Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) White Metal Half Brevet Wing Navigator - Maker marked KNW

Made by Mayer & Kane of Wellington.

A very hard to find WWII / Cold War Navigators Half Brevet of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Of all the Commonwealth Pilots in WWII and thereafter, only the RNZAF wore metal wings or brevets of this type.

Made exclusively in Wellington by the jewellers Mayer and Kane ltd they were only ever issued to aircrew in the Pacific theatre. M&K made white metal pilots wings and as well as 1/2 Brevets of this type and for Air Gunners and other specialist aircrew.

Stamped on the back with "M.K /W". The half brevet is silver washed bronze and is circa 45mm wide and 29mm high. It is not the tightest of fits, the pin and fittings look a bit crude, but appear to be original. Some minor wear to finish on bottom of wing edge which shows the bronze beneath.

Worn by Pilots of No 23 (Fighter ) Squadron in 1945 and in the Occupation of Japan by No 14 Squadron RNZAF.

G39

Code: 61930