RFC metal (bronze) pilots wing, circa 1913

[zorgon]

It’s rare to come across an original metal RFC pilot’s wing anymore so I was delighted to have the opportunity to purchase this one from an old European collection and to share it with the Forum. Many years ago, it had been sold by a British auction House, unfortunately with no specific provenance. Made of die struck cast bronze, it measures 3 ¾”. It’s a bonus to have the Joseph Jennens & Co (J&Co) hallmark on the reverse. The clasp consists of a folded wire pin and “C” catch. The Field Service wing was not popular with the pilots and was only briefly used in 1913 and early 1914.
Additional information and examples are reported by Cliff Presley and Chris Langley at:
http://www.ww2wings.com/wings/wwi/britain/britain.shtml

[Roy]

That's a lovely badge indeed...

Thanks for sharing this beauty.

Roy.

[RCAF_Mike]

Very nice! Mine for comparison

[arrestingu]

nice my friend ...this is one of my examples

[zorgon]

Thanks to you and Mike for sharing. It's great to see other similar examples of this Century old Aviation badge. It's certainly a challenge to collect the variants on this now but hope springs eternal!

Wayne

[Sonofacqms]

I bought a picture frame with a set of these wings on the top, there has been some speculation in the past as to why these were used to decorate frames after they were taken out of general use by the RFC.

As they were probably produced for private purchases, I would think some enterprising tailors and outfitters could well have thought that this was a good way to sell redundant stock.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this or other information.

Rob

[NEMO]

HI , ref : the picture frame wings , not sure were on about this set shown here but years back i had a set of Bronze RFC wings these were sold as original pilots insignia by every one a lotof the time out of ignorance what made it worse was the rear fittings were like the blades encounted on O.S.D cap badges , I was told by a leading collector long since passed away they could be bought in the canteen and designed to fix on to picture frames either a general shop bought frame or a special military produced example I do not know .

Bosleys auctions have these from time to time and always sell them as picture frame badges

[Frank Kelley]

I tend to agree, there are certainly rather more of these wretched things around than the Corps actually had pilots in 1912 to 1914.

Originally Posted by NEMO

HI , ref : the picture frame wings , not sure were on about this set shown here but years back i had a set of Bronze RFC wings these were sold as original pilots insignia by every one a lotof the time out of ignorance what made it worse was the rear fittings were like the blades encounted on O.S.D cap badges , I was told by a leading collector long since passed away they could be bought in the canteen and designed to fix on to picture frames either a general shop bought frame or a special military produced example I do not know .

Bosleys auctions have these from time to time and always sell them as picture frame badges

[magpie]

The RFC had 103 officers in 1914, I doubt they all had wings on their uniform.

[2747andy]

Another maker marked example

http://www.sellmymilitaria.com/site/...ngs&Itemid=477

Andy

[GTB]

If I may, gents.

I suppose I'll be pilloried for submitting a 'sweetheart' badge? Or is it not??

Bought a lifetime ago along with a small lot of WW1 badges from a pawn shop. Gilt and enamel, 6cm (2 3/8"), brooch fitting. Back out-of-focus but pin clearly shown.

One of my favourites.

GTB

[badgecollector]

Originally Posted by 2747andy

Another maker marked example

http://www.sellmymilitaria.com/site/...ngs&Itemid=477

Andy

Hi all
I don't know if these are genuine or restrikes or for picture frames but I have seen several of the jennens marked badges over the years but never seen another like the maker Andy shows.
Interesting thread. I have a silver of hollow construction wing. That is also a mystery to me
Bc

[RCAF_Mike]

That wing posted in the link is made by GJDF or George Jackson/David Fullerton, silversmiths, of Bristol. I've seen a few of the bronze wings with that maker

[FZ1]

A Gaunt one that I obtained recently

Jon

[magpie]

I cant help thinking that all the filled back examples are by the same person.