Early 1930s Wilmington-Catalina Airlines Pilot Wing by Allen of Los Angeles

This is a Wilmington-Catalina Airline pilot wing from the early 1930s made by Allen of Los Angeles. In 1931, the new airline began offering service from mainland California to Catalina Island, a route that had been previously contracted out to Western Air Express by William Wrigley, head of the Santa Catalina Island Company. Wrigley's only son Philip, former head of training for aviation mechanics in the United States Navy, had already established one of the earliest scheduled passenger lines (American Airways), and was eager to gain control of the island route and further develop Catalina according to his father's wishes. He built a by turns technologically advanced and visually luxurious airport at Hamilton Beach, which never reopened after World War II, when the island was declared a federal military zone. The wing has a bright cobalt blue W at its center. The last two photos are credited to the book "Catalina by Air" by Jeannine L. Pedersen, Catalina Island Museum.

Circa early 1930s.

Approximately 3/4" in height and 2-11/16" in width.

Gold-plated brass with hard-fired enamel.

Two screw posts with disc backings.

ALLEN L.A.

This is from an airlines collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VABDX94 LCEJJX6/11 SCJJJX8/12

8 (Excellent-): The wing shows only light wear and tarnish.

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