Brass, enamels; measures 24.5 mm in height, 60.4 mm in width; the width of the enameled portion is 37.0 mm; weighs 11.7 g without the screw plate. Three-piece construction: the propeller and wings are separate parts attached to the enameled triangular base by wires.

In excellent condition. The enamel is essentially perfect and shows a beautiful luster; there are only some microscopic contact marks that are completely unnoticeable to the naked eye. Unlike the sky-blue and white enamels in the center, the red enamel on the stars is the “cold” variety as it is supposed to be; it is of lighter shade of red than on most other badges of this type we have seen, but the color may vary and there are no obvious signs that it has been restored. The enamel in the center is unquestionably original. Traces of the original silver finish are clearly visible on the vertical edges of the propeller and wings, while the silver plating on the reverse is clearly visible throughout. The wire attachment is sound and relatively tight, allowing only a very minimal movement of the superimposed parts.

The screw post is nearly 9 mm in length, has not been shortened, and includes original screw plate maker-marked Lenizo Enamel Factory.

There is some debate among collectors about the exact time when this badge was introduced: according to many sources such as Avers 8, it was issued from 1943-45. We believe that it was instituted and manufactured immediately after the end of the Patriotic War and awarded for just a few years up until 1949. Judging by the inscription referring to the Red Army, it was designed and produced before mid-1946 (when the official designation changed to the Soviet Army). It is therefore not inconceivable that this badge could be worn at the end of WW2 by a pilot participating in the Soviet “blitz” campaign against Japan.

These very scarce Soviet Air Force wings are not to miss out on!