US Navy Pilot Wing !

**Walkwolf** · 09-20-2010, 04:10 AM

Weekend find........

I believe this US Navy pilot wing to be from WWI/1920's era.

Thin, 'Sterling' marked with a hollow back, it is sadly missing
needle pin and catch, and there is a split in the right wing.
Once entirely plated gold - now very worn and tarnished.

**Walkwolf** · 09-21-2010, 04:22 AM

Is this wing worth restoring..........?

**Steven M** · 09-22-2010, 09:29 PM

Hi Steve,

I will admit that I haven't ventured into Naval/Marine wings so my knowledge is VERY limited. It certainly does look as if it has seen some use though. Personally, I believe in leaving items in "as found" condition. If you start restoring items, the cost to repair may not only exceed the value of the actual item, but also cause you to have a very hard time selling if you decide to later because of the modifications...only my opinion.

Thanks for posting and maybe Cliff P or another member can shed some light on this piece for you.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 09-23-2010, 07:45 AM

Hi Steve, I like it just the way it is.

Cheers, Ade.

**Walkwolf** · 09-24-2010, 12:26 AM

Thanks, Steven and Ade.

It is rather thin and fragile. I could see it getting caught in a
harness or overcoat. It looks like one side has been
bent over and then straightened out.

With nice, complete examples I've seen going for around $200
and up, I'm thinking that $50 or so for the silver fittings
and labour might not be too great an expense.

Then again, any remaining finish would be removed completely..........

**pammy** · 09-24-2010, 12:50 AM

keep it like it is steve ,very nice i did not forget you!

**Uncle Paul** · 11-11-2010, 04:10 AM

Hello. It's a U.S. Navy pilot's wings. The U.S. Marines wore them as well. It dates from World War II.
Best, Paul.

**Walkwolf** · 11-12-2010, 11:39 PM

by Uncle Paul

Hello. It's a U.S. Navy pilot's wings. The U.S. Marines wore them as well. It dates from World War II.
Best, Paul.

This is a type without 'berries' at the shoulders which
are usually attributed to pre-WWII wings.

**Uncle Paul** · 11-13-2010, 04:05 AM

Uncle Paul was wrong and Steve is right. I relied on an otherwise seminal reference -- National Geographic's Insignia and Decorations of the U.S. Armed Forces (Revised ed 12/1/44 )-- which attributed wings without berries to WW II. Mia culpa.