Iconic, Rare, Early WWII CNAC Full Size 3” Pilot Wing in Enameled Silver Pictured in Maguire’s Silver & Wings & Leather Jackets

ARTIFACT: 

What we have here is a gorgeous, Rare, early WWII CNAC China National Aviation Corporation Full Size 3” Pilot Wing in sterling silver with beautiful translucent red and blue enameling. The classic wing, 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 wing, and the shirt size 2” one that came with it, available separately, are both pictured in Jon Maguire’s 2009 book SILVER WINGS & LEATHER JACKETS on page 53.

This is the first example of one of these wings that we have been able to offer for sale in OVER A DECADE! All original with no damage and only light wear and patina, it would be hard to upgrade this wing.

Vintage: Early World War II.

SIZE: Approximately: 3-1/8” in width x 13/16” in height.

CONSTRUCTION / MATERIALS: Enameled Silver.

ATTACHMENT: Horizontal Pin with come-under locking catch.

MARKINGS: SILVER

ITEM NOTES: This is from a US Air Force Aviation Wing collection that we will be putting over the coming months. CON-PJC-30-26 LDGIEX04/10/26

CONDITION: 9- (Excellent+): The Wing is in excellent condition.

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