Extremely Rare Mid WWII CNAC China National Aviation Corporation Bullion CBI Shoulder Patch Made in India

Artifact:

What we have here is a beautiful, Extremely Rare, mid WWII CNAC China National Aviation Corporation Uniform Shoulder Patch, in the form of the US Forces CBI Theater Patch, with CNAC superimposed over the stripes of the lower third of the patch. The Patch is Hand Embroidered in India of silvered bullion, tinsel, and wire, along with Red & Blue silk, sewn to a luxurious dark blue velvet backing, with cotton backing. The patch even has its original metal snaps on back, both male and female parts, for ease of removing form uniform for laundering.  

The iconic China Burma India Theater US Army / Forces shoulder patch is a brilliant and gorgeous choice for an “upgraded” wartime should patch for pilots and air crew of 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 1st American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, better known as The Flying Tigers.

This is the first example EVER of one of these CNAC CBI based shoulder patches that we have been able to offer for sale! We have seen a few, but never another of this particular design. All original with no damage and only light storage wear and patina, it would be nearly impossible to upgrade this patch.

VINTAGE: Circa World War II.

SIZE: Approximately 3-1/8" in height and 2-5/16" in width.

CONSTRUCTION / MATERIALS: Bullion Embroidered on Velvet, and cotton/silk threads, muslin backing.

ATTACHMENT: Snaps to attach to uniform.

MARKINGS: None.

ITEM NOTES:

This is from a CNAC China National Aviation collection which we will be listing more of over the coming months. Item will not be sold until identified. CON-PJC-35-26 LCDGEX04/13/26

CONDITION: 9- (Excellent+): The patch shows light wear only.

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