Rare Genuine Vietnam era helicopter Sterling silver pilot wings 1960-1973

This is a sterling silver set of full size US Army Helicopter Pilot Flight Wings.  These are correct for the early 1950's up to and including the Vietnam period.  These wings would have been worn by qualified U.S. Army aviators who flew any Army aircraft from various helicopters to light fixed wing aircraft. This example was made by O.C. Tanner of Salt Lake City UTAH and is so hallmarked on the back. These wings are among the rarest Army Aviation badges ever made. They are heavy silver and high quality. The locking clutches as shown are included. Also included is a subdued cloth Helicopter Pilots wings as worn in Vietnam on fatigues and flight suits. You get both items.

This O.C.Tanner is still in business, but has long ceased to manufacture military insignia.

Another wing collector’s opinion:

 

“O.C.Tanner wings are to US Army Aviator wings as Luxenberg or Bailey, Banks & Biddle are to wings of the WWI and WWII era. OC Tanner was the most acclaimed maker of the Army Aviation Wings.  They did not make ALL the Army Aviation wings, they only made wings which were approved by Army regulation during their production period.  The firm, located in Salt Lake City, is still in business but, they no longer make wings-nor did they retain the original dies which were disposed of. This firm now makes jewelry and awards.  What's so special about O.C. Tanner wings-it's their wonderful attention to detail-apparently they employed expertly skilled engravers to create their dies and their dies did not strike as many wings as the major wing makers so they did not wear out and the sharp edges did not "round" out.  Also, their feel and finish are far superior to other makers of wings. In the future world of wing collecting, O.C.Tanner will, no doubt, shine well above the rest, even those made by Balfour or Robbins.  Another little known fact about O.C. Tanner manufacturing is that this firm used a finer/purer grade of silver in the production of their wings”. 


 Sterling wings are no longer issued and are scarce these days. Here is your chance to own a set of real rare sterling silver Army Aviator wings like those worn by a helicopter pilot during Vietnam.

The Army Aviator Badge or Flight Wings was first authorized on 1 January 1947 and is awarded to soldiers who have completed the necessary training and proficiency tests conducted by the U.S. Army Aviation Center. In the modern military, Army and Air Force Aviator Badges are issued in three degrees: Basic, Senior, and Command/Master/Chief. The higher degrees are denoted by a star or star with wreath above the badge.

For advanced versions of the badge, Senior Aviator Badge recipients require 1,500 flying hours in aircraft or seven years from basic rating date while Master Aviator Badge recipients need 3,000 hours in aircraft or 15 years from basic rating date. The basic version is simply called the Aviator Badge and is awarded to soldiers who have passed the appropriate Army schools and testing.

 


Please see photos. These wings will be a nice addition to any elite unit insignia collection. See my other listing in my eBay Store for parachute wings and elite unit memorabilia.  Email me if you have any questions. Payment in U.S. Dollars by PayPal (PREFERRED for immediate shipment). $5.00 to ship anywhere in the US. Overseas shipping is higher.

This would be a great gift for a newly rated Army Aviator or an old salty one!

AIRBORNE!

With the recent huge increase in U.S. postal rates and requirement for delivery confirmation tracking, we have had to increase the shipping costs for both domestic and overseas mailings.
Additionally the cost of International mail has more than doubled so we may soon have to cease mailing items outside the U.S.
Thank you for understanding.