Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is a great badge of simple design. We just recently received this badge from a well renowned “Wings” collector and we couldn’t be more pleased. The badge itself has a lovely darkened and tarnished patina with much of the original gold finish still present. The badge is an unmarked example and has the same characteristics of the White Manufacturing Company known examples.

The history of White Manufacturing Company Inc began in North Attleboro Massachusetts in the late 1920s. They were known as manufacturers of links, fancy neck chains in rolled gold plate and sterling silver. Also, the company produced scarf pins, cuff and bar pins, tie clasps, pendants, brooches as well as various military insignia. According to sources, the first White Co branded jewelry from this company appeared in 1928.

The aviator badge currently used in the Navy has remained virtually unchanged since it was first issued on 13 November 1917. The Naval Aviator Badge is earned by all U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard pilots upon graduation from advanced flight training. Additional aviator badges exist for Naval Flight Officers (USN & USMC), Naval Flight Surgeons, Naval Aviation Physiologists, Naval Flight Nurses, Naval Aviation Observers (USN & USMC) and enlisted Naval Aircrewman (USN, USMC & USCG). Naval Aviators' badges are gold in color. Unlike the Air Force and the Army, the naval services do not employ senior or command/master aeronautical ratings.

The badge is in wonderful condition with a fully functional pin, hinge and locking catch. There are some areas of dark patina and tarnishing, but it only adds to the beauty of the badge.

A lovely example ready for further research and display.