Ext. Rare Ca. 1944-45 USN Aerial Photographer Wing (Unofficial) by Charles Fischer

This is an extremely rare World War II United States Navy Aerial Photographer (Technically: Aerial Photography Specialist) wing. Opened in 1944, the USN Aerial Photography Specialty School was operated by the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY. Kodak enlisted Charles Fischer of 562 Fifth Avenue, NYC, to design and produce the wing, superimposing an Aerial Camera on a USN Pilot Wing. The wing was produced by casting, with a high level of attention to detail, and the wing is almost a full 3-dimensional piece. In gilt sterling silver, clearly marked "CHAS. FISCHER N. Y.", these wings are a gorgeous tribute to the jewelers' art. The wing was produced in unknown, but limited numbers, probably less than 200, and was awarded to both enlisted personnel and officers upon completion of the course. Though unofficial, the wing was worn, especially by enlisted flight crew. I have not had one of these wings in 15 years, and suddenly this year I am lucky enough to find 3! A single collector jumped on the 2 I had earlier in the year, hopefully he is satiated now and another lucky collector will get this nearly impossible to find wing.

Circa WWII

Approximately 7/8" in height and 2-9/16" in width.

Gilt sterling silver.

Horizontal pin with come-under locking swivel catch.

CHAS. FISCHER N. Y. STERLING.

his is from a World War II United States Navy rare wing collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. MEJJX14 LADGE10/14

8- (Very Fine&emdash;Excellent): Wing shows tarnish and slight wear.

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