Rare Balme FRANCE Hallmarked USAF Air Crew flight wings badge Air Force Insignia

Description

These are VERY RARE original
Air Crew Flight Wings of the United States Air Force
hallmarked
J. Balme FRANCE.
These are exceptionally scarce wings  These are the no shine - stay brite style wings.
These very rare Balme wings were made back in the late 1980's and into the early 1990's. They are no longer made and unavailable in most cases. Balme made some absolutely exquisite military badges, wings and insignia to include US Army Parachute Jump Wings, Combat and Expert Infantryman Badges, Air Assault Wings and a few USAF Flight Wings. The detail in these wings is extraordinary and these are much prized.
The Air Force Aircrew Badge is a direct successor to the Army Air Forces version of the decoration. Originally known simply as the
Aircrew Badge
, the Air Force began issuing the decoration to enlisted Aircrew members in 1947. By the time of the Korean War, regulations had been established for a senior and master version of the badge, indicated by a star and wreath above the decoration. As with the Army Aviator Badge, seniority of the Aircrew Badge was determined by flight hours obtained and years of service in the Air Force.
With the decline of the Observer wings, a need quickly arose to award an Aircrew Badge to officers who had been trained as in-flight support personnel.  These badges are considered extremely prestigious in regards to the Air Force.
The enlisted version of the Aircrew Badge remained relatively the same and was now referred to as the Enlisted Aircrew Badge.
These are very scarce wings, so if you are trying to collect the various makers of US Wings, this is your opportunity to pick up an uncommon hallmark. The distinctive locking clutches shown and the original BALME marked packaging will be included.   See Photos. A nice addition to any wing collection. See my other auctions for more parachute wings and elite unit memorabilia.   I will be listing a large collection of parachute wings on eBay, so if you are a parachute badge collector, check back often to see what is available.
Buyer pays .00 postage and handling. Overseas mail is higher. Insurance, if desired, is extra.
Email me if you have any questions
. Payment in U.S. Dollars by PayPal (PREFERRED for immediate shipment)
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.