Update 12/20/24: SEASON'S GREETINGS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS from FLYING TIGER ANTIQUES!!
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ARTIFACT:
Beautiful 1930's United States Air Corps 5th Bomb Group distinctive insignia with no maker mark. Part of the 5th Operations Group, one of the original combat groups and their military success dates to the beginning of military aviation. During 1919, the group was originally activated as the 2nd Group (Observation) and was stationed at Luke Field in what was then the Territory of Hawaii. The group was redesignated in the early 1920's from the 2nd Group (Observation) to the 5th Group (Observation) before becoming the 5th Group (Pursuit and Bombardment) a year later. They were instrumental in saving Hilo, Hawaii during the eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano in 1935 by flying B-3 and B-4 aircraft and strategically dropping bombs to divert lava away from the town and also worked in conjunction with the Territorial Forestry Division to sow seeds from the air. At the end of the 1930's, it was redisignated again in 1939 becoming the 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy) operating the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses.
The insignia is a winged skull or winged death's head featuring two piece gilt brass construction with the skull in plated nickel and enamel facial details. There is a gilt scroll embellishment at the base of the wings that reads: "KIAI O KALEWA” in enamel, which translates to "Guardians of the Upper Realms".
VINTAGE:
Circa 1930's.
SIZE:
Approximately 7/8" in height x 7/8" in width.
MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION:
Gilt brass, nickel plating, enamel.
ATTACHMENT:
Vertical pin with drop in locking catch.
MARKINGS:
None.
ITEM NOTES:
This is from a US Air Corps collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. MBJX03 LABEX3/16 SABEX07/15/23
CONDITION:
8+ (Excellent): The insignia shows minor wear, nearly all the gilt, nickel and enamel details remain intact, overall excellent condition.
GUARANTEE: As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.
