Rare US Army Air Service WWI Eddie Rickenbacker Commemorative Medal Balfour ?
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:8179255 | Modified Item: No |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
You're bidding on an interesting commemorative medal - sort of a shield shape, it depicts what appears to be Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, the Medal of Honor winning flying ace of WWI, in profile in uniform. Above his head is "U.S.", flanked by a pair American flags, and below is a representation of the US Army Air Service insignia - a propeller over a pair of wings. Dimensions are about 1 1/2" X 1 5/8", appears to be pewter construction. I'm selling it the way I obtained it, with detach...ed, deteriorating military type ribbon remnants that include a "Balfour" marked pinback. I'm assuming this is the original ribbon, but note that I have no provenance for this item. No manufacturer marks anywhere on the medal itself.
I have not been able to find another example of this medal in research - I'm pretty sure it's not an official military decoration - I'm guessing it was probably manufactured for a commemoration of Rickenbacker, or maybe an Air Service commemoration or reunion, or for a Veteran's group or something of the like. Definitely a rare and unique addition to any collection of WWI or aviation artifacts.
Please review photos carefully to make your own determination of overall condition and appeal, and don't hesitate to ask any questions prior to bidding - thanks for looking!
I have not been able to find another example of this medal in research - I'm pretty sure it's not an official military decoration - I'm guessing it was probably manufactured for a commemoration of Rickenbacker, or maybe an Air Service commemoration or reunion, or for a Veteran's group or something of the like. Definitely a rare and unique addition to any collection of WWI or aviation artifacts.
Please review photos carefully to make your own determination of overall condition and appeal, and don't hesitate to ask any questions prior to bidding - thanks for looking!
