Posted 12 years ago
scottvez
(977 items)
When I first started collecting wings (years ago), I was told by some "seasoned" collectors that clutch back wings were all post WW2. While many are post war issue, the clutch back in itself is not a sole determining factor for age.
This particular wing has era "Sterling" markings and is consistent with war era versions of the wing. Additionally, this particular example retains one of its original "securing devices" with the patent information on the back.
US Patents 2308412 and 2308424 were both issued on 12 JAN 1943. These securing devices were used to hold ribbons, ribbon bars as well as wings and other badges.
While I have learned a heck of a lot from other collectors-- remember some of it may be based on misinformation, old or incomplete data or just best guesses of the times. It always pays to have an open outlook and read/ investigate on your own.
scott
I'm real partial to wings myself but I only have the one pin that I recently posted. It may just be about "the man in a uniform" thing. Nothing like wings.:)
As a former grunt, I am more partial to badges-- like the combat infantryman's badge (CIB).
It is just part of that infantry mentality that EVERYONE leads the easy/ cush life except for the foot soldier!
Thanks for looking,
scott
Makes perfect sense. :)
Here is a link to the patent information on the securing device:
http://www.google.com/patents/US2308412?printsec=drawing&dq=2308412&ei=abH4T8OuO4yk8ASJrNX0Bg#v=onepage&q=2308412&f=false
scott
Another clue is that the fasteners (I still call 'em "damits from my military days) don't have any cleats (bumps) on the face. Earliest ones are smooth. Of course there are exceptions.
A good point chris-- thanks for adding.
scott
Thanks mikko and official.
scott
Thanks pw and walksoftly.
scott
Thanks mikie and majestic.
scott
Thanks for looking musikchoo.
scott
Thanks tom.
scott
Thanks antiquesareamazing.
scott
Thanks for looking p....
scott