UBB.threads Forums General Interest Other Hobbies and Collections, like sports cars, movies, music,etc Question on Wings

I recently turned a small grouping at a charity benefit so I had no chance to find any history or provenance of the items since they had been ‘donated’.

My main question is about the wings which are only marked ‘STERLING”. With the anchor attached to the wing and the included AIRCREW comment I wonder what these are. From the PAN-AM flying boats of the 30’s?

Also the ARC insignia have a patina that matches the wings exactly. Are they related? What does ARC stand for?

Any comments on value?

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Grouping

I think those are Navy AC wings but missing some stars... I do not collect those but I have seen them around.

John

Hi Texas,
I have had this one for quite some time,it measures about 1 3/8" wing tip to wing tip,, but i haven't any info,,so i hope someone can answer your questions and we will both know what we have..
DAVE H

The wings are WWII vintage Navy aircrew wings. I believe the stars are combat stars, like the sub badge uses.
The ARC is an American Red Cross collar insignia.
I wish I found stuff like this at some of the recent auctions I've attended.

P.s. I was trying to buy wings like this on Ebay last year, and they kept going higher then I was willing to pay. IIRC, in the $50 to $70 range. I remember a dealer at a show who wanted $100 for a pair, and I almost laughed in his face.