Italy - Air Force Wings - World War Two

[oamotme]

Gentlemen,

I recently acquired as part of a lot of assorted UK club medals the pair of wings illustrated below. They are very well made and in excellent condition and are made by the firm of Johnson of Milan. The cardboard case may be original. One has a crown and one does not. Online research indicates that the crown was removed from the badge after the fall of the central government of Mussolini. This is not my area of expertise but as they are so well made I am happy to share. No doubt someone in GMIC can enlighten us.

Kind regards,

Owain 

 

[JapanX]

Nice badges.

Classical Johnson.

This type of badge was introduced in 1935 and was in use until 1943.

Illustration from 1937 regulation.

 

Doc that would be accompanied by such wings (this example from 1938).

 

Edited February 22, 2021 by JapanX

[JapanX]

2 hours ago, oamotme said:

Online research indicates that the crown was removed from the badge after the fall of the central government of Mussolini. 

If my memory serves me right the badge without crown was originally intended for civil pilot's (pilota brevetto 1° grado) but after september 1943 was used as military pilot badge by RSI.  

Edited February 22, 2021 by JapanX

[oamotme]

Many thanks - again GMIC members add information! Owain

[oamotme]

I am assuming these are of no great scarcity or value. Owain

[JapanX]

Well, judge for yourself

 

https://www.emedals.com/europe/italy/badges/air-force

 

Best,

Nick

[oamotme]

Thanks  Nick. Even if I get 50%  it will cover a few beers - thank for the link. Owain