Original U.S. WWI Lieutenant Pilot’s Paris-Made Uniform Grouping with Rare Dallas Type Pilot’s Wings - Italian War Merit Cross Recipient

Original Grouping. One-of-a-Kind. This is a tremendous WWI Pilot’s uniform grouping to a 1st Lieutenant who served 12-17 months overseas & who almost certainly saw combat in the St. Mihiel & Meuse-Argonne Offensives as well as the Defensive Sector, and was awarded two Italian War Merit Crosses. The uniform jacket, which was Paris-tailored, bears a gorgeous set of Dallas-Type Pilot’s wings which are in fantastic shape without any damage. Also included are the breeches, French-made overseas cap, and M1911 Pistol belt rig.

The uniform jacket bears U.S. & Aviation Officer’s collar insignia as well as “faux bullion” metal 1st Lieutenant bars on each shoulder. There are two overseas chevrons on the left cuff indicating 12-17 months overseas, and an honorable discharge chevron. There is no patch on the jacket, and there doesn’t appear to have been one originally. Above the left breast pocket is a 2-place ribbon bar with the U.S. Victory Medal with three campaign stars, and the Italian War Merit Cross with one star, denoting a second award. The ribbons are both heavily frayed and are very fragile, but original to the uniform. Above this bar is the phenomenal set of Dallas-Type pilot’s wings. These wings are extraordinarily expensive on their own, and most pilots uniforms we’ve seen were stripped of their wings. The tag in the pocket identifies the maker, Kriegck, Rabau, & Balmana of Paris, and has the sizes written on and what could be a name. The initials DW are written in the bottom left corner of the jacket lining. The included breeches are named VANDYKE on the interior, a possible clue to the pilot’s identity.

The overseas cap is a lovely French-made example with the proper lining and faux leather sweatband, with a nice French-made aviation insignia pinned to the side. The M1912 Pistol belt is in good condition with some older markings. The belt contains a July 1918-dated M1911 Magazine pouch, and lovely leather M1911 holster dated 1918 by G&K.

This is a tremendous pilot’s uniform grouping in great condition, ready for further research and display! The wings alone are an astounding find, and the Italian War Merit Cross makes for a great research project, so don’t miss out!