This unique WWI US collection includes aircraft and balloon parts, along with other insignia and personal items originally displayed at Manzanola High School in Colorado. The collection contains several rare aircraft components including two wallets crafted entirely from balloon fabric, a lens from an aerial camera, and a spark plug from a Spad aircraft. Additional items feature two District of Paris patches, a copper driving band from a 75mm shell repurposed as a bracelet, US Officer's visor insignia, a souvenir matchbox engraved for James Ray Wilcoxon of Co G, 61st Inf Reg, 5th Div (notably, he mistakenly engraved his unit as "16st"), a trench lighter, a mass-produced postcard depicting a fallen French soldier, and a belt buckle of unidentified origin.
The aerial camera lens likely belongs to an American Type A-3 handheld camera, given its square shape. The lens bears some nicks and two scratches. Attached is an old display tag labeled "2 Airplane Lenses." The collection also features a spark plug from a French Spad fighter aircraft, dated August 1917. The two wallets, crafted entirely from balloon fabric, are in good shape. One has a label that partially reads, “1 Pocket-Book of … Balloon Mate.” Both wallets, measuring 5.25”x3.5” when closed, extend to approximately 12” when fully open.
All items are considered in good condition with the matchbox cover being slightly flattened, one District of Paris having some loss to the velvet and faded, and the previous noted flaws to the aerial camera lens.
Condition: II
*Transport log for Wilcoxon is a digital copy and a physical copy is not included in the sale.