WWII padded Southern Rhodesian Air Force pilot wing taken off a uniform
RARE WWII SOUTHERN RHODESIAN AIR FORCE PILOT WINGS KINGS CROWN c.
Collectors Description
A superb and scarce original-style Southern Rhodesian Air Force pilot qualification wing, dating from the World War II to early post-war period, circa 19401953.
This impressive full pilot brevet is beautifully hand embroidered on a black cloth backing, with large cream/beige outstretched wings surrounding the colourful Southern Rhodesian armorial shield.
Above the shield is the highly important Kings (Tudor) Crown a key feature distinguishing this early pattern from the later Queens Crown Royal Rhodesian Air Force insignia.
The central armorial embroidery incorporates the characteristic red lion passant and green lower field with the gold pick device associated with the arms of Southern Rhodesia.
The reverse displays the period-style black woven backing and extensive hand stitching, while the front retains excellent definition and strong original colour. Minor age and wear are entirely appropriate for an early cloth flying badge and add considerably to its character.
Historical Significance
Southern Rhodesia played an exceptionally important role in Allied aviation during WWII. Under the Empire Air Training Scheme, the Rhodesian Air Training Group operated an extensive wartime training programme in Southern Rhodesia, producing pilots and other aircrew for service with Allied air forces.
This Kings Crown pattern belongs to the fascinating period when Southern Rhodesian aviation was closely integrated with the wider RAF/Commonwealth wartime effort.
The design subsequently evolved, with the Kings Crown being replaced by a Queens Crown during the Elizabeth II period. The Royal title was granted to the Southern Rhodesian Air Force in 1954, making the earlier Kings Crown pattern particularly desirable to collectors of Rhodesian aviation history.
Collector Appeal
A BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC EARLY RHODESIAN PILOT WING WITH STRONG WWII ASSOCIATION.
Far more than an ordinary cloth badge, pilot wings represented an earned flying qualification and were worn by trained aircrew. Early Southern Rhodesian examples are considerably harder to encounter than the later Rhodesian Air Force insignia commonly associated with the Bush War period.
The combination of the Kings Crown, Southern Rhodesian arms, hand-embroidered construction and early aviation history makes this a particularly attractive piece for the advanced collector.
An outstanding addition to any WWII, RAF/Commonwealth aviation, Southern Rhodesian, pilot-wing or African militaria collection.
