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Original WWII USAAF Grouping, Named to Second Lieutenant William Steitz, Navigator
This is an original World War II grouping documented to Second Lieutenant William Steitz, an Army Air Forces aviation cadet who trained and served as a navigator, presented in a Riker display box.
The centerpiece is a set of 3 inch Navigator sterling wings, maker marked N.S. Meyer, a recognized WWII insignia manufacturer whose maker mark adds an extra layer of authentication that unmarked wings do not carry. Alongside the wings is the Army Air Force shoulder sleeve insignia patch, U.S. and Winged Propeller collar insignia in the snowflake pattern back, a matched pair of Second Lieutenant rank insignia in both pin back and clutch back configurations, also N.S. Meyer marked, and a two place ribbon bar consisting of the American Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal.
Also included are an Honorable Discharge insignia lapel button and six original service uniform buttons in two sizes.
Named officer groupings with maker marked sterling wings like this are more desirable than unattributed insignia, since collectors specifically seek out known manufacturer marks such as N.S. Meyer as part of confirming authenticity. As a navigator serving stateside based on the ribbon bar shown, this grouping represents the training pipeline that supported Army Air Forces operations during the war.
All pieces show typical wear consistent with age. Please review photos closely for individual piece condition. Sold as the complete grouping shown. (ml)
