Wonderful WWI US Air Service Observer Grouping w/ 'Dallas' Wing & 14K 347th Field Artillery Pin

ARTIFACT: Wonderful small WWI United States Air Service Observer Grouping with 'Dallas' wing and other insignia including a 14K 347th Field Artillery pin. The small grouping is very interesting, because it includes letters to Miss Marie Wixson at home, who it appears eventually married the Observer, since his post-war American Legion Hat with his great insignia, is included in the grouping.

One significant fact is that the small 347th Field Artillery pin (in 14K Gold) is mentioned in one of the letters. The inclusion of this pin also points to the fact that the man, although a part of the US Air Service, was not attached to an Aero Squadron, but was attached to the 347th F. Artillery as an Artillery Observer.

The American Legion cap shows an embroidered emblem and beneath reads: "CALIFORNIA", pinned above is a US Air Service winged prop. The other side shows an embroidered number: "8". Insignia pinned are an Observer, wool felt with sterling: "O" and feather detailed wing, the 347th collar insignia, which shows crossed artillery and the number: "347" in the center, and a "U.S." insignia with letters: "NA" in the center. The grouping of insignia, wing, WWI Victory Medal, photos, and affectionate letters home with stories of being in the US Air Service – a wonderful grouping of WWI history!

VINTAGE: Circa WWI

SIZE: Approximately Observer wing: 2-1/8" – 7/8"; 347th F. A.: 7/8" x 1/2"; Prop: 1-7/8" x 1"; US: 1-1/4" x 5/8"; Victory medal: 3-1/8" x 1-1/2" – 1-3/8" in diameter; Letters: various sizes; Photos: 4-3/4" x 1-3/4"1-7/8" x 1-1/2"; American Legion Cap: Size 7-1/8; 11" x 5"

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Wool felt, satin, leather, sterling, 14K gold, paper, postage, ink, pencil, photographs, silk/cotton/polyester thread, silk ribbon, brass.

ATTACHMENT: Prop and 'US': Horizontal pin with "C" type catch; Observer wing, 347th, Victory medal: Horizontal pin with drop in locking swivel catch

MARKINGS: "STERLING" on wing prop, postal marks on letters, "71/8" tag inside cap.

ITEM NOTES: This is from a US Air Service collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. MABJJX16 LBGEJX4/16

CONDITION: 8- (Overall – Very Fine—Excellent) American Legion Cap (6+ Fine—Very Fine): The cap shows a number of small moth nips along the top, the insignia show mild to moderate wear, the wing shows some verdigris, the letters show storage/age wear and slight discoloration, the photos are in remarkable condition.

GUARANTEE: As with all my items, this piece is guaranteed original.