Extremely Rare Air America Crew 1/2 Wing FULL SIZE in Sterling Silver

ARTIFACT: Extremely rare circa 1959 1st Issue Air America Crew Half Wing FULL SIZE (NOT the usually encountered Shirt Size) in sterling silver. The center of the wing reads: "AIR AMERICA" in the center of a winged shield. Air America was a 'dummy corporation', a covert airline controlled by the US Government and the CIA posing as a civilian passenger and cargo airline. After WWII, CAT a subsidiary of Airdale acquired nearly half of the Civil Air Transport (CAT) an airline started by General Chenault in China, 1946. During the Vietnam War, the airline was engaged in many assignments and was even wrapped up in drug smuggling allegations in Laos. Air America's authority was cancelled by the CAB (pre-FAA) in 1974. By and large, the military-owned airline was covertly used to skirt the restrictions brought forth by Geneva Accords in 1954 and 1962, posing as a civilian airline allowed access to otherwise restricted areas.

VINTAGE: Circa 1959

SIZE: Approximately 2" x 3/4"

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Sterling silver

ATTACHMENT: Double posts with clutchbacks

MARKINGS: "STERLING"; "PAT 2308412 2308424 2551196" on clutchbacks

ITEM NOTES: This is from an airline collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VBBJX16 LABIEX6/16 SLAHIEX2/17

CONDITION: 9- (Excellent+): The wing shows minor to moderate wear, overall handsome patina.