WW1 French Air Force Patriotic Sweetheart Brooch Pin Badge / Unofficial French Allied Air Forces Breast Badge

A lovely and scarce large size heavy gold plated (unmarked) badge. The eagle has a lovely lustre and is quite three-dimensional. Made in two pieces and of hollow construction, with suspension hook to centre which slightly obscures the maker's mark contained in an oval the letters 'FIX' (Bijou Fix Company). Very good condition, with original c clasp and pin fittings. The suspension hook on this example was either for a pendant or most likely an attachment point for a small ladies watch chain. An excellent example. 5 grams in weight an circa 6.7cm wide.

Possibly the most recognisable of all unofficial WWI Pilot Wings and used on the front cover of the excellent book "French Aeronautical Branch Badges up to 1918" by Philippe Bartlett. This style of FIX pattern Pilot wing was worn on left breast by French aviators post 1916 and also some other allied pilots, and also as a cap badge prior to 1916. As evidence of its use, see the photo of an aviator wearing this FIX pattern eagle on his breast tunic (photo not included). It is of Kiffin Rockwell, a volunteer American pilot who served in WW1 the American La Fayette Escadrille (Squadron).

Prior to the advent of the official wreathed French Pilot Wings the Airmen of France had started purchasing the 'Bijou Fix' & 'Oria' brooches in Paris. They were worn on, or above the pocket of their Tunics. As there was no official uniform of the time, put very simply, this would then differentiate the Airmen from the Soldiers of the period.

Auguste Savard registered the trademark "FIX" after he took over his father's company in 1893, in order to protect the integrity of his work and identify his products as a high quality range of affordable jewelry.

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Sold to Vincent

Code: 61859