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Original WWI-era U.S. Army Air Service identification tag grouping belonging to Sergeant Bill W. Hanson.
The grouping includes two matching round identification tags, the surviving woven cloth neck cord, and a plain metal finger ring found attached with the tags.
Both identification discs are stamped:
BILL W. AIR SERVICE
The tags descended through the Hanson family. Family information identifies the serviceman as Bill W. Hanson, born February 5, 1898 and died September 15, 1944. He was married to Evelyn Peddy, and the family relocated to Pensacola, Florida in 1905.
The two tags remain together on an old woven cord showing considerable age, discoloration and fraying. A plain metal finger ring is also present on the cord. The age and origin of the ring have not been independently established, and it is not being represented as trench art. It is included because it was found with the original grouping and preserving the grouping intact maintains its provenance.
Tags show oxidation, discoloration, scratches and general surface wear consistent with age. Cord is heavily aged and frayed but remains an important part of the grouping. Items have not been polished or restored.
An interesting identified piece of early U.S. military aviation history with excellent additional research potential.
Sold exactly as photographed. Please examine all photographs closely for condition.
