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$100.50
Original: $335.00
-70%Original U.S. WWII US Army Air Forces Sterling Observer Wings by Lloyd Garfield Balfour—
$335.00
$100.50The Story
Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a great badge of simple design, a lovely set of WWII USAAF Observer’s Wings. The badge itself has a lovely darkened and tarnished patina with much of the original silver finish still present. This example is a solid back type which is often less encountered than the “stamped” types. This example is also missing the roller latch, but the pin still fits well into the spot where the roller latch was housed. It appears to be a period alteration.Â
Between 1919 and 1935 the design of the Observer Badge remained unchanged, and was issued to both airplane and lighter-than-air ratings. However, as military aviation developed, changes in the concept of an Airplane Observer necessitated the redesign of the Observer Badge with a corresponding change in the eligibility criteria. On 20 February 1940 the rating was changed to that of Combat Observer, followed by redesignation as Aircraft Observer on 4 September 1942. Note that bombardiers that used the top secret SHORAN also received the Observer Badge. They sat midship, where the radio operator would normally sit, since they used an electronic not optical bombsight.
This set is marked on the back L.G.B. / STERLING, for manufacture by Lloyd Garfield Balfour, one of the most well-known makers of aviation insignia. The set is missing the roller latch, but from the patina it looks to have occurred in the period. The feathers on the wings are very fine, a really tremendous example.
This lovely set of wings comes ready for further research and display.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a great badge of simple design, a lovely set of WWII USAAF Observer’s Wings. The badge itself has a lovely darkened and tarnished patina with much of the original silver finish still present. This example is a solid back type which is often less encountered than the “stamped” types. This example is also missing the roller latch, but the pin still fits well into the spot where the roller latch was housed. It appears to be a period alteration.Â
Between 1919 and 1935 the design of the Observer Badge remained unchanged, and was issued to both airplane and lighter-than-air ratings. However, as military aviation developed, changes in the concept of an Airplane Observer necessitated the redesign of the Observer Badge with a corresponding change in the eligibility criteria. On 20 February 1940 the rating was changed to that of Combat Observer, followed by redesignation as Aircraft Observer on 4 September 1942. Note that bombardiers that used the top secret SHORAN also received the Observer Badge. They sat midship, where the radio operator would normally sit, since they used an electronic not optical bombsight.
This set is marked on the back L.G.B. / STERLING, for manufacture by Lloyd Garfield Balfour, one of the most well-known makers of aviation insignia. The set is missing the roller latch, but from the patina it looks to have occurred in the period. The feathers on the wings are very fine, a really tremendous example.
This lovely set of wings comes ready for further research and display.
