Extremely Rare Early WWII CNAC China National Aviation Corporation "Chung" Large Leather Flight Jacket Patch as Shown in Pistole & Maguire

Artifact:

 What we have here is a fantastic, and EXTREMELY RARE early WWII era LARGE Leather Flight Jacket Patch from the company that evolved into CNAC in 1931, which was owned 55% by the Country of China, and eventually, by 1933, 45% by Pan American Airways, and provided the transportation of much needed supplies for the Flying Tigers, and many other Allied Aviation and Ground units to follow, all through WWII.

Because of its early ties to “retired” AVG American Volunteer Group Flying Tigers Pilots, and its eventual dismantling in 1949, when its pieces were picked up by Retired AVG Commander and USAAF General Claire Chennault to form his CAT Airline, CNAC’s history will always be intertwined with the 1^st American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, better known as The Flying Tigers.

This particular patch made its debut to the collection world in 1981, on page 257 of Larry Pistole’s THE PICTORIAL HISTORY OF THE FLYING TIGERS, where it was pictured in black & white with its unique staining around 8:00, forever proving it to be the one and same patch pictured in that book. Unfortunately, the patch is listed as being part of the Author’s Collection, and not attributed to an AVG Pilot, or any other person. Later, in 2009  the patch shows up in color on page 55 of Jon Maguire’s SILVER WINGS & LEATHER JACKETS, but, again, unattributed.

I know of less than 10 of these patches in existence, one still on an A-2 Jacket (!!!), they are EXTREMELY RARE.

SIZE: Approximately 5-3/8" in diameter.

CONSTRUCTION / MATERIALS: Multi-Leather and Silk/Cotton thread.

ATTACHMENT: To be sewn onto flight clothing.

MARKINGS: None.

ITEM NOTES: This is from a United States Air Forces Jacket Patch Collection which we will be listing more of over the coming months. CON-PJC-30-26  LDGIEX04/09/26

CONDITION: 8+ (Excellent): The patch shows minor wear, and stain at 8 o'clock on white leather. Otherwise, it is in excellent condition.

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