Iconic Rare Early WWII CNAC China National Aviation Corporation Pilot Hat Badge Indian Made in Bullion

Artifact:

What we have here is a beautiful, Rare, early WWII CNAC China National Aviation Corporation Pilot’s sew-on Visor Hat Badge, Hand Embroidered in India of gilt and silvered bullion and wire on heavily padded wool with a polished cotton backing. The iconic hat badge with a large gold wreath around the silver central seal with CNAC in Chinese and English, with a 2 Engine Aircraft at center,  in superb condition, 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 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 hat badges that we have been able to offer for sale! All original with no damage and only light wear and patina, it would be hard to upgrade this badge. There is a slight separation of the background material of the central seal from the rest of the badge around 3:00, but this is really only noticeable under scrutiny and does not detract.

VINTAGE: Circa World War II.

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

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

ATTACHMENT: To be sewn.

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-30-26 LCIIEX04/13/26

CONDITION: 8+ (Excellent): The patch shows minor wear.

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