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  #1  
Old 12-05-19, 07:48 AM
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ravrick ravrick is offline
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Default RFC Pilots Observer combined badge

Hi,
is this a fantasy badge or for real? First I've ever seen..
cheers,
Rick
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File Type: jpg RFC O wings.jpg (113.0 KB, 63 views)
File Type: jpg RFC o wing rear.jpg (94.6 KB, 32 views)
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  #2  
Old 12-05-19, 09:20 AM
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manchesters manchesters is offline
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Fantasy.

Been at Lockdales (the home of fantasy badges) and on ebay.

regards
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  #3  
Old 12-05-19, 09:26 AM
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Thanks, that's what I thought but you never know...
cheers,
Rick
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  #4  
Old 12-05-19, 02:31 PM
arrestingu arrestingu is offline
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This badge did exist, so not pure fantasy .I viewed a framed picture of the pilot wearing the combined wing that was mounted in frame.

This though is typically junk , very poorly constructed.....made to decieve
All the best steve
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  #5  
Old 12-05-19, 03:47 PM
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Frank Kelley Frank Kelley is offline
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Did you note who the subject in the picture actually was, I assume it was a photograph?



Quote:
Originally Posted by arrestingu View Post
This badge did exist, so not pure fantasy .I viewed a framed picture of the pilot wearing the combined wing that was mounted in frame.

This though is typically junk , very poorly constructed.....made to decieve
All the best steve
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  #6  
Old 12-05-19, 05:24 PM
arrestingu arrestingu is offline
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Hi Frank,
Sadly it was literally thirty odd years ago , yes it was a full size WW1 portrait wearing this rare badge with his original wing behind glass , 100% period and correct . No name.
It was actually this picture that started my interest in WW1 aviation insignia .
All the best
Steve
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  #7  
Old 12-05-19, 05:36 PM
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dragon166 dragon166 is offline
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The first time anyone referenced this wing was in the "Boy's Own Paper" of 1916/17. Warren Carroll mentions it in his book Eagles Recalled and after some scientific examination came to the conclusion that the item in question was a genuine article. The wing was mounted in a frame with a picture of an unknown officer (who is wearing an Observer Brevet). Your badge was an attempt to copy the item shown in this frame, but not very well executed. Carroll was unable to find any paperwork trail to authenticate its authorisation.
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  #8  
Old 13-05-19, 02:23 AM
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The Observer badge, according to a long dead ex-Air Force friend, was referred to as the "flying a###hole".....

He joined our NZPAF (New Zealand Permanent Air Force) in 1937 and, when war was declared in 1939, he was told he had to carry a sidearm. His first sidearm?

A WW1 German Luger of which many had been taken as trophies during WW1. You couldn't make this stuff up......

Force's humour reigns supreme!
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