US Navy Flight Wing In Metal Finish

In 1940, US Army Air Corps (USAAC) and early USAAF flight wings were predominantly made of metal, with "Sterling Silver" being the standard for official issue, characterized by a shiny to polished silver finish. These pins were often 3 inches in length for uniforms, featuring a pin-back or clutch-back, and were sometimes marked "Sterling" or by manufacturers like A.E. Co or Gemsco. 

Key details regarding 1940-era flight wings:

• Material: Sterling Silver was the most common for official, high-quality badges.

• Finish/Color: Primarily polished silver, though they would patina over time.

• Other Finishes: Silver-plated brass or base metals were used, sometimes showing a copper base layer as the plating wore off.

• Alternative Finishes: Some private purchase or specific unit wings were made of gold-filled or brass.

• Other Types: "Sweetheart" jewelry versions were common, often in sterling silver, and sometimes featuring enamel or plastic elements.

• Manufacturer Marks: Common manufacturers in this era included Gemsco, A.E. Co (Utica, NY), Amico, and Amcraft. 

During this transitional period (1939-1941), while the US moved from Air Corps to Army Air Forces, the wings often retained the earlier, more detailed "interwar" styling before simplified designs were introduced later in WWII.