WW2 Mess Dress Wings?

[Nick Carraway]

Gents,

Sorry if this has been shown. Never saw anything like this. Are these period WW2 Mess Dress or something else?

Thanks!
Nick

[skypilot]

They are a pair of what appear to be high quality "Sweetheart" brooch RAF pilot wings (brevet, to be pedantic). Many styles exist of varying quality, design and materials used. Value varies accordingly from a few £££ to hundreds of £££ for the very "bling" examples. As the name suggests, they were sold to loved ones to wear as a token of support. Is it hallmarked? Given that it is RAF and bears a Tudor crown dates it between mid-1918 and 1952 although a hallmark may provide a more accurate date.

"Mess Dress" wings were made from cloth and embroidered with bullion wire. Size was similar to those shown though. The wearing of Mess Dress was discontinued during WW2 as part of the austerity measures and lack of need. It was some years after WW2 before it was reintroduced - there was a hybrid short-lived uniform that was tried for a couple of years but it proved to be pretty unpopular and impractical so Mess Dress was thus reintroduced and remains in use today.