British WW1 1913 RFC Pilot Wing 'Gaunt London'

In a stunning and great condition a very hard to find rare British WW1 1913 Royal Flying Corps Pilot Wing.
The pinback wing is maker marked on the reverse by Gaunt London and comes with a functional needle and catch.
The rare wing comes in a great condition and shape!

This badge was approved for use in 1912, came into use in February 1913 and was replaced by cloth badges by February 1914. The problem with the field service wing was that it was used on the lighter fabric field service jacket and this was worn all the time including when preparing for and completing flight, which meant that it was always catching on straps or clothing and coats and consequently tearing the uniform jacket open along the line of the pin.
It was quickly replaced by the wool backed embroidered wing in very early 1914. In Feb 1913 there were two squadrons of aircraft and one balloon unit, so 24-30 aircraft and pilots plus the balloon unit. This badge was VERY rare then and of course most of the pilots were pleased to chuck it away when they got their fabric wings.

Code: 79482