The circular section of aircraft fabric measures about 28 ½ inches in diameter and displays instantly recognizable early 5th Reconnaissance Squadron man in the moon/winking owl insignia that was officially approved in 1924 when the squadron was the 5th Observation Squadron. The 5th Reconnaissance Squadron is one of the oldest USAF squadrons still in service and traces its origins to May 1917 when the 5th Aero Squadron was officially organized. The squadron stayed stateside during World War I, was reorganized in 1919 for aerial reconnaissance, was redesignated the 5th Bombardment Squadron in 1935, played an active role in U.S. strategic bombing doctrine through World War II and the early Cold War period before being inactivated in 1966, reactivated as the 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Training Squadron in 1986 and redsignated the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron in 1994, remaining active while flying the famed U-2 spy plane. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

Very fine, with pin holes along the outer edge and retaining most of the vivid paint. A highly attractive artistic work of authentic aviation squadron insignia that traces its lineage to the early days of aerial reconnaissance to the iconic U-2 spy plane.