WWII US NAVIGATOR WINGS
The Navigator Badge is a military qualification badge of the United States Armed Forces which was first created during the Second World War. The current USAF badge is designated by Air Force Instructions as the Navigator/Observer Badge and is issued to rated officers in both rating categories.
The badge recognizes the Aeronautical Rating of Navigator. The original Navigator badge was a successor to the Observer Badge, which was issued to military aviation navigators in the 1920s and 1930s. With an increase in aircraft technology, however, the Navigator, Bombardier, Engineer, and Gunner badges were created to recognize the advanced training and qualifications required of various aircrew members.
The original Navigator badge was issued by the Army Air Forces and consisted of an armillary sphere centered between two wings. The badge was similar to the Aviator Badge and the Aircrew Badge. On July 26th, 1947 the U.S. Air Force became a Separate Branch of Service. In late 1951 the Aircraft Observer, Navigator, and Bombardier badges were replaced with a single design, with the Air Force shield centered between two wings.
The item featured here is a set of WWII US AAF Navigator wings. Of Sterling silver
construction. In the original issue carton. The design consists of a circle with
multiple lines. Extended wings protrude from each side of the symbol. The quality
of construction is high with great detail.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for US military wings. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined
points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my set of US wings worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the wing insignia
is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of US militaria in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military
antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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This US military wings may be currently
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other US military wings, you can do so by going to our
US Wings Collectibles Price Guide.
Where we cover items from the Army, Navy, Army Air Force and other organizations.
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