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Today I was at a flea market just browsing. I walked up to a mans collection of military items from WWII and I was looking in the Free box () When I came upon this.....
Is it authentic and what exactly is it?
| Aviation Discuss Help on ID of RAF insignia in the World War II - Aviation forums; Hello all. Today I was at a flea market just browsing. I walked up to a mans collection of military ... |
Hello all.
Today I was at a flea market just browsing. I walked up to a mans collection of military items from WWII and I was looking in the Free box (
Is it authentic and what exactly is it?
Looks like a pilot's badge to me, Harrison. The prop mounted behind it might suggest a hat badge rather than the one pinned to the right breast of the pilot's uniform, but I could be wrong. If original, I suspect it may be from the 1920's or '30s.
Okay good to know! I was like why is this in the "Free" box
I'm a bit surprised myself..!
He was a military collector and on the thing it was labeled 25 dollars I asked him if it was actually free or had it just fallen in and he said free take it.....
Caps badges from WW1 and WW2 respectively:
It is something that would be worn on a dress uniform, imho, and the person mounted it on a prop for display purposes.
Good find Milosh! so we're looking at a breast badge rather. I know the rank of Leading Aircraftsman (LAC) is indicated by a prop on the epilettes, so maybe this is in connection?
Hmmm yes. But nice picture Milosh!
Hi Harrison. I think this is actually an ornamental badge or brooch, worn in the lapel of a civilian jacket, and may be a presentation badge. The single prop blade, denoting a Leading Aircraftman, is a silver-grey prop blade, in threads woven onto a RAF Blue patch, worn on the shoulder of the uniform sleeve, the RAF wings are not incorporated in this rank badge.
The one you have, which appears to be a silver, or nickel, metal prop, with gilded pilot's wings, bears the King's crown, making it pre- 1953.
It's possible that this is a ladies brooch, possibly signifying her husband is a member of RAF aircrew. If you can let me have the approximate dimensions, I'll check with my brother-in-law, and sister, as I'm fairly sure they'll know.
Sure what dimensions do you need? Length, height?Originally Posted by Airframes
I don't think the item is from RAF uniform. During WWII, it was common for family members to wear items of jewellery or similar items to show that a loved one was serving. My uncle was an aircraft maintenance technician in WWII and my mum (his sister) still has a ring with RAF wings which he gave her to remember him by. It looks like some kind of broach, although it's hard to tell without seeing the clip on the back. The other alternative is that it's a tie clip (again, need to see the back of the piece to be certain). I've never seen any part of the RAF uniform that resembles the item in the photo, so I think my explanation that it's jewellery is the most likely answer.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Mark H (LKBS)
At least I'm not the only one who thinks it's not a uniform piece.
Ok I'll get you a picture in 2 minutes.
Here you are
Thanks Harrison. The pic has confirmed what I thought of the dimensions, and I agree with the other guys. It's not part of Service Dress uniform, but a brooch or lapel bage, almost certainly the former, which would have been worn by the wife, mother or loved one of a serving, or possibly past, member of the RAF. The RAF person would have served before the Coronation of Queen Elisabeth II, that is, prior to 1953, and judging by the style, it is more likely to be from the period of the mid-1930's to WW2.
It may not have any intrinsic value as such, but well worth having as a collecors item.
Good find mate!
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