central african airways

[natal01]

I'm probably pushing it by posting these badges in this section, but it seems to be fairly quiet here !
I have always liked non-mainstream badges which have historical interest and are probably ( but not exclusively ) from Southern Africa.
So badges relating to the rather short-lived Central African Airways ( 1946-63) fall very nicely into my rather eclectic collecting field.
The CAA was established after WW2 and ran until the breakup of the Federation of Rhodesia & Nyasaland.
I should be very interested to know if anyone else collects this sort of thing .

[johnG]

I had never considered CAA badges before, but I see what you mean, and am intrigued to see a representation of the Zimbabwe Bird, and the Zambezi River as in the armorial bearings of what was then Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia.
Thanks for the introduction to this subject - I will take a closer look at it as it tells a story of Central/Southern Africa as it once was.

Regards,

JohnG

[johnG]

I like the shape of the wings - those of a Fish Eagle, and the stylised representation of the eagle on one of the badges, this has really got my attention now. Many thanks.
JohnG

[johnG]

And a leopard for Nyasaland. So we have the Zimbabwe Bird for what was then Southern Rhodesia, the Fish Eagle for Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia, and the leopard for what is now Malawi.

I have seen the CAA badge a number of times in years gone by, but never looked closely at it or appreciated how well the three countries of the Federation of the Rhodesias and Nyasaland had been so well represented in the design, and how well they evoke memories of what used to be.

Regards,

johnG

[Traist]

A very grand set indeed. Well done Mike. They must be quite rare. Regards Andrew

[btns]

Here is a CAA button.

[natal01]

Commercial flying in Rhodesia probably started in the late 20s with the Rhodesian Aviation Sydicate, which became the Rhodesian Aviation Company in April 1929. I was very pleased to find that I have what I think is a wing for this airline. I have had this hallmarked silver badge ( 1931) for a while and never knew what it was until recently. I guess that this got me interested in Rhodesian Civil flying history.
The Rhodesian Aviation Company lasted until 1933, when it was suceeded by the Rhodesian and Nyasaland Airways Ltd. ( RANA). RANA was taken over by the Rhodesian Government during WW2. After the war we saw the emergence of CAA.
Thanks for the button pic, BTNS.

[lancashirefusilier]

Always fascinating to see esoteric pieces!

ATB

Dave

[natal01]

Here are a few more bullion badges that I have just received.
Mike

[Traist]

Mike, you are putting together a very nice set of these. Good going! Andrew

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by natal01

Commercial flying in Rhodesia probably started in the late 20s with the Rhodesian Aviation Sydicate, which became the Rhodesian Aviation Company in April 1929. I was very pleased to find that I have what I think is a wing for this airline. I have had this hallmarked silver badge ( 1931) for a while and never knew what it was until recently. I guess that this got me interested in Rhodesian Civil flying history.
The Rhodesian Aviation Company lasted until 1933, when it was suceeded by the Rhodesian and Nyasaland Airways Ltd. ( RANA). RANA was taken over by the Rhodesian Government during WW2. After the war we saw the emergence of CAA.
Thanks for the button pic, BTNS.

That is an amazing badge. Something spooky about the wings - one could almost imagine that the same hand designed the Parachute Regiment cap badge. And what a strange looking aircraft bottom left - it looks like a 1930s child's toy plane.
Thanks very much for showing it.

[Brian Conyngham]

Mike

Those wings look like they were inspired by a WW2 RAF moustache

Should think about framing them as they would make a great display.

Brian