Beautiful WWI US Air Service Pilot Wing: "Batwing" Type in Coin Silver & 14 Karat Gold

ARTIFACT: This is a beautiful World War I United States Air Service (USAS) pilot wing in coin silver and 14 karat gold in the famous “batwing” style. This exquisite wing is made from no less than 12 parts (counting the posts and screw-backs)! The wing itself is made from a base plate that then has two more layers of hand-engraved “feathers” laid on top. Hand-engraving and chasing covers this wing from tip to tip, and even the “US” is chased to give it toning! A true masterpiece, even in the gunmetal grey patina of the years that now covers the wing. Previously thought to be French-made, it has been confirmed that these wings were made in the US by an as-yet-unknown jewelry manufacturer because of inclusion in numerous biographical stateside pilot groupings (and by the US-made screw-backs). Still, this wing looks to be the model upon which Robbins based their large format wing, that Robbins wing most notably shown in Claire Chennault’s graduation photo.

VINTAGE: Circa World War I.

SIZE: Approximately 15/16" in height and 3-3/16" in width.

CONSTRUCTION/MATERIALS: Coin silver with 14 karat gold.

ATTACHMENT: Two screw posts with disc backings.

MARKINGS: THE VICTORY PATENTED on reverse of backings.

ITEM NOTES: This is from a WWI United States Air Service pilot wing collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. CON-JMB-VBJJJX-50-14 LBGEJX1/14 RET4/14

CONDITION: 7 (Very Fine): The wing has some wear and tarnish and a gunmetal gray patina.

GUARANTEE: As with all my items, this piece is guaranteed original.