AMICO STERLING SILVER WW II Pilot Wings

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

DescriptionFor your consideration is a pair of sterling silver World War II US Army Air Forces pilot pinback wings. US Army Air Forces pilots in WW2 often acquired miniature wings for wear on the lapel or for their wives or sweethearts back home. This pin uses a uses a rollover or locking 'C' clasp. The back is stamped with the maker's mark for AMICO along with 'STERLING'. This pin also comes with its original paper backing.The Army Air Forces (AAF) came into being on June 20, 1941, six months before Pearl Harbor. As war approached, Secretary of War Henry L. Stimson and Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall saw the need for a stronger role for Army aviation. Consequently they created the Army Air Forces with General H. H. (Hap) Arnold as its head.Army Air Forces attained quasi autonomy in March 1942, a few months after the U.S. entered the war. Acting under authority of the War Powers Act, Secretary Stimson approved a major War Department reorganization. Army Air Forces and Army Ground Forces were made co-equal commands. Significantly, as Commanding General of the AAF, General Arnold became a member of the WW II Joint Chiefs of Staff along with the Army Chief of Staff (General Marshall), the Chief of Naval Operations (Admiral Ernest J. King), and President Roosevelt's principal military adviser (Admiral William D. Leahy).The AAF expanded rapidly. It initially had two subordinate organizations, the Air Corps for training and materiel and Air Force Combat Command (replacing GHQ Air Force) for operational forces. As the wartime build-up proceeded, more commands were added -- Flying Training Command, Technical Training Command, Ferrying Command, the numbered air forces and so on.In the course of wartime expansion and reorganization, the Air Corps ceased to be an operating organization. All elements of Army aviation were merged into the Army Air Forces. Although the Air Corps still legally existed as an Army branch, the position of Chief of the Air Corps was left vacant, and the Office of the Chief of the Air Corps was dissolved.The Army Air Forces thus replaced the Air Corps as the Army aviation arm and -- for practical purposes -- became an autonomous service. All World War II Army aviation training and combat units were in the AAF. About 2.4 million men and women served in the AAF. Around 600,000 of these were members of other branches, such as Engineers, Ordnance and Quartermaster.ConditionThis piece is in very good condition, showing high detail on the front surface. The locking clasp functions as intended. It is being sold with the patina as shown.SizeHeight: 3/10 inch1 1/8 inches:Terms of BuyingBefore offering an item, we try our very best to find out as much information as possible about the item so we can give you accurate descriptions. Opinions on the condition can vary, depending on the person giving it. This is why we provide large, clear, and detailed photographs of the items. We rely on you to take your time to read the description, study the pictures carefully and to ask questions in order to satisfy yourself that the item is up to your expectations before you place a bid. If you have any questions regarding the item, simply contact us through the 'ask seller a question' at the top of the page. We will do our best to answer your questions in a timely manner.Payment & ShippingA postage discount will be given, if possible, for multiple purchases made. Please submit your payment within 2 days of purchase. After your payment has been received, we will ship your item within 1 business day.Return PolicyMost of the items we sell are antiques or vintage and have been used and enjoyed throughout the years. Most pieces will show signs of wear. Returns are accepted only in the unlikely event the item has been misrepresented. read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.