hand knowledge about their products in the process. Yet, I don't think even he put forth such a theory. As we know, Luxenberg didn't make anything and my feeling is that the First Pattern was probably made by a small, unknown jeweler. I say this because that pattern of wing badge does not look even close to any other pattern known and has never been seen with any other name on it, not even un-marked (the same cannot be said for the second and third patterns). As for the Second Pattern, that badge was created by Blackinton, probably in the 1920's and sold to Pasquale, Bond and Luxenberg as well as marketed by Blackinton with the "Sterling by Blackinton" mark that we are all familiar with. If you or Insigina Hunter have some solid way of tighing the First Pattern Luxenberg die to Blackinton (or another maker) it would solve the mystery. John
November 1, 201312 yr #179 HI John, You and I have talked about this before (at the risk of hijacking a thread), but don't you also have a 4th pattern Luxenberg pilot wing. I don't have any "proof" one way or the other about who made what, other than one wing marked with Luxenberg is almost certainly made by Blackinton (since they are clearly the same pattern) and the other pattern seems to have been made by AECo since the patterns are very similar. Howver, I do think that Russ and Bob can actually provide some evidence to the group that at least in some of the 2 inch wings, Blackinton appears on the Observer and Bombardier patterns that also show up with the Luxenberg hallmark. (see this thread, especially posts 15-17 http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/109109-blackinton/ ) I hope Bob doesn't mind, but I took a couple of images from this thread and his website and made a comparision picture (if he does mind, I will remove the picture). The top wing is the 2 inch observer and the bottom wing is (I think) the 3 inch pilot wing (but it is the same as the 2 inch pilot wing pattern). The top wing and the bottom wing are VERY close (obviously not the same, but they are from different dies). Still the similarities are stricking--enough for one to form a pretty strong theory that the two came from the same place. One is marked Blackinton, the other is marked Luxenberg. We know Lux didn't make the wings, so it seems more than likely that Blackinton is the manufacturer and user of this pattern. I think based on this type of similarity, I had always assumed that Blackinton was the maker of the more "feathery" Luxenberg patterns. Patrick
November 1, 201312 yr #180 No worries Patrick. Glad that the site was able to help further the discussion. I too have always thought that Blackinton made the first pattern Luxenberg wings but I don't have any actual proof. It's more of a gut feeling. To be honest Blackinton is by far my favorite maker of wings so I may be a tad bit biased here. However I've never put together that the 2" Observer wing you show is so similar to the first pattern Lux. Good detective work. Not "guilty beyond a reasonable doubt" proof but certainly some good circumstantial evidence. And yes, the bottom wing is a 3" Lux. Both of these are from my personal collection so I know for sure.
November 2, 201312 yr #181 i have checked this wing and belive it original the pin only opens about 45 degrees just wanted to check and be sure and also how do you tell which pattern this on is i am still confused on that part
November 2, 201312 yr #182 looks good to me. luxies are highly sought after. lets hear from others to see their opinions
November 2, 201312 yr #183 Costa. Beautiful wing. Comparisons tell me I would have purchased it.(IMHO) It's good , detail shows little wear,pin and catch look good a gem. Congrats Mike
November 3, 201312 yr #187 Blackinton has always been one of my favorite makers as well. Absolute top quality. Interesting theory about them making the first pattern Lux. I agree with Bob, that it would not hold up in court...so to speak. I remain skeptical, but it certainly shows possibilities and bears further investigation. Bob and Patrick, thanks for posting the information and theory. Best, John
November 3, 201312 yr #189 This is a first pattern and a beauty. Would love to add one if these to my collection
November 16, 201312 yr #190 Yesterday I got my very first Luxenberg wing in the mailbox. A full sized 1st pattern bombardier wing. Although the Luxenberg wings intrigued me from the very first time I saw them in books and on the internet, it is only now that I have one in hand that I truly understand why they are so much idolised by collectors. The wing is very heavy compared to any others wings I have and the detail is beautiful!! As with many of the wings, the blown up pictures you always encounter on websites don't really do justice to their beauty, so first some life size pictures.
November 16, 201312 yr #195 Nice pair of wings.I really like the feathering.What is a 1st pattern bombardier wing and how many patterns are there?
November 16, 201312 yr #196 If I'm not mistaken, weren't "Luxenberg" branded wings actually produced for them by Blackinton's?
November 16, 201312 yr #197 Thanks, firefighter! As far as I know there are at least three patterns, but with some variations within the second pattern. The design of the second pattern is a little bit less outspoken i.e. the design of the feathers is a little more subtle. There are several threads which discuss the second pattern, e.g. http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/184213-luxenberg-bomber-any-good-or-bad/?hl=luxenberg http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/184290-luxenberg-2nd-pattern-bomber/?hl=luxenberg http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/163227-fake-luxie-bombardier/?hl=luxenberg&do=findComment&comment=1235951
November 16, 201312 yr #199 If I'm not mistaken, weren't "Luxenberg" branded wings actually produced for them by Blackinton's? The second pattern was indeed. I am not sure about the first pattern though. Here are some more links on the different patterns and their makers: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/127335-not-familiar-with-luxenberg-pattern-hallmark/&do=findComment&comment=955411 http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=91492
November 16, 201312 yr #200 Very nice pick up! This is one of those patterns you just have to add to you collection since they stand out so much when compared to the typical graduation wings... Hence the typically high prices. Congratz!
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