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PAAF (Pan American Airways Ferries) Sterling Silver Insignia. These rare, sterling silver pins date to late 1941, and belonged to the father of the man from whom I obtained them. Pan American Airways Ferries (PAAF) was authorized by the U.S. Government in August, 1941 as a ferry and transport service to Africa. The purpose of the ferry service was to rush planes and other equipment to the Middle East and to establish and strengthen transport bases in West Africa and across the continent. With the establishment of these routes, Pan Am stretched its lines to within 6,000 miles of circling the globe.

The man who wore these pins was a Pan American Airways pilot, stationed in Miami, who volunteered for the newly-established PAAF arm of Pan Am. He served the airline for at least ten years, as evidenced by his service pins, which I have up for auction in another listing at this time, as I do other vintage items he owned.

My photography is poor, so the photos do not show the true color of the sterling silver pins for the pilot's uniform: they are truly silver despite the pictures! The "P.A.A.F." insignia are slightly over one inch in length each, while the lapel pin (or tie tack) measures approximately 3/4-inch in length. The backs of the three pins state they are "Sterling", and the round holder of the lapel pin bears the inscription of the famous maker, L. G. Balfour Co.

Please note t is no reserve on these reminders of one aspect of an airline's contribution to the ultimate victory of the Allies in the second "Great War."

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