1930s Women's International Association of Aeronautics (WIAA) Pin of Admiral Byrd Estate

This is a circa mid-1930s lapel pin for the Women's International Association of Aeronautics (WIAA). Founded by Elizabeth Lippincott McQueen, one of Los Angeles' first female pilots, the WIAA was not only an aviation association but also an advocate group for the rights of aviatrixes. This lapel pin comes from the estate of adventurer Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd, Jr., no doubt having been owned by his wife, Marie Ames Byrd. It is interesting to note the red and green stones applied to the piece for Port and Starboard, given the naval affiliation of her husband. The pin is in 10 karat gold with a ruby and en emerald at the tip of each wing.

Circa mid-1930s.

Approximately 1/2" in height and 1" in width.

10 karat gold, semi-precious stone chips.

Horizontal pin with drop-in locking swivel catch.

ALLEN 10K.

This is from a civil aviation collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VCJJX12 LHEJX7/12 SHEJX4/14

8 (Excellent-): The pin shows very little wear.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.