Women's International Association of Aeronautics (WIAA) Bracelet Mrs Emory Bronte

This is a wonderful circa early 1930s member wing for the Women's International Association of Aeronautics (WIAA) made into a bracelet. Founded by Elizabeth Lippincott McQueen, one of Los Angeles' first female pilots, the WIAA was not only an aviation association but also an advocate group for the rights of aviatrixes. Martha Edwina Griffith of Terrell, Texas, who became the wife of aviation pioneer Emory Bronte, was a WIAA member and an aviatrix in her own right. The bracelet was made from Martha's member wing (number 56) and is in enameled sterling silver. In between serving with the Navy in World War I and II, Emory navigated the 1927 flight of the City of Oakland with pilot Ernest Smith from San Francisco to Hawaii. The team became the first two civilian passengers to traverse the ocean from the mainland to Hawaii, and were both awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The photo above is a press photo of the Brontes in November 1934.

Circa early 1930s.

Approximately 1" in height and 2" in width; total length including chain is 7-3/8".

Sterling silver, enameled details.

Chain links with locking clasp.

MRS. EMORY BRONTE SAN FRANCISCO; 56 ALLEN STERLING.

This is from a civil aviation collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. Comes with print-out information regarding husband Emory Bronte. VCJJX12 LABJJX7/12

8- (Very Fine-Excellent): The bracelet shows some minor wear and tarnish only.

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