Rare Late 1950s Bonanza Airlines (BAL) Stewardess Hat Badge 3rd Issue Type IV

This is a rare circa late 1950s stewardess hat badge 3rd issue Type IV for Bonanza Airlines (BAL). The badge is gold-filled and has a maker mark on reverse. Bonanza was started in 1945 by a trio including an ex-USN Lieutenant Commander, and flew until 1968, when it merged with other companies to form Air West. BAL flew largely within the southwestern United States, advertising their routes as following those of the "gold strikes". The badge resembles a boomerang and shows a black airplane flying through the bottom opening of a "B".

Circa late 1950s.

Approximately 1-13/16" in height and 1-1/16" in width.

Gold-filled, enamel.

Vertical pin with come-under locking swivel catch.

1/10 10K G.F., maker mark (L with banner).

This is from an airlines collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. LABEX13 LCDEX7/13 SBIJX5/13

7+ (Very Fine+): The badge has very light abrasions only.

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