WWI, U.S. AIR SERVICE, BOMBING MILITARY AVIATOR WING, BMA, STERLING, 2-1/2 INCH

Description

WWI, U.S. AIR SERVICE, BOMBING MILITARY AVIATOR WING, BMA, STERLING, 2-1/2 INCH, VINTAGE
Uniquely hand-chased and etched details in the front feathering, the reverse of this WWI 2-1/2 inch sized wing displays numerous small semicircular indentations possibly made by a jeweler’s Cross-Pein hammer while shaping and strengthening the badge. The wings are
silver, vaulted, and hand hammered made by a jeweler.
This is a very rare and original WWI U.S. Air Service Bombing Military Aviator Wing in sterling silver. The Badge was made in the United States and is a great piece of Militaria history. The item dates back to the World War I (1914-18) period and is a perfect addition to any collection of original period items. The sterling silver badge is a must-have for any serious collector of U.S. WWI Aviation. The U.S. Air Service Bombing Military Aviator Wing is an important piece of history from the World War I (1914-18) era. The badge is in excellent condition and has been well-preserved over the years. This is an original piece of militaria that is highly collectible and sought-after by collectors all over the world. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this piece of Aviation history.
This Bombing Military Aviator Wing is a sterling silver metal badge, including two wings in a horizontal position with a falling bomb at their apex. The gold metal letters "U.S." are horizontally soldered above the point of the bomb. The wings are cut in detailed feathering. The wing is bulged outward at the upper portion of wing, giving it dimension. This is a jeweler made Sterling BMA wing. Tested positive for Sterling. Pinback with functional catch.
In preparation for a never published book on US wings, collector and author Don Chalif put together a chapter on the Bombing Military Aviator badge of 1918-1919.
“Until the early 1960’s the Bombing Military Aviator badges worn during World War I were unknown to the most advanced collectors, as well as to the most prestigious military museums or the Air Force historical section. It was in the 1960’s, almost fifty years after they were worn that the author discovered the illustrated example. Col. Duncan Campbell a life-long collector of United States pilot and aircrew badges and friend was contacted concerning this unusual item, which displayed some obvious characteristics of having been manufactured during the Great War. Col. Campbell examined the badge and stated that over the years he had heard vague rumors that such a badge was worn. Subsequent investigation substantiated Bombing Military Aviators were infact trained specifically as bombing pilots with sizable units having been shipped to France during 1918. Further research during the intervening years by advanced U.S. collectors of the World War I period have located a number of surviving Bombing Military Aviators who have contributed their badges to those collectors”.
“Ample testimony from these former airmen confirms without shadow of a doubt that the Bombing Military Aviator existed and that the distinctive badge was commonly worn by those who held this distinctive classification. Photographic evidence further substantiates the record”.
Investigations have confirmed that the Bombardment Military Aviator badge was designed by 2nd Lt. Granville "Granny" Guttersen of St. Paul, Minnesota. He died on 4 December 1918 of influenza at Ellington, Field. It must be presumed that this was an unofficial badge, but acceptance by the Army as evidenced in photographs previously mentioned that it may be raised to the category of semi-official, due to usage. This is one of the more unusual and scarcer badges worn by Air Service Airmen during the war.
These Bombing Military Aviator wings were tolerated until May 15, 1918 when the Adjutant General declared in a memorandum that all specialties other than pilot would wear the Observer wing, no exceptions. This was made official in 1919. These are extremely rare as they were only worn by a select few and only for a very brief time.
“In the book, "Ellington Field 1918," there are photos of at least fifty officers wearing the full sized Bombardment Military Aviator badge above the left breast pocket of the uniform.
Several examples: These images are not included.
Page 260: Lieut. Harold W. Cavanaugh
Page 265: Lieut. Edwin G. Thiele
Page 289: Lieut. Olliffe Ewart Thomas
Page 148: Image of the original Bombing School Personnel
Images of the Pilots are not included.
Another photograph taken in October 1918 illustrates a group of 68 officers in New York city awaiting shipment overseas. Over 60 of the officers are wearing the Bombing Military Aviator badge.
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