NEW! Slovak Flying Corps badge. An OK quality COPY. Originals are quite rare. Good filler for collection. Cast in light metal and gilt. 59.5mm x 31mm. Locking pin fastener. Item # Cze-29 (40)
Argentina, Air Force Officer cap badge in gilt. Appears to be 1950's vintage, perhaps earlier. Very good quality, cut-out shield and sun rays. Nicely contoured. Such insignia are very hard to find. 3 sets of original folding wires present. 94.5mm x 43mm. Very good condition. Item # Avi-170 (98)
Brazil, current pilot wings. Pinch fasteners missing. 75.5 x 19 mm. Item #Avi-144. (55)
Royal Air Force air crew badge of a navigator. WW2 period piece. Thick front padding (not commonly found). Silk threads (one pulled).Very good condition otherwise. Canvas backing with black paper glued to it.. Item # Avi-19 (75)
RAF air crew badge of a bomb aimer. Usual War-time quality. Small bit missing directly above right side of wreath, otherwise good condition. Shows wear. Guranteed original. Item # Avi-21 (55)
Norwegian pre and WW2 era cap badge of an Air Force officer. Green canvas with 2 silver metal stripes, white/blue/white/red enamelled badge to top. Highly domed red enamel brass badge with national lion imposed. Great details to all. Very hard to find item. Folding prongs attaching badges to cloth. Light wear to all, no chipping to enamels, just minor scratching. Item # Avi 2. (135)
WW2 Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve badge in silver. Has buttonhole mounting plate (re-soldered in place) with number '19032'. Hollow striking. Good detail. 29mm x 22mm. These are quite rare. Item # Avi. 4 (100)
Civil Air Guard cap badge. Silvered badge in the fashion of the RAF badge. Dark blue enamelled CAG to center. Quite attractive and rarely seen. Due to possibility of War, the Civil Air Guard was formed in 1938. It was to provide cheap flying tuition for men and women between the ages of 18 and 50. During the War, CAG members assisted the RAF with whatever services were required. Badge - 37mm in diameter. Lugs for fastening (one has been re-soldered). Very good condition, shows wear. Item # Avi. 5 (130)
WW2 Royal Australian Air Force cap wings. Rare rubber imprint on dark blue felt. Paper backing. Interesting design, King's crown atop. Hard to find re-issue cap wings. 80mm x 32mm. Very good condition, small holes (needle-sized) where it was attached to the cap. Item # Avi. 6 (40)
WW2, RAF other ranks cap badge worn with tropical dress cap. This is the 'economy' official issue by A Stanley & Sons, Walsall. Issue number 101B-2-1, T-2 (all of it to reverse). Two bronze prongs for fastening. Slightly bent out of shape (nothing serious). The tiny cross atop Royal crown is missing but hardly noticeable. 37mm x 41.5mm. Usually fastening prongs on these break off quite easily so it is nice to see them intact. Item # Avi. 7 (65)
WW2, Royal Air Force Education Officer's collar badge/insignia for full dress uniform. Finest quality gilding mostly intact. Great quality. Stamped to reverse J.R.Gaunt London. Horizontal lugs. Super rare collar badge. 39mm x 30mm. Shows light aging and wear. Very good or better condition. Item # Avi. 15 (70)
RAF air crew badge of the Air Gunner. Guaranteed original period WW2 period piece. Shows age and some wear, black felt backing fragile yet reasonable. Some soiling to the wing. Item # Avi. 20 (45)
Poland, WW2 armband for the Anti-Aircraft defence. Bronze "badge" attached to armband. Most original silver wash is worn off the "badge". These were used only in the early days of the War. Very rare and interesting item. Cloth (almost looks like silk - I cannot quite tell) shows number of dark, rust-like spots. Passed the UV light test with flying colors (besides, one look tells the story of its age). "Badge" is rather large - 110 mm x 71mm. It is the first complete set I have seen in years. Item # Avi. 23 (165)
Greece, Royal Hellenic Air Force officer's cap badge. Pre and WW2 vintage. All Greek insignia are rare. This beautiful badge is of outstanding quality. Highly padded Royal crown, blue cloth centre disk with left-turned eagle attached via 2 folding prongs. Two toned gilt bullion wire leaves surrounding the center. Few pulled threads - nothing serious. Large badge: 85mm x 82mm (overall). Original black felt backing and even the paper backing still intact. Lightly vaulted. Great piece, not often seen. Item # Avi. 26 (150)
USA - National Air Forces Women Association wings. Very interesting badge in hallmarked sterling by Amico. Unknown vintage but shows age. Quality enamels intact. Locking pin fastener. Inscription on reverse (to centre): "Women Nat'l. Ass'n. Air Forces". 51mm x 11.5mm. Item # Avi. 28 (65)
Italy - Republic. Air Force personnel side hat eagle. Nice detail, gilt. Worn but not damaged. Horizontal pin. Impressed 'E' to back. 50mm x 16mm. Very good condition. Item # Avi. 29 (35)
Red Army Pilot Qualification Badge, 1950's. Appears to be bronze, well-struck, with white and red enamels. Nicely vaulted. All original parts. Flawless enamels. Nut hallmarked, Moscow maker. 35.8 x 27 mm. (105) Item #Avi33.
Red Army Pilot Qualification Badge, 1952. Appears to be bronze, well-struck, with white and red enamels. All original parts. Nut hallmarked, Moscow maker. Very rare type with applied year plate attached to body with two copper prongs. Nicely vaulted. Some red enamel professionally replaced (not detractive). 36.8 x 27.3mm. (95) Item #Avi34.
WWII Yugoslav Air Force Observer badge. Exile-made piece, cast using a mold made from an original pre-war badge (as indicated by maker "KK" hallmark picked up in the mold). Appears to be blend of bronze and pot metal. Nice detail. Fasteners missing. 48.5x62mm. Item #Avi38. (150)
WW2 Finnish Air Corps officer's cap badge (see Rosignoli's book: Plate 62, # 1, description on page 175). Gilt disk with highly raised red enamel base. National lion on top. Shows age but little wear. Spotty worn gilt to back leg, base of tail and back half of the sword. 21.2mm in diameter. Enamel intact. Original mounting prongs present. All Finnish items are hard to find. Perfect badge to add to the collection. Item # Avi 39. (70)
Czechoslovakia, 1946 Air Force Commemorative plaques for service in WWII. Set of 3 plaques (63mm x 52mm), printed on porcelain and each mounted within a silvered wreath. The three designs pay tribute to Czechoslovak pilots flying with the Czechoslovak, RAF and Soviet Air Forces respectively. Set contained in original cardboard box of issue (145mm x 160mm), light blue felt lining inside and ribbon of National colors in top-left corner. Some wear to box, otherwise great condition. Such sets are becoming difficult to find. Would make for wonderful addition to your Czechoslovak Air Force collection. Item # Avi 42. (195)
Czechoslovakia, 1953-54 pattern Pilot badge. Obviously a field-made, soft metal cast of this very rare badge. Red star and wreath painted. Fitted with a stickpin fastener. Very good details. Good collectable substitute for a virtually unattainable original badge. 48 x 59.8mm. Item #Avi43. (120)
France, Student Pilot Badge, 1930's. Gilt wings and star (slightly off-centre) on wreath. Thin, die-stuck, two-part construction. Well detailed. Usual loops for attachment. 56.3 x 45.5 mm. Item #Avi46. (85)
Spanish Civil War Republican General Flight (Crew) wings. Stamped in thin white metal. Red lacquered centre disk, some chipping. Original folding prongs (these typically broke off with normal wear) have been replaced with wires. Nice Spanish Civil War example. 18.8 x 54.5 mm. Item #Avi48. (110)
Royal Air Force officer's collar insignia. WW2. Matching pair in gilt. Very good quality. Light wear to gilding, otherwise very fine. Both prongs (fastening) present. 32.5mm x 18mm. Item # Avi. 54 (75)
Civil War Nationalist Air Force officer's belt buckle. According to my sources this is one of the earlier patterns with blank centre. Apparently there were at least half a dozen different ones used. Complete with catch and attachment loop. Gilt bronze. Shows wear and age, typical scratches. Hard to find. I am selling off rest of my Spanish buckles collection. See another one below. 75mm x 57mm. Heavy quality die-struck. Hard to find buckle. Curved. Item # Sp 8. (75)
WW2 RAAF Air Training Corps badge/pin. White metal and enamels (intact) by 'Bertram, Melb.'. 30mm x 19.5mm. Very good condition. Double loophole fastening (no pins). Item # Avi. 56 (48)
Royal Hungarian Air Force officer's belt buckle. Early WW2 vintage. These are extremely hard to find, as are all Hungarian insignia of the era. Two piece construction, backplate attached to frame with 4 rivets. Only traces of original gilding remaining. Back stamped by maker: 'Meszaros Lajos, Budapest Maria U 15'. Originally there was black ribbon between the frame and backing but it is all gone. Shows age and wear, loop missing but catch still intact. Great piece for any European WW2 aviation collection. Rarely offered piece. 53.5mm x 53.4mm. Item # Avi. 60 (115)
Italy - WW2. Qualification wings of Electro-Mechanic. Early type with well-detailed wings. Horizontal locking type pin. Very good condition. 81mm x 18mm. See items below as well. Item # Avi. 64 (50)
Italy - WW2. Qualification wings of Electro-Mechanic. Same as above but of later type (note different style wings). Made in heavier then usual metal (as most of late ones were in light aluminum). Nicely curved. Pin and catch. 79mm x 17.5mm. Item # Avi. 65 (50)
Italy - WW2. Qualification wings of Electro-Mechanic. Same as above, late type. Die-struck in white metal. 79mm x 17mm. Good condition. Item # Avi. 66 (50)
Italy - WW2. Qualification wings of Electro-Mechanic. Same as above, late type. Die-struck in white metal. Pin and catch intact. 79mm x 16.5mm. Good condition. Item # Avi. 68 (45)
Italy - WW2. Qualification wings of Photographer. Early type with well-detailed wings. Maker marked: 'Bomisa Milano'. Horizontal safety type pin. Very good condition. 79mm x 16.6mm. Marked wings are getting very hard to find. See item below. Item # Avi. 69 (65)
Italy - WW2. Qualification wings of Photographer. Same as above, late type. Horizontal pin and catch intact. Very good condition. 78mm x 16.7mm. Good details to all. Item # Avi. 70 (55)
Italy - WW2. Qualification wings of Fitter. Earlier type with well-detailed wings. Maker marked: 'Bomisa Milano'. Horizontal safety type pin. Very good condition. 79mm x 16.5mm. Marked wings are getting very hard to find. Item # Avi. 71 (68)
Canada, WW2 operational wings with '2nd tour of duty' clasp. These were authorized for wear in 1943 for all Canadians who performed meritorious operational service and completed a tour of duty. Worn on the center panel of the left breast pocket. Twin screwback fastener. 39mm x 11mm. Sterling silver, marked 'Birks'. Shows age and wear, light damage to reverse (scratches). Item # Avi. 73 (105)
Italy, Fascist Air Force (Reggia Aeronautica) - officer's pin. Interesting design with Savoia Crown upon blue enamelled bar containing the rank of a Major. Pilot's wings superimposed to bottom. Some solder to back, screw/nut for fastening. Very unusual piece. 18.5mm x 13mm. Item # Avi. 76 (55)
US Air Force. Combat Crew bar/clasp in sterling with enamel. 76.5mm x 19mm. Applied shield. Marked to reverse: 'N.S. Meyer, INC, New York, Sterling'. Good condition. Clutchback. Item # Avi. 81 (35)
French Army of the Air - badge of the Bombardier. 1948 type. Older manufacturing by Drago. Typical loops for fastening. Slight wear to gilding. Very good detail. 55mm x 43mm. Item # Avi. 86 (50)
French Army of the Air. Badge of student radio telegraphist. 1948 type. Great quality to all. Slight age darkening. Badge by Drago (Romainville address). Lugs. 43mm x 42mm. Great condition. Item # Avi. 87 (58)
France, badge of student Bombardier. 1948 type. Quality badge by Drago (Romainville address). Light wear to all, no damage. Lugs. 43mm x 43mm. Item # Avi. 88 (45)
France, badge of student Navigator. 1948 type. Unused condition, unmarked. Lugs. 43mm x 42mm. Item # Avi. 89 (50)
France, Radio telegraphist badge. 1948 type. Unmarked, fair to good quality. One of lugs broken. 42mm x 53mm. Item # Avi. 90 (40)
France, Army Aviation - Pilot/bombardier wings. I believe this is the current type. Unused condition. Fully marked to reverse. 68.5 x 28mm. Item # Avi. 93 (25)
RAAF WW2 Warrant Officer 1st class badge of rank. Silk on felt, black canvas backing. Flat type. Very good condition. 2 3/8 " wide. Item # Avi. 114 (45)
RAAF WW2 Radio Operator/Mechanic trade badge. Silk on felt, black canvas backing. Flat type. Great condition. Item # Avi. 115 (35)
RAAF WW2 shoulder eagle. 3". Very good condition. Item # Avi. 116 (25)
RAAF WW2 Enlisted cap badge. Blackened copper. Maker: AMOR SYDNEY (in relief to reverse). Original cotter pins present. Shows age and wear. Good condition. Great details. Hard to find with maker markings. 1 5/8 " wide. Item # Avi. 120 (68)
RAAF WW2 Officer cap/dress tunic eagle. Blackened copper, original backing plate and nuts. Domed screws. Maker: Amor Sydney. Great condition to all, some patina to backing plate. Fantastic quality, hard to find with maker. 2 1/4 " wide. Nice, complete badge. You will not find a better example. Item # Avi. 121 (98)
RAAF WW2, Officer small eagle (worn on epaulettes of the greatcoat and battledress). Complete badge set (eagle, crown, backing plate, nuts). Rare maker: Wallace Bishop (eagle). Pointed screws, square nuts. 1 1/2 ". Great condition. Item # Avi. 122 (85)
RAAF WW2, Officer small eagle. As above but unmarked (probably Amor). Eagle is thinner with slightly better details. Wider crown. Blackended copper. Light wear. Nice - complete badge. Flat screws, regular nuts. Item # Avi. 123 (75)
RAAF WW2, Dental officer collar badge. Good details. Original cotter pins. 1 9/16 " wide. Hard to find. Item # Avi. 125 (65)
Italy - WW2. Qualification wings of Photographer. Early type with well-detailed wings and painted disk. Maker marked: 'Bomisa Milano'. Horizontal safety type pin. Very good condition. 79mm x 16.6mm. Item # Avi. 132 (55)
Italy - WW2. Qualification wings of Armourer. Well-detailed, painted disk variation. Early quality wings by Bomisa, Milano (marked to reverse). Hard to find qualification wings. Horizontal safety type pin. Very good condition. 79mm x 16.6mm. Item # Avi. 133 (60)
Venezuela, pilot wings. Earlier type as quality is very good. Marked by maker: Insignia S.A. Hecho en Venezuela. Good details to all, enamels intact. Locking pin fastener. Light wear. 78mm. Item # Avi. 134 (70)
RAAF, WAAAF (Woman's Auxiliary Australian Air Force) cap badge. Cotton on felt, black backing. Item # Avi. 118 *SOLD*
Unit was formed on 13 May 1912 as one of the original squadrons of the RFC. In 1914, the squadron joined the rest of the BEF in France. No. 2 soon settled into the routine of a Corps reconnaissance squadron initially with BE2's and later FK8's. Returning to the UK in February 1919, it disbanded on 20 January 1920. It reformed a few days later on 1 February 1920 in Ireland equipped with Bristol Fighters. It stayed at Farnborough until April 1927, when it moved to Shanghai as part of RAF China, but returned to the UK at Manston in September 1927. Specialising in Army Co-operation, it successively converted to the Atlas and then the Lysander, which it took to France again in 1939 as part of the Air Component of the BEF. The squadron retained Lysanders until April 1942, but also used the Tomahawk for tactical reconnaissance, both types being replaced by Mustangs. Having carried out missions in preparation for, during and after D-Day, in support of 21 Army Group, the squadron began to re-equip with Spitfires in November 1944. Remained in Germany after the war as part of BAFO. Squadron's Motto: 'Hereward'.
Item # Avi-154 *SOLD*
No. 43 Squadron was formed on 15 April 1916 at Stirling equipped with various types, which it used for training until December 1916 when Sopwith 1½ Strutters arrived. These were taken to the Western Front the following month, where it operated as an Army squadron carrying out fighter reconnaissance duties. In May 1940 squadron returned to Tangmere and later Northolt, where it took part in the early stage of the Battle of Britain. In 1942, the unit carried offensive operations over France.
It arrived in Gibraltar in November and was soon operating from bases in Algeria, where in February 1943 it converted to Spitfires. From June it covered the landings in Sicily from its new base on Malta after which it moved to newly captured airfields on Sicily itself. Its next move was to Italy in September providing fighter patrols for the advancing armies. For six weeks from July 1944 it was based in Corsica to cover the Allied landings in Southern France, 'Operation Dragoon', after which it returned to Italy, where it remained for the remainder of WW2. Occupation duties in Austria and Italy lasted until the squadron disbanded on 16 May 1947 at Treviso. Motto: 'Gloria Finis'.
Item # Avi-155 *SOLD*
Unit was formed 27 September 1918 from No's 437 and 438 Flts at Mudros, it used Short 184s and 320s to provide anti-submarine cover over the Aegean. It disbanded on 1 September 1919.
Reformed at Sutton bridge on 30 October 1939, it was planned to be a Blenheim unit, but received Battles for training until Spitfires arrived in January 1940 as its operational equipment. It first saw action over the Dunkirk beaches in June and in August it briefly moved to Tangmere, Eastleigh and the Hornchurch before returning to Wittering, in whose sector it remained until January 1942. From September 1942 the squadron carried out low level interception duties and bomber escort duties from bases in the South-West. In March 1944, the squadron was transferred to the 2nd Tactical Air Force and was now mainly involved in ground attack operations in preparation for Operation Overlord, after which it moved to the continent in July. For the remainder of the war the squadron provided air support to the advancing armies through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany. The squadron disbanded at Hildesheim on 31 July 1945.
Motto: Hlabezulu (The stabber of the sky)
Item # Avi-156 *SOLD*
China-Taiwan, Air Medic wings. Contemporary. White metal with enamels. On original card. Original clutch pins. 18 x 76mm. Item #Avi53. *SOLD*
RAAF WW2, Medical officer collar badge. Good details. Blackened copper. 1 " tall. Hard to find. Item # Avi. 126 *SOLD*
RAAF WW2, Training Corps badge. Well-designed badge, quite attractive. Good details to all. 1 1/2" wide. Hole-claw fastener. Maker: Stokes & Sons Melb. Very good condition. Item # Avi. 127 *SOLD*
Spain, Early Franco era (late 1930's - 1940's) miniature wings of a pilot. Nicely made, propeller attached to body via small rivet. Appears to be silver, unmarked. Crown and propeller in gilt. 28.5 x 13.5mm. Truly neat piece. Item # Avi-153. *SOLD*
RAAF WW2 Observer wing. Cotton on felt. Thick double canvas backing. Very good details. 3 1/4 " wide. Great condition. Item # Avi. 109 *SOLD*
Royal Air Force Aid service badge. George V era. Red/black enamels intact. Some gilding missing to legend : 'On H. M. Service'. Wings topped with Royal Crown. Officially numbered '785'. Button catch has been re-soldered (looks like very old job). Fair to good condition. Interesting badge. Item # Avi. 8 *SOLD*
Spain, pilot wings. Late Franco era (most likely 1960's). Silvered wings, gilt crown/props. Red enamels on center disk. Multi part construction, typical 'windmill' type fastener. 88 x 48mm. Shows wear. Item #Avi-151. *SOLD*
The Royal Romanian Air Force badge of the Observer/ Air crew. 1940-1944 (Michael's reign). This badge is described in Rosignoli's book (plate # 77) as a Pilot's, but I have to agree with Mr. Huff that it is an Observer's. This is a great badge and very rare as well. Here is a perfect occasion to add to a WW2 Axis Air Force collection. Badge sports exquisite detail. Centre motif of National/Royal arms with crown in multiple enamels affixed to body with 2 prongs. No damage to enamels. Badge in bronze, not much original plating remains. Horizontal pin for fastening - as consistent with late war pieces. Age and light wear throughout, no damage though. Wonderfull badge. 50mm x 40mm. Item # Avi. 1 *SOLD*
WW2 Royal Air Force Fleet Air Arm pilot badge. It is more of a sweetheart badge but even those are scarce. Size is close to that of real wings as it spans 54mm x 20mm. Fleet Air Arm insignia were authorized for wear in 1937. Silver body (marked to reverse 'Silver'). White, red and blue enamels intact. Very attractive wings and hard to come by. Item # Avi. 3 *SOLD*
Netherlands, Observer's wings as worn by Dutch in the 'East Indies'. All insignia are rare. Some were made in Australia and US (late war) but most were done locally and unmarked. Wings in bronze, heavy striking. Showing wear but no damage. Quality is on a crude side which is common for these. Regardless, these are hard to find wings. Letter W to center. Original chocolate brown finish mostly remains. Wings lightly curved. 86.5mm x 22.5mm. Locking pin fastener. Item # Avi. 9 *SOLD*
Netherlands, WW2 Navy pilot breast wings. Beautiful period piece manufactured in silver by 'Toye', London (marked to reverse). Orange enamels centre disk. Much age darkening, only remnants of original gilding. Very good details. Locking pin fastener. Lightly curved. 88.5mm x 24.3mm. Item # Av. 10 *SOLD*
France, WW1 pilot non-regulation wings. Outstanding details. Bronze, die struck. Stick pin fastener. Exactly as pictured in Bartlett's book. Some age darkening and patina. Great piece. Hard to find. 70.5mm x 34.5mm. Item # Avi11. *SOLD*
Czechoslovakia, WW2 badge of a Pilot. Typical British production. Heavy die strike, original prongs with ball-tips. Serial number impressed to wing tip: 0839. Considerable wear to silver plating. Nice gilt to wings. Vaulted. Good details. 64mm x 50mm. Original badge. Item # Avi. 12 *SOLD*
Bulgaria - 1937 pattern, peaked cap badge for enlisted. All original, faded cotton/metal threading. Quality enamelled centre badge (small chip to right side of white band). Canvas backing with black paper covering (some paper torn and missing). Badge spans 122mm! Very good quality to all, shows age and wear. Would make for nice addition to your collection. Rarely offered for sale. Item # Avi. 24 *SOLD*
Italy, Regia Aeronautica - Air crew flight badge WW2 era. There were number of variations of this badge but this is probably the most attractive one with translucent red enamels to crown and rich blue to body. Lightly vaulted, safety pin fastener. Badge in silver. Traces to gilding to legend (Equipaggio di Volo). 25mm x 18mm (this is the proper and only size for this badge). Light darkening but great condition. Hard to find badge. Item # Avi. 25 *SOLD*
Italy, Regia Aeronautica - Air crew flight badge, WW2 vintage. The cut-out type with opaque red enamels to crown. Also the legend in relief. Silver-plated on bronze. Vertical pin fastener. Shows light wear but still nice condition. 25mm x 18mm. Item # Avi. 27 *SOLD*
WWII Yugoslav Air Force Pilot badge. Exile-made piece, cast using a mold made from an original pre-war Karnet & Kysely badge. Appears to be blend of bronze and pot metal. Nice detail. Secondary fastener in centre of reverse. 46 x 63mm. Item #Avi40. *SOLD*
WW2 Czech Air Force Observer's badge. Nearly all gilding worn as new badges had gilt and silver plating. This is most definitely an earlier badge, I think of French manufacture. Czech Oberver's badges are some of the hardest to find! Very good detail to all. Catches to back were re-soldered long ago (quite common since these broke frequently). Considerable amount of wear and light damage, tip of sword lightly bent. Wing tips nicely curved backwards. Rare and desirable badge. 47mm x 60mm. Item # Avi 41 *SOLD*
Italy, Republican Pilot wings in gilt. Fantastic quality by Johnson, Milano (marked to back). Locking pin fastener. Just few tarnish spots but not really noticeable. 71mm x 22mm. Best example I have seen. Item # Avi. 35 *SOLD*
WW2 - The Royal Norwegian Air Force pilot's metal wing. Worn by pilots on the chest pocket of tunic. Nicely detailed wings with national coat of arms within laurel branches, King's crown atop. Due to small numbers produced, I would consider it to be quite rare. Norwegian airmen formed 2 fighter squadrons in 1941 in Great Britain. They also flew many dangerous missions with Bomber and Transport Commands. Most Norwegian insignias are hard to come across. 58mm x 18mm. Loops for fastening. Item # Avi. 36 (120) *SOLD*
Romanian Air Force 1915 - 1930's Pilot badge (King Ferdinand reign - see notes below ). Fine, thin silver die-struck with red enamelled mirrored Royal cipher and crown. Very good detail to feathers. It is most likely an early- to mid-1930's badge and very, very rare. Horizontal pin for fastening. At the bottom of the reverse in unusual manner is maker's signature as it is engraved in metal filled area. It is that of J. Reschl Fills (Joseph Reschl & Fills, Bukarest). I guess 'unusual' should not be used to describe Romanian Air Force badge markings since vast majority were not even marked. Those that were are not marked in a singular, uniform way and range from super rare relief to striking, engraving or simple serial number. 55mm x 43mm. Very good condition. Darkened with age, little wear. Lightly vaulted. There seems to be much confusion amongst collectors about early Romanian badges. Insignia with Ferdinand's cipher were used (on and off) until about 1940 even though the King died of cancer in 1927 and his nephew Michael I took over. Ferdinand became King of Romania in 1914 but was not officially crowned until 1922 (and took on name of Ferdinand I). Ferdinand died in 1927 and was replaced as a King by his grandson (Michael) who in 1930 was deposed by his father (Carol II). Upon Carol II's abdication in 1940, Michael again stepped in as a King. Romania's Air Force started quite early and was only 5th nation to have operational war aviation service. An Army Flying Corps was founded in 1910, then in 1915 Romanian Royal Flying Corps was established and changed its name to 1st Air Division in 1918. Country had vast military aviation industry with many fine aircraft designed and manufactured during WW1. With nearly 80 operational fighters (in early days) Romanian pilots conducted many successful missions against the Axis before the defeat. Air Force had held important status in the country and all personnel was considered sort of a 'social/military elite'. Most pilots came from high society as was the case in RFC and German Military Aviation Service. Item # Avi. 37 *SOLD*
Austro-Hungary, Air Force Flyer's collar badge. This was the first insignia of any sort authorized for wear by personnel of the Austrian Air Service in 1910. Silver balloon, very well detailed. Thin, die struck badge (proper) with 3 small holes for stitching. Such insignia are hard to find in North America. Age darkening. Guaranteed original. 30mm x 17mm. Really interesing item, would make for a great 'companion' to your pilot/crew badge. Item # Avi. 30 *SOLD*
It is a pleasure to offer this rare badge. Romanian Air Force 1930-1940 (Reign of Carol) observer badge. Fantastic detail to this bronze - silver plated badge. Die struck in fairly thick (nearly 2mm) material. All details (except crown ) in high relief. Cut-out Royal cipher (King Carol). Reverse of mirrored detail. Fine horizontal pin for fastening. Catch appears to be re-soldered but an old job and should not be an issue with such scarce item. Great age darkening adds to character of this rare badge. 80% of silver plating remains. 45.5mm x 35.5mm. Although no maker, I guarantee that it is original. Few Romanian badges were actually marked. Remarkable piece for European aviation collection. Item # Avi. 31 *SOLD*
Netherlands, WW2 Air observation service cap badge. Most stations were positioned within airfields and coastal strategic points. Attractive design, binoculars behind the eagle. Inscription to bottom: Luchtwachtdienst. Very interesting. Lugs for fastening. 41mm x 54mm. Item # Avi. 32 *SOLD*
Switzerland, Air Force pilot wings, WWII era (1941 pattern). Silver and gilt bullion embroidered on black felt backing. Good quality workmanship. Shows signs of wear. Simple yet elegant design. Hard to find badge. 60mm x 16mm. Item # Avi-44. *Sold*
Austria, Second Republic Air Force Pilot badge. This is the first of the post-WWII Austrian Air Force badges issued beginning June 30, 1960. Bronze, with green enamel oak leaf wreath. Details crisp and enamels intact. Hard to find. 57x60mm. Item #Avi45. *SOLD*
WW2, Royal Air Force collar insignia of the Chaplain. Rare item. Gilt logo superimposed to black lacquered cross wich is affixed to gilt wings via 2 prongs. Horizontal pin fastener. Very good condition, shows light wear but no damage. Gilding still nice. 54.5 x 20mm. Item # Avi. 49. *SOLD*
France, Army of the Air Pilot Badge. WWII type. Bronze with silver plating (mostly worn). Well detailed; unnumbered. Usual loops for attachment, complete with original ball-tipped post fastener. 54.5 x 41.9 mm. Item #Avi50. *SOLD*
South African Air Force, WW2 era cap badge of NCO. Die-struck in gilded bronze. Wear to gilt. Typical inscription to bottom: 'Per aspera ad astra'. 2 posts/nuts for fastening. Badge is curved. Fair details. Rare to see. 59mm x 40mm. Fair or better condition. Item # Avi. 52 *SOLD*
Bulgaria - Kingdom. WW2 Flight surgeon's wings (Royal Red Cross doctor). Very rare wings as not many were issued and only for the short period at the beginning of the War. King Boris III issue. Bronze wings with red and white enamels (intact). Very good details to all. Tips of wings nicely curved back. Remnants of the post which accepted nut. Traces of original gilt. Much darkening and some patina. 48.2mm x 21.8mm. An exciting piece to add to your WW2 wings or Red Cross collection. Item # Avi. 61 *SOLD*
Czechoslovakia, 1968-1992 Pilot/Navigator badge of unknown class. My reference materials only show miniature of all silver class badge (without description). Good quality, all 3 prongs present. 51.8mm x 51.6mm. Very good condition, unmarked. Item # Avi 57 *SOLD*
Czechoslovakia, 1968-1992 badge of Radio Operator 1st class. All 3 original fastening prongs present. Maker marked: Zukov Praha 7. 52mm x 52mm. Very little signs of wear, no damage. Good quality, early manufacture. Item # Avi 58 *SOLD*
Czechoslovakia, 1968-1992 distinguished and long service badge of Flight Engineer. Bronze, all gilt by National Mint (marked MK). All 3 prongs present. Later quality. 48mm x 53mm. Wear to gilt, no damage. Item # Avi 59 *SOLD*
Italy - WW2. Qualification wings of an Electrician. Late type,horizontal pin and catch intact. Lightly curved. 78.8mm x 16.8mm. Very good condition. Item # Avi. 72 *SOLD*
France, post war breast pilot wings. Gilt threads and sequins. Good condition. 102mm x 34mm. Item # Avi. 78 *SOLD*
Italian Air Force Pilot (RSI) wings. Post 1943 era. Great details to neck feathers and crown. No signs of fascia removal (common to converted earlier wings). Horizontal pinback. Lightly tarnished, very good condition overall. Getting hard to find. 76mm x 24.8mm. Guaranteed original. Item # Avi. 84 *SOLD*
France, Army Aviation Pilot wings.1953 type. Hard to find item. Lightly worn. Badge by Drago (hard to make out but definitely marked). Gilding intact. 68mm x 24.5mm. Item # Avi. 92 *SOLD*
Spain - Civil War (1936-39) era wings of a pilot. Rare - Republican pilot's badge. White metal with red enamelled star to top and deep red enamelled centre disc. Traces of original dark burnish to feathers. Soviets had sent a hefty contingent of personnel over and the Spaniards made up for relatively small percentage of the Republican Air Force pilots. All this makes the wings quite rare indeed. There was another version of it, with small propeller to centre as most Spaniards would have, and also general flight wings without the red enamels and straight wings. My sources indicate that only the Pilots (both Soviet and Spanish) had enamelled star/disk, others had red paint. Hollow back, thin strike. Two prongs for fastening. Enamels intact. 69mm x 34mm. Shows light wear and age, no damage. Scarce piece as relatively few had been made. Guaranteed original. Item # Avi. 98 *SOLD*
Royal Dutch Air Force. Wings of the AF Observer. Finely detailed wings by 'Kon. Begeer Voorschoten' (impressed to reverse) This is the pre 1940, Dutch made piece. 98.8mm x 17.5mm. Rarely offered for sale (much like most Dutch WW2 AF insignia). Again, this is a very well made piece. Light wear to gilding, darkening to centre. Deep blue enamels intact. Horizontal pin for fastening. Very attractive piece. Item # Avi. 99 (160) *SOLD*
WW2 Royal Dutch Navy Air Force breast wings of combined pilot/observer. Extremely rare! British made by 'Toye' in silver. Both parts marked to reverse (Toye, Silver). Die struck with blue/orange enamels (intact). Slight wear to gilt. All original. Horizontal pin fastener. 90mm x 46mm. Great addition to your WW2 Allied AF collection. Outstanding condition to all. Item # Avi. 102 (190) *SOLD*
Royal Netherlands Air Force pilot wings. Multi-part construction, Dutch maker (Kon Begeer Voorschoten) impressed to body and backing plate. Great details to feathering and sun rays beneath orange enamels (centre disc). Some wear to original gilding. Loops with special pin fastening. Great piece and very attractive. Lightly vaulted. Tiny enamel chip (7 o'clock). 85.6mm x 23.2mm. Item # Avi. 103 *SOLD*
Royal Romanian Air Force qualification badge of a pilot. 1940 - 1944 type. Very good quality to all. Thick badge, crisp striking. Centre enamels intact. Most of gilding to shield (superimposed) remains. Badge in bronze, about 50 % of original silver-plating left. Nicely vaulted with massive pin/catch assembly consistent with Romanian manufacturing. Outstanding example of this very well designed badge. 57mm x 44mm. Item # Avi. 104 *SOLD*
Yugoslavia - WW2 era badge of a Navy pilot. Late war variant. Cast badge with great details (most likely made in England or Italy during 1940's). This is the best detailed Yugoslav cast badge I have seen! The 2 original posts (top and bottom) broke off and centre post with wide nut has been added at some point. There seems to be a small mark of a maker (see the pic), appears as the KK (Karnet and Kysely in Prague). They made some pre-war pieces so the cast was made frome their piece. Also sloppy engraving to back of the anchor stop: 'J (or Z) Kalinic'. Appears to be in bronze but uncertain. Some darkening to all. Rare badge. 62.8mm x 46.2mm. Item # Avi. 107 *SOLD*
The Royal Australian Air Force WW2. Pilot wings; cotton on felt. Flat type (late war). Signs of removal from tunic (fatigued edges). These are not the modern copy from India/Pakistan which flooded the market recently. Original period wings. 118mm (4 5/8 ") overall width. Off-white wings and blue wreath - lightly soiled. Fair to good condition. Item # Avi. 108 *SOLD*.
NOTE: The 20 items below are part of my old collection of RAAF WW2 insignia. All are original and some rarely offered for sale. Please note that all cloth badges had passed UV light test with 'flying colours'.
RAAF WW2 Navigator wing. Silk on felt. Flat type. Early quality. Great condition. 3 5/8". Item # Avi. 110 *SOLD*
RAAF WW2 Air Gunner wing. Cotton wings/lettering with silk blue wreath on felt. Flat type. Very good details. 3 5/8 " wide. Great condition. Item # Avi.111 *SOLD*
RAAF WW2 Bomb Aimer wing. Silk on felt. Flat type. Early quality. Great condition. 3 5/8 ". Item # Avi.112 *Sold*
RAAF WW2 Flight Engineer wing. Silk on felt. Flat type. Early quality. Great condition. 3 5/8 ". Item # Avi.113 *SOLD*
RAAF WW2 Officer cap badge, all metal with very thick padding. Canvas back. Light wear, soiled backing. Very good details to all. 2 3/8 wide. Great condition. Item # Avi. 119 *SOLD*
RAAF WW2, Education officer collar badge. Blackened copper. Good details. Original cotter pins. 1 1/2 " wide. Rare badge. Item # Avi. 124 (65) *SOLD*
RAAF WW2, Meteorogical Service officer collar badge. Good details. Blackened copper. 7/8" tall. Very hard to find. Item # Avi. 128 *SOLD*
Italy, WW2 High Performance badges. Please follow the 3 links to all the badges. There are just too many to list separately. All are original! To order please use the item number of Avi 135 (for all badges) followed by the code as seen below each badge. Prices are as follows: all gold badges (3rd grade - for 90 or more missions) $ 75.00 each. All silver badges (2nd grade - for 60+ missions) $ 60.00 each. All bronze badges (1st grade - for 30 missions) $ 50.00 each. All Republican (IR) badges are $ 70.00 each (as considerably fewer were issued). Please note that there are 2 distinctive crown types - this is because of different manufacturers. The wider crown and lighter material badges were made by Bomisa, Milano. Please email shall you require additional scan of a badge. Not sold as a whole, so please choose particular one(s) you like. Thank you. Item # Avi. 135 (prices vary) *All items sold*
*All Sold*
Italy - Republic. Collection of Aviation/Army wings. 4 bronze gilt and others in white metal with various function attachments (affixed to badges with folding prongs). All full-size wings ( - + 72mm). Prices: gilt wings $ 65.00 each. All others: $ 45.00 each. Good opportunity to complete your collection. Not sold as a group, so please choose particular one(s) you like. All have horizontal, locking pin fasteners. To order please use the item number of Avi 136 (for all badges) followed by the inscription as seen below each badge. Item # Avi. 136 (prices vary) *All items sold*
*All Sold*
