RARE SPECIAL FORCES Prototype BASIC Parachutist Airborne Parachute Jump Wings
Item History & Price
This is a Scarce original Special Forces prototype Basic parachutist badge. In 1983 there was considerable interest in finally getting a permanent badge approved for U.S. Army Special Forces. Up until that time, the Green Beret was the only symbol of excellence for the members of this distinguished elite military unit. If a Special Forces soldier was transferred to a line unit, he could no longer wear the green beret. Special Forces as permanent branch of the Army did not yet exist... and was finally approved in June 1986. In 1983, there was no permanent award or skill badge that signified a soldier was Special Forces qualified. The parachute badge - wing you are looking at was recommended to the review board, and even though it was the clear favorite, it was not selected. The Special Forces tab was chosen instead. ( The General Officer who made the selection wanted the Special Forces tab we have today. Now you know the rest of the story.) . The prototype Special Forces parachutist wings award was very popular and much in demand and several were made for friends and collectors. Less than 125 ORIGINAL SF WINGS were ever made and not many are left. I should note here, that a few basic and senior SF parachutist wings were also made. I still have just a few of the basic SF wings, but no more of the senior SF wings. There are just a handful of the master SF wings remaining. When these are gone, there will be no more of the original stock. Already there are some unauthorized reproductions, fantasy badges or copies being produced using this design. So Collectors Beware! If you want one of the originals, here is your last chance. See Photos. A nice addition to any elite unit insignia collection.
See my other auctions for more elite unit memorabilia. Winning Bidder pays $5.00 postage and handling. Insurance, if desired, is extra. Email me if you have any questions. Payment in U.S. Dollars by PayPal (PREFERRED for immediate shipment). Your item will be shipped same day as receipt of payment.
AIRBORNE! DE OPPRESSO LIBER!
With the recent huge increase in U.S. postal rates and requirement for delivery confirmation tracking, we have had to increase the shipping costs for both domestic and overseas mailings.
Additionally the cost of International mail has more than doubled so we may soon have to cease mailing items outside the U.S.
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