ONLINE ENCORE - Militaria Auction
Lot 2103:
Description
This combined lot of memorabilia provides a detailed look into the legacy of American volunteerism during WWI, specifically relating to the Lafayette Flying Corps (LFC), the name given to the entire group of American volunteer pilots who flew for the French Air Force, which included the bona fide Lafayette Escadrille squadron. The LFC saw 209 pilots successfully complete French training and 180 serve in combat, a distinction important for advanced collectors. The three vintage pin badges are the centerpiece, including the highly desirable, detailed Sioux Indian Head profile, which is historically significant as the original insignia used by the Escadrille Américaine from its formation in April 1916 up until April 1917. Clear images of the reverse confirm the Indian Head pin is stamped 835 (indicating a European-standard silver alloy) with a simple pin back. The second piece, marked “LAFAYETTE FLYING CORPS,” and the third, a large eagle-over-shield badge marked with a ‘G’, both feature robust vertical or horizontal pin mechanisms. These WWI-era items are complemented by a vintage commemorative folding pocket knife, identified as a Boker Great American Story Knife, model 1779/17179, manufactured in the United States around 1974. The knife features black composition handles and a nickel-silver shield depicting a WWI biplane and the “LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE” banner. The pins are in good vintage condition, exhibiting heavy, consistent tarnish and fully functional pin mechanisms. The Boker knife shows moderate wear, with deep scratches on both steel blades, but is structurally sound. H 4” long x 0.75″ high x.5″ thick (Estimated closed length of knife). Silver LFC pin 1.75” tall x 1.5” wide. Indian head 1” tall x 1.25” wide. Eagle on shield 2.25” tall x 1.75” wide. Please see photos.
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