WASP ELLEN J. WOOD PATCH AND FLIGHT SUIT GROUPING

WASP ELLEN J. WOOD PATCH AND FLIGHT SUIT GROUPING
A terrific grouping of items from the estate of Ellen J. Wood, a member of the Women's Army Service Pilots (WASPs) The WASPs were federal civil service employees who became trained pilots tasked to test and ferry aircraft, train other pilots, and to free male pilots for combat roles. They flew over 60 million miles; transported every type of military aircraft; towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice; simulated strafing missions and transported cargo. Included in this excellent grouping is: Wood's WASP 'wings', two-pronged, unmarked; exceedingly rare embroidered unit shoulder patch, 3.5 in. diameter, removed from a uniform; painted WASP emblem on cloth, stamped by 'RKO Radio Pictures' and a costume and prop dealer on reverse, a possible prototype; a beige flying scarf, 24 x 30 in. with A.A.F. patch; Woods' green flight suit with zippered front, knee and chest pockets, named to her at the collar; wired plug-in headphones marked 'RECEIVER ANB-H-I'; and three original photographs of Wood, one showing her with the insignia of an Army Air Corps unit. An excellent grouping with excessively rare patches! The WASPs flew over 60 million miles; transported every type of military aircraft; towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice; simulated strafing missions and transported cargo.