What are aviator wings made of?

[A4sForever]

..... I have my grandfather's wings from when he was a Naval Aviator in World War II

, but they are kind of worn and I wanted to get them restored. ..........

You're a lucky boy. And just to add to what others have offered: DON'T EVER "restore" vintage, Naval Aviator anything ... buy or draw new if you must for functionality, but respect the mileage and far horizons the "old" stuff has seen ...

The first thing you want when drawing new "equipment" is to make it look somewhat "salty" ... i.e., lived in, "I've been there" ... etc. Sometimes ... "old" is better. Suggestion: ALWAYS use CAPS w/ words like Naval and Aviator and Wings ... you work hard to get 'em and it will make you feel better ... :icon_wink

What are aviator (sic) wings (sic) made of?

So what are Naval Aviator Wings made of, you asked??

Why, the stuff that dreams are made of ... that's what ...

 

[phrogpilot73]

An interesting note, on the back there is a tiny stamp that says "1-20-10K on Sterling" I'm guessing that's the gold karat and that the wings are actually sterling silver coated in gold leaf, or were. Anybody know more?

According to a quick google search, that stamp means that the wings are Sterling silver with 1/20 of 10K gold.

The ones my parents gave me as a winging gift are 14K solid gold.

 

[ea6bflyr]

The ones my parents gave me as a winging gift are 14K solid gold.

With the price of gold nowadays, those are worth more than they were when you received them.

-ea6bflyr

 

[A4sForever]

With the price of gold nowadays, those are worth more than they were when you received them.

No way, José ... your Navy Wings were priceless from day one ...

 

[Gatordev]

With the price of gold nowadays, those are worth more than they were when you received them.

-ea6bflyr

Maybe, but if they're the ones I received as a gift, as well, there was probably a substantial markup (ie, from the Museum).

 

[ea6bflyr]

Yes, agreed, PRICELESS.

-ea6bflyr

 

[GroundPounder]

I have my grandfather's original set from 1942. They have a Tiffany and Co. hallmark, and are 14Kt. If gold went to 10,000 dollars an ounce I would not part with them. I've had them since I earned my Army commission, and while they meant a lot to me then, ( a gift from him on that day ) they mean more to me now that he is gone. My vote is for keeping them as is.

 

[phrogpilot73]

Hmmm, gold is up to $1000/ounce. Tempting? Absolutely not. I plan on passing my 14KT gold wings down to any children we may have or be buried with them...

 

[PropStop]

Those wings, like the wings of every aviator are made from mettle.

 

[jt71582]

Those wings, like the wings of every aviator are made from mettle.

I don't know how many of you heard this, but they're also made with bits of real panther...so you know it's good.

 

[wirefire2]

Those wings are made of the blood, sweat and tears of your grandfather. Put them away and cherish them. Your grandfather earned them, and I think he’d agree.

Steve

Oh I know what they're worth...

Too late. Didn't you read his post?

I'm a Marine, we don't do a whole lot of this...thinking stuff...

This thread is worthless without pics....

Stop whining...

This is what they looked like AFTER I cleaned them up with a special jewelery polishing rag. I think I'll take them to a jeweler to have them sonic cleaned. It appears the gold is perfectly intact and it was only tarnished.

 

[usmarinemike]

My brain can't really tell much of a difference. But then again, I'm a Marine...all that mess about thinking and all.