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OT 1503
Pre-World War II U.S. 5th Reconnaissance Squadron Insignia on Aircraft Fabric - The
ircular section of aircraft fabric measures about 28 1⁄2 inches in diameter and displays instantly ecognizable 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
o 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
quadron in 1994, remaining active while flying the famed U-2 spy plane.
CONDITION: 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
arly days of aerial reconnaissance to the iconic U-2 spy plane.
Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection.
stimate: 5,000 - 10,000
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LOT 1504
Pre-World War II U.S. Army Air Corps 35th Pursuit Squadron “Bill the Cat” Squadron Insignia on Aircraft Fabric - In 1932 the USAAC reconstituted the World War I era 35th Aero Squadron and redesignated it the 35th Pursuit Squadron, continuing today as one of the oldest active USAF fighter squadrons, the 35th Fighter Squadron, consisting of F-16 Fighting Falcons stationed at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Since 1932 the squadron insignia has been a leaping black panther that has earned the nickname “Bill the Cat.” The aircraft fabric insignia offered here dates to the 1930s, measures about 18 x 16 inches and is painted with the leaping “Bill the Cat.” Flying a variety of fighters such as the P-40 and P-38, the squadron saw combat in the Pacific and racked up a total of 124 aerial victories. Post-war years saw the squadron transitioning to the jet age with F-80s and F-86s and combat duty in Korea. In 1964, the 35th was one of the first USAF units to fight in Vietnam. Now stationed in Kunsan Air Base, the 35th stands combat ready to deter America’s Pacific theater adversaries.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining most of the paint with some crackling on the panther, which as a old protective overcoat of varnish, and pin holes along the outer edge. A great piece of aviation history from one of the USAF’s oldest active fighter squadrons.
Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection.
388 Estimate: 5,000 - 10,000