CIRCA 1920, UNITED STATES AIR SERVICE, OBSERVER WING, VERY RARE FIND!

This U.S. Air Service Observer Wing has a unique, massive construction. It conforms loosely to the November 19th, 1920 U.S. Army Air Service Regulations as that of an Observer, Qualified as a Pilot. It definitely has the design characteristics that go back to WWI, especially the beveled-corner "O" at center, and in Duncan Campbell's Revised Edition of Aviation Badges and Insignia of the United States Army 1913-1946, Duncan mentions a photo from 1918 where it is hard to discern, but the wing being worn appears to be this wing. 

This Wing has been researched and this is an extraordinary United States Army Air Service (USAAS) duel-wing Balloon Observer badge and is close to being one of a kind. Only a small number of officers who received training as Balloon Observers at Langley Field, Virginia and Scott Field, Illinois in 1921 were able to get these wings before it was realized that the letters "US" in the center shield did not conform to Army regulations according to the rules of heraldry as defined by the Commission of Fine Arts on 14 November 1918, amended by the War Department on 11 October 1920 and 30 July 1921. These Aeronaut Service Pilots were pushing to be recognized for their contributions and specialties. This wing was so short lived in the “in between time” at the end of WWI and the beginning of a more regulated peacetime force.

This is a must have 1920’s Observer Wing for the advanced collector and historian.

The images of the U.S. Air Service Officers are not included and depict on how the wings were worn.

VINTAGE: Circa 1920.

SIZE: Approximately 11/16" in height by 3-1/16" in width.

ATTACHMENT: Horizontal pin with drop-in locking swivel catch.

MARKINGS: None

WEIGHT: 22g

Shipping Notice: Please coordinate with us prior to making your payment as to your shipping preference Regardless of your shipping preference i.e., USPS, UPS, FEDEX, this U.S. Air Service Observers Wing must be shipped with full insurance and adult signature required upon delivery.

International Buyers Please Note: We do not ship outside of the United States! No Exceptions. In addition, we will not ship to third party shippers or any other international shipping hubs such as International Shipping (EIS), EIS 110 INTERNATIONALE BLVD, GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2080. If you place a bid, or make a purchase, we will cancel your bid, and or cancel your purchase! If you wish to make a purchase, you will have to find someone located within the United States to make the purchase for you. They would be responsible to send the package to you.