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WW2 U.S. Army Air Force Patches and Cloth Insignia, Numbered Army Air Force Patches, Bullion Air Force Patches, Theatre Made Army Air Force Patches and Variation Army Air Force Patches |
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Please Note: The patches and cloth insignia listed here as "WW2 Theatre Made," or "Handmade," refer to vintage, WW2 period, patches that are not like the mass-produced patches that we are familiar with today. These highly collected patches were produced individually by hand sewing in small shops, throughout the Asiatic and/or European Theatres of Operations Some patches have a very professional manufactured appearance, some are crudely made using whatever materials were at hand. The collector interest and value of these patches lies in the individual, artistic, handmade rendering and/or the crude quality of these types of patches. |
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* * * Special Feature
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| 46th Bombardment Squadron / 22nd Anti-Submarine Patch, Late WW2 | |
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1AFP-01 / 14UP-169. The 46th Bombardment Squadron, (medium), was
activated on Jan 15, 1941, it was redesignated the 22nd Anti-Submarine
Squadron, (heavy), on 3 Mar 1943 and disbanded on 11 Nov 1943. The 46th
Bombardment flew the following aircraft during the following periods of
time; B-18’s, in 1941-1942; A-29’s, in 1942-1943; B-17’s, in
1942-1943; B-25’s, in 1943; B-34s, in 1943 and B-24’s. 1943. The patch
is approximately 4-3/4-inch wide x 4-1/4-inch high; the central design is
machine embroidered on blue twill and depicts a very nicely detailed
yellow, menacing face bomb, wearing earphones and holding a pistol in one
hand and a large knife in the other hand; the patch has a white and red,
cut edge, border. The patch exhibits moderate signs of age, wear and,
even, overall soil from handling and actual use. There is a cut, as well
as some heavy deterioration to the fabric, on part of the border edge, at
about nine o’clock, (the cut does not actually go completely through the
fabric and may have been caused when the patch was removed from a
uniform). The reverse has tight weave cheesecloth backing, which also
shows moderate signs of age, wear and, even, overall soil. WW2
aviation squadron patches have always been in demand and difficult to
acquire; this is a very worthy example showing all the right manufacturing
techniques for its period of use. Overall
condition Vg- to Vg. $145.00 |
| Vintage Hamilton Standard Propellers Patch, Circa 1940’s | |
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1AFP-001. 3-7/8-inch wide x 2-1/4-inch high, gold colored twill patch with a silver/gray propeller embroidered on a red background; black embroidered lettering, “Hamilton Standard Propellers;” excellent embroidery. Hamilton Standard manufactured propellers and other aviation equipment during WW2. This patch has characteristics of those patches that were manufactured in the 1940’s and into the 1950’s, (could possibly be earlier). An interesting example with strong links to WW2 aviation. Light age. A great looking patch. Unused. Excellent. $20.00 SOLD |
| 1st Type U.S. Army Air Force General Headquarters Patch - Orange Wool Felt- (GHQ) | |
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1AFP-01. 2-1/2-inch diameter, medium weight, orange wool felt patch depicting three, machine embroidered, blue colored impeller blades; the impellor blades are heavily embroidered using a technique, which creates distinct lines of embroidery. The GHQ was established on March 1, 1935 at Langley Field, Virginia to provide a centralized command for a combat air force utilizing aircraft designed for speed, range and altitude. The GHQ accepted the B-17 in 1937 and was designing the B-29, B-25 and the B-24 in 1938. The Air Corps had grown dramatically through 1941 and the GHQ was redesignated as the Air Force Combat Command. The Combat Command wore the GHQ patch until a new Army Air Force Patch was approved in 1942. The front of this example exhibits very light and insignificant signs of age; no wear and it has very light and very insignificant soil from handling. The backside has very insignificant moth tracks, as well as two small moth bites, which do not actually pierce to the front of the patch; the backside also has light to moderate signs of glue and paper residue from once being in a scrapbook. A really nice example. Unused. Near Vg+. $24.00 SOLD |
| 1st Type U.S. Army Air Force General Headquarters Patch - Variation Orange Felt Material With Very Thin Black Paper Backing - (GHQ) | |
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1AFP-02. 2-3/4-inch diameter, very thin and light weight, orange, (cotton?), felt patch depicting three, machine embroidered, blue colored impeller blades; the impellor blades are heavily embroidered and has a flat, smooth, silky feel. The orange material is slightly lighter in color than the above patch and it has a material variation slightly different than what is normally used in the construction of this particular patch. The backside has a, very thin, black paper covering and the impellor blades are embroidered directly through the paper. The patch exhibits a tiny bit of age; no wear or soil. A unique example. Unused. Excellent. $20.00 SOLD |
| India-Burma Theatre, (IBT), Souvenir Pillow Cover Handmade in the India-Burma Theatre of Operations During WW2 | |
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1UP-002. Large size, 16-3/4-inch wide x 17-inch high pillow cover, handmade, in the, “India Burma Theatre,” during WW2. The front of the pillow cover is constructed from a dark blue velvet material with a central design depicting the WW2 U.S. China, Burma, India Headquarters patch; the patch is, very heavily, hand embroidered directly onto the dark blue velvet material using red and white cord-like thread. The design is flanked by hand embroidered words, “India, Burma,” and the initials. “I.B.T.,” are hand embroidered above the design. The reverse of the pillow cover has purple linen backing. The bottom edge of the pillow cover has purple cloth ties to secure a pillow inside the cover. The “I.B.T.,” initials embroidered on the front of the pillow cover refer to the Headquarters U.S. Forces, “India-Burma Theater,” (HQ USF IBT), 1942 through 1946. The, HQ USF IBT, was established in New Delhi by General Order 1, HQ USF IBT, October 27, 1944, and was under the command of Lt. General Daniel I. Sultan, who was responsible for U.S. Forces in India, Ceylon, Burma, Thailand, the Malay States, and Sumatra. General Sultan was succeeded in command by Maj. General Raymond A. Wheeler on June 23, 1945. The HQ USF IBT moved to Calcutta in April of 1946 and was abolished, May 31, 1946, by General Order 174, HQ USF IBT, May 23, 1946. The central design and lettering are in near excellent condition; the hand embroidery is intact, it exhibits light signs of age, a little wear, as well as light, even, soil from handling and storage. The dark blue velvet is lightly aged and lightly faded and the nap is lightly worn, along a horizontal line, where the pillow cover was folded during storage. The purple backside is moderately aged and faded; there are some moderate pulls and slubs in the material, (nothing at all of a serious nature). One of the purple cloth ties at the bottom edge is missing. The “I.B.T.,” (India-Burma Theatre), initials are an unusual and unique variation of the “CBI,” (China Burma India), initials that are usually found on these WW2 souvenir pillow covers. A large and very impressive looking collectible. SCARCE. Vg. $85.00 SOLD |
| Army Air Force Headquarters Patch - Fully Embroidered, Standard Issue | |
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1AFP-03. Approximately 2-5/8-inch diameter, fully embroidered, blue patch depicting the WW2 AAF winged star design. Unused. Excellent. $6.00 SOLD |
| Army Air Force Headquarters Patch - Fully Embroidered, Standard Issue | |
| 1AFP-03a. Approximately 2-5/8-inch diameter, fully embroidered, blue patch depicting the WW2 AAF winged star design. Same as above, except this example exhibits very light and insignificant signs of age, as well as very light and insignificant, even, soil from handling and possible use. Very nice. Vg+. $5.00 | |
| Army Air Force Headquarters Patch - Fully Embroidered, Standard Issue | |
| 1AFP-03b. Approximately 2-5/8-inch diameter, fully embroidered, blue patch depicting the WW2 AAF winged star design. Same as above, except this example exhibits light signs of age, as well as light, even, soil from handling and possible use. Nice. About Vg. $4.00 | |
| Army Air Force Headquarters Patch, Greenback Variation | |
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1AFP-1a. Approximately 2-3/8-inch diameter, slightly oval, fully embroidered, blue patch depicting the WW2 AAF winged star design. The backside exhibits an overall green thread backing that is of particular interest to patch collectors. The patch exhibits light to moderate signs of age, as well as insignificant signs of wear and soil. The patch is used and has been removed from a uniform; signs of hand stitching and minor remnants of original sewing thread still remain. AAF Headquarters patches are not often encountered bearing the greenback variation. Used. About Vg. $19.00 SOLD |
| Bullion Army Air Force With OD Wool Serge Backing - Cut From Tunic - Theatre Made | |
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1AFP-1b. Approximately 2-1/2-inch diameter, beautifully hand embroidered winged star design on, dark blue, woven wool material. The wings and star have tarnished to a n over all black finish; the center of the star is constructed of red cloth thread. The bullion wire hand embroidered construction is consistent with patches that were made locally in the CBI Theater of Operations during WW2. Moderate overall age, as well as, light wear to the blue wool; the bullion is completely intact with the exception of a bent piece of wire on the lower left leg of the star. Light moth nips and light tracking on the nap of the wool, (no actual holes). The backside is covered with a piece of olive drab, wool serge, (the type used on Ike jackets); the backing is closely sewn to the patch and it’s likely this patch was cut from an officer Ike jacket. A nice theatre made example. Used. Near Excellent. $65.00 |
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Army Air Force Headquarters - Heavy Felt Variation |
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1AFP-2. 2-1/2-inch diameter, heavy blue felt patch depicting the embroidered WW2 Army Air Force winged star design. The blue surface has minor moth tracking, as well as, two deeper moth bites that do not actually go completely through the material, (nothing seriously detracting). The backside exhibits, open weave, cheesecloth backing. This is the type of patch that would have been sold in an upscale uniform/tailor shop of the period. A very nice looking example. Great for an AAF officer tunic. Unused. Near excellent. $15.00 SOLD |
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Army Air Force Headquarters - A Very Unusual CBI Theatre Made Variation |
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1AFP-2b. Approximately 2-1/4-inch diameter blue linen patch depicting a heavy, hand-embroidered, design of the WW2 AAF winged star. The backside of the patch is covered with a tan “Air-Tex” fabric, used by the British for tropical uniforms. The patch has been removed from a uniform; remnants of original sewing thread still remain; it exhibits minor signs of age, wear and is slightly out of shape from actual use. A very unusual and very unique variation that is not often encountered. SCARCE. Vg. $32.00 SOLD |
| Bullion Army Air Force Headquarters - Theatre Made | |
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1AFP-2c. Approximately 2-7/8-inch diameter, purple/blue wool patch heavily hand embroidered using silver and gold bullion depicting the WW2 AAF winged star design. The border around patch is constructed with one row of thin, tight, spring like silver wire, which is surrounded by a wider border of twisted, metallic, gold bullion. The bullion wire hand embroidered construction is consistent with patches that were made locally in the CBI Theater of Operations during WW2. The patch is used and has been removed from a uniform; minor remnants of original sewing thread, as well as signs of machine stitch marks still remain. The bullion is 99% intact; it exhibits moderate age, as well as moderate, (heavy in some spots), tarnish. The purple/blue wool exhibits moderate signs of age and wear, the wool nap is worn to the base fabric in some spots, (not seriously detracting). No mothing. The backside is covered with a tan fabric. A very sound example. Vg. $65.00 |
| Army Air Force Headquarters - Early Variation With Heavy Horizontal Lines Of Embroidery | |
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1AFP-2d. A large, 2-7/8-inch diameter, heavily embroidered, slightly oval, deep blue patch depicting the WW2 Army Air Force winged star design. The patch is embroidered using a technique that creates distinct horizontal lines of embroidery on the front and on the backside of the patch. A unique variation. Unused. Excellent. $15.00 |
| Army Air Force Headquarters - Heavy Felt Variation | |
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1AFP-2f. 2-1/2-inch diameter, heavy blue felt patch depicting the embroidered WW2 Army Air Force winged star design. The edge of the patch has a few light moth bites, the most evident one is on the bottom edge, near the bottom right point of the star, (as seen in the image; nothing seriously detracting). This patch is used and has been removed from uniform; impressions from hand sewing still remain along the edge of the patch. The front exhibits even overall soil from actual moderate use. The back is mostly covered with a white, open weave, cheesecloth. The backside also exhibits light signs of glue and discoloration from being glued to something and the initials, " D.V." are hand inked on the back of one wing. This is the type of patch that would have been sold in an upscale uniform/tailor shop of the period. A very nice representative example. Used. Vg-. $10.00 |
| Army Air Force Headquarters - Felt Variation With Stubby Orange/Gold Wings | |
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1AFP-2g. 2-1/2-inch diameter, thin blue felt patch depicting the embroidered WW2 Army Air Force winged star design; this example has stubby style wings, embroidered with orange/gold thread. The back is covered with a white, open weave, cheesecloth. Insignificant age; no soil or mothing. A very nice example and interesting variation. Unused Near excellent. $15.00 SOLD |
| 1st Army Air Force | |
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1AFP-6a. 2-1/2-inch diameter, slightly oval, fully embroidered blue patch depicting an embroidered number “1,”and the WW2 AAF winged star design. When the U.S. entered the war, the 1st AAF was responsible for the defense of the Atlantic seaboard and later assigned to the training of combat units. Light age , a little insignificant wear, as well as light soil from handling, use and storage. Used. Vg. $6.50 |
| 1st Army Air Force | |
1AFP-6b. 2-1/2-inch diameter, slightly oval, fully embroidered blue patch, same description as above, except this example exhibits moderate age, and wear with moderate overall, even, soil from from handling, use and storage. A very nice representative example. Used. Vg. $5.50 |
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| 1st Army Air Force, Felt Variation With Open Wing Feather Design | |
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1AFP-6c. 2-5/8-inch diameter, medium weight, deep blue wool felt patch depicting the machine embroidered WW2 AAF, golden yellow, winged star design with a number “1” between the wings; this example has a variation open wing feather design. The patch is in excellent unused condition The backside has an open weave cheesecloth backing. The backside is covered with a black, open weave, cheesecloth. The patch is characteristic of an officers private purchase dress uniform patch. No mothing. Very Nice. Unused. Excellent. $24.00 |
| 1st Army Air Force, Felt Variation With Hand Embroidered Number "1" | |
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1AFP-6d. 2-3/4-inch diameter, thick, deep purple/blue wool felt patch depicting the machine embroidered WW2 AAF, golden yellow, winged star design with a number “1” between the wings. The “1” is heavily hand embroidered using a thick white thread. This example is used and has been removed from a uniform; impressions from hand sewing still remain along the edge of the patch. Very light and insignificant signs of age from handling and very light use. The back is covered with a black, open weave, cheesecloth. The patch is characteristic of an officers private purchase dress uniform patch. No mothing. Very Nice. Scarce. Used. Excellent. $24.00 |
| 1st Army Air Force, Felt Variation With Open Wing Feather Design | |
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1AFP-6e. 2-3/8-inch diameter, medium weight, faded blue wool felt patch depicting the machine embroidered WW2 AAF, golden yellow, winged star design with a number “1” between the wings; this example has a variation open wing feather design. The patch exhibits moderate signs of age; light wear, as well as light, even, soil. The blue felt has faded and shows evidence of hand stitch marks; minor remnants of original sewing thread still remain. The backside has an open weave cheesecloth backing, which shows signs of age and use; there is minor evidence of glue residue from being in a scrapbook. No mothing. A very nice representative example of a felt AAF patch. Used, Vg-. $19.00 |
| 2nd Army Air Force | |
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1AFP-7. 2-1/2-inch. square, fully embroidered blue patch depicting a flying falcon and the WW2 AAF white star with red disk design. When the U.S. entered the war, the 2nd AAF was responsible for the defense of the U.S. west coast and later assigned to training fighter and bomber personnel. It was the chief trainer of B-29 crews who served in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. Very light and insignificant age from handling and storage. Unused. near Excellent. $6.00 |
| 2nd Army Air Force | |
| 1AFP-7a. 1AFP-7a. Same description as above, light to moderate signs of age, wear and soil from handling and actual use. Used. About Vg. $5.00 | |
| 2nd Army Air Force, Still Sewn Onto tan Cotton Shirt Sleeve Material | |
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1AFP-7b. Approximately 2-1/2-inch square, fully embroidered blue patch, same description as above, except this example is still machine sewn onto a piece of tan cotton shirt sleeve material. Light, to near moderate, signs of age and wear; no soil. Unique. Used, Vg. $12.00 |
| 2nd Army Air Force, Blue Felt Variation | |
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1AFP-7c. Approximately 2-1/4-inch wide x 2-1/2-inch high, blue felt patch patch, depicting a machine embroidered flying falcon and the WW2 AAF white star with red disk design. This example is used and has been removed from a uniform; remnants of original sewing thread still remain. The patch is lightly faded and exhibits moderate signs of age, as well as light signs wear; no soil. The materials are consistent with the style of manufacturing that is associated with those patches made for the U.S. Army Air Force, in England, during WW2. There is a cut and a small piece of material missing along the top edge, probably created during the removal process; minor remnants of original sewing thread still remain. The patch s slightly out of shape from laundering and actual use. The backside exhibits tight weave cheesecloth backing, as well as heavy remnants of paper from being in a scrapbook. A decent representative example of a theatre made felt patch. Used, Vg. Very reasonably priced at $7.00 SOLD |
| 3rd Army Air Force | |
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1AFP-8m. 2-3/4-inch diameter fully embroidered blue patch depicting a three-dimensional embroidered number "3,"and the WW2 AAF winged star design. In the beginning of WW2, the 3rd AAF was responsible for the defense of the Gulf Coast, anti-submarine patrol and support of the 1st AAF in its mission. The 3rd AAF was later assigned to combat training of flight personnel. Unused. Excellent. $6.00 |
| 3rd Army Air Force | |
| 1AFP-8a. Same description as above, light to moderate signs of age, wear and soil from handling and actual use. A very nice representative example. Used. About Vg. $5.00 | |
| 4th Army Air Force | |
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1AFP-9. 2-5/8-inch x 3-5/8-inch shield shaped, fully embroidered blue patch depicting a white WW2 AAF winged star design supported by four gold rays. In the beginning of WW2, the 4th AAF was assigned to the Western Defense command, responsible for the defense of the Western United States. As Japan became less of a threat to the U.S., the 4th was relieved of that duty and assigned to a training mission, participating in the B-29 program, training for night fighters and in the use of radar. Very light signs of age from handling and storage. Unused. Vg+. $7.00 |
| 4th Army Air Force | |
| 1AFP-9a. Same description as above, light to moderate signs of age, wear and soil from handling and actual use. Used. About Vg. $5.00 | |
| 5th Army Air Force | |
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1AFP-11. 2-5/8-inch diameter fully embroidered blue patch depicting the number “5,” the Southern Cross and shooting star design. Designated the Far East air force, this unit lost most of its personnel and equipment during the defense of the Philippines in 1941. The 5th AAF was remanded and activated again in 1942. Philippines, Netherland East Indies, defense of Australia, Guadalcanal Papua New Guinea, Palau Islands, Borneo, Schouten Islands, Luzon, Truk and the Japanese mainland. Fighting in 13 campaigns the 5th established air superiority in the Pacific Theatre of Operation. Unused. Excellent. $10.00 |
| 5th Army Air Force | |
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1AFP-11a. Approximately 2-5/8-inch diameter fully embroidered blue patch depicting the number “5,” the Southern Cross and shooting star design, same description, except this example exhibits light signs of age, moderate signs of use and a little wear; no actual soil. Many remnants of original sewing thread. Very nice. Used. Vg. $8.00 |
| 5th Army Air Force | |
| 1AFP-11b. Same description as above, moderate to heavy signs of age and wear from actual use. Removed from a uniform, original signs of sewing still evident. Vg-. $7.00 | |
| 6th Army Air Force | |
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1AFP-12. 6th Army Air Force Patch. 2-1/2-inch wide x 2-3/4-inch high, fully embroidered hexagonal blue patch depicting a gold embroidered design of a sailing ship above the WW2 AAF winged white star with red center disk. The 6th AAF was activated in 1942; its mission was to protect the Panama Canal. The 6th AAF flew many operations over jungles, as well as, anti submarine operations and participated in two campaigns. Unused. Excellent. $8.00 |
| 6th Army Air Force | |
1AFP-12a. Same description as above, light to moderate signs of age, wear and soil from handling and actual use. Used. About Vg. $7.00 SOLD |
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| 7th Army Air Force | |
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1AFP-12b. 2-5/8-inch diameter, fully embroidered blue patch depicting the number “7,” piercing the center of a white star with red center disk. The 7th AAF was assigned to providing air protection to the Hawaiian Islands. Midway, Wake, Guadalcanal, Gilbert & Marshall, Truk, Saipan,Guam, Tinian, Philippines, and escorted B-29’s to the Japanese Mainland. The 7th fought in six campaigns. Unused. Excellent. $9.00 SOLD |
| 8th Army Air Force | |
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1AFP-13. 2-1/2-inch diameter, fully embroidered, blue patch depicting a winged number “8” with WW2 AAF white star with red center disk. Headquartered in England, the 8th AAF deployed its first bomber to France on August 17, 1942. The 8th’s mission was daylight bombing of the sub marine pens in occupied France, magnesium producing plants in Norway, aircraft manufacturing plants, ball bearing factories, general war industry and transportation targets in Germany. Normandy, France, Battle of the Bulge. The 8th fought in seven campaigns. The 8th AAF patch is always in demand. Slight signs of age. Unused. Near Excellent. $10.00 SOLD |
| 8th Army Air Force | |
| 1AFP-13b. Approximately 2-1/4-inch diameter, slightly oval patch, same description as above, except this example exhibits heavy signs of age, moderate wear, as well as moderate, even soil from actual use; stitch marks from hand sewing are still evident. The patch has a nice, "salty," appearance. Used. Vg-. $7.00 SOLD | |
| 8th Army Air Force - Bullion On Dark Blue Wool - Theatre Made | |
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1AFP-13c. Approximately 2-3/4-inch diameter, dark blue wool patch, depicting the hand embroidered, gold bullion winged, “8,”design of the 8th Army Air Force. The bullion wire hand embroidered construction is consistent with patches that were made locally in the CBI Theater of Operations during WW2. The original gold bullion wire is 100% intact; the bullion wire is heavily tarnished in some spots and the original gold finish has toned to a copper color in other spots. The backside is covered with a, coarse, grayish cotton or linen material and it exhibits This patch does not appear to have been used. The patch looks much better in person than in the image. A very nice, aged, example. Unused. Near excellent. $65.00 SOLD |
| 8th Army Air Force, Blue Felt Variation | |
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1AFP-M13d. 2-1/2-inch diameter, thick, blue felt patch depicting a heavy embroidered winged number “8” with WW2 AAF white star with red center disk. The materials used in the construction of this patch are consistent with the style of manufacturing that is associated with those patches made for the U.S. Army Air Force, in England, during WW2; (officer quality). Headquartered in England, the 8th AAF deployed its first bomber to France on August 17, 1942. The 8th’s mission was daylight bombing of the sub marine pens in occupied France, magnesium producing plants in Norway, aircraft manufacturing plants, ball bearing factories, general war industry and transportation targets in Germany. Normandy, France, Battle of the Bulge. The 8th fought in seven campaigns. The patch is in excellent condition with no mothing, wear or soil; the star is slightly off center in the lower circle of the number "8." The backside has a tight weave cheesecloth backing. The 8th AAF patch is always in demand. A beautiful example. Unused. Excellent. $35.00 SOLD |
