Description:

INSIGNIA OF AN AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCE FIGHTER PLANE
A great World War I relic, a swath of dark blue coated canvas measuring approx. 29" x 27" and bearing an insignia of an owl poised to grasp its prey. According to a 1920 copy of Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine, the use insignia to identify A.E.F. squadrons was approved by Secretary of War Newton D. Baker in 1917. While some of the better-known insignia are the Indian head of the 103rd Pursuit Squadron or the "hat in the ring" logo made famous by Eddie Rickenbacker, a variety of devices were used to identify the planes and their affiliations. Our example is from the17th Aero Squadron and shows a great white owl in flight, ready to pounce on the enemy. According to the DAR Magazine: "The 17th was a pursuit squadron, assigned to the Second Army on Nov. 4, 1918, and reached the American Front at Toul the same day. This squadron had been assigned first to the Royal Air Force on July 15, 1918, and operated with them until November. During its period of activity it had engaged in 110 combats, and received official confirmation for 54 victories...". With expected wear from use and folds from storage, overall very good. With a copy of the aforementioned DAR Magazine article.

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June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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