A308
Single 30mm diameter disc marked "S.A. HALEY / A.B.H. / 53. / A.N.C. / U.S.A." Sarah Augusta Haley from
Rockford, Illinois, is confirmed on the roster of the ABH 53 while stationed in the United States. Reverse has minor
glue residue. II
$55
WWI Army Base Hospital 53 ID Tag: Army Nurse
A309
Pair, 35mm diameter discs marked "LEO. HUBICK / USA" over crossed out serial number. Reverse stamped with
"
SEND A PRIEST" over service number. Pair tied together with old cord, II
$65
WWI ID Tags: SEND A PRIEST
A310
Old collector's lot of bars salvaged from damaged ribbons, total of nine. Includes: OVERSEAS (two), TRANSPORT,
ARMED GUARD (three), ESCORT, MOBILE BASE, and DESTROYER. II
$150
WWI Navy Victory Medal Bar Collector's Lot
A311
Bronze bar embossed with title "PISTOL EXPERT" has suspended wreath and crossed automatic pistols, as used by
National Guard troops. Initials "H.H.S." scratched on back. Pinback, II
$50
WWI Pistol Expert Qualification Badge: National Guard
A312
Bronze planchet has "U.S. ARMY AMBULANCE SERVICE ASSOCIATION" surrounding Caduceus and "A" over
wheel. Unengraved. Original correct ribbon is present but tattered. II-
$50
WWI US Army Ambulance Service Medal
A313
WWI US Victory Medal has ribbon in fair condition with normal wear in the corners, mounted by Somme Offensive,
Ypres-Lys, and Defensive Sector campaign bars. This combination is possible only for units of the 27th and 30th
Divisions and the 412th Telegraph Battalion. Has nice mellow overall patina. II-
$95
WWI Victory Medal: 27th Division, 30th Division, 412th Telegraph Bn.
A314
WWI US Victory Medal has ribbon in fair condition with normal wear in the corners, mounted by Somme Offensive
and Ypres-Lys bars. This combination is possible only for units of the 27th and 30th Divisions and the 412th
Telegraph Battalion--each of which was also entitled to the Defensive Sector bar. II
$80
WWI Victory Medal: 27th Division, 30th Division, 412th Telegraph Bn.
A315
Victory Medal has England campaign bar. Ribbon has moderately heavy wear. Scarce, as only a little more than 30,000
soldiers were authorized this bar. II
$115
WWI Victory Medal With England Service Bar
A316
US WWI Victory Medal has ribbon on wrap brooch with St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, and Defensive Sector campaign
bars that are appropriate for a number of US units. Ribbon is frayed, II-
$65
WWI Victory Medal With Three Campaign Bars
A317
US WWI Victory Medal has ribbon on wrap brooch with St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, and Defensive Sector campaign
bars that are appropriate for a number of US units. Ribbon bar with three stars pinned below bars. II
$75
WWI Victory Medal With Three Campaign Bars
A318
US WWI Victory Medal has original ribbon showing normal light wear, has Siberia campaign bar. Light oxidized
patina, heaviest on the bar. Scarce, II
$165
WWI Victory Medal with SIBERIA Campaign Bar
A319
Two remarkable WWI aviation artifacts that compliment one another perfectly in display. Though these items
originated from two different sources, they are being sold together because of the unique and historic display
opportunity that they represent as a set. First is one of the iconic artifacts sought by all collectors of the Great War,
and Aviation collectors in particular: a panel of WWI aircraft fabric displaying squadron insignia. In this case, the unit
is the 49th Aero Squadron. This 48cm (~19") diameter disc is has a 4cm-wide black border enclosing a yellow
background, which features a salivating black wolf hound insignia. There is some wear along the edges with minor
material loss, but the fabric overall remains in excellent condition with better than 95% of the paint remaining. If you
look closely (more easily seen in the photographs than in person), you will see several instances of very faint adhesive
residue in rectangular patches leading off the edges. This was from an old display done by the AEF aircraft mechanic
who brought the fabric home as a souvenir. We acquired the fabric directly from his heirs. The second artifact is a
private purchase French beret with bullion embroidered Chasseur hunting horn insignia. Photographs indicate such
articles of headgear, both issue and private purchase, were quite popular among the men of the American Field Service.
The name of the volunteer who acquired this one "David H. Backus" is inscribed on the thin brown leather band around
the bottom edge. Interior has faded blue silk lining. The beret shows light wear, but no readily apparent mothing.
David Backus volunteered for the AFS as an ambulance driver, and spent three months serving in the vicinity of
Chemin des Dames ridge, earning the Fourragere of the Medalle Militaire. With the AEF, he became an aviator at
Tours in November 1917. Serving with the 49th Aero Squadron, he was credited with four victories, earning the
Distinguished Service Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster and French Croix de Guerre with Palm. On September 26, 1918,
Lieutenant Backus "was one of a patrol of five monoplanes that were attacked by nine enemy planes (Fokker type) in
a superior position. The American patrol leader, seeing the futility of giving combat, turned toward our lines with the
enemy in close pursuit. One of our patrol, however, fell behind, and the enemy planes dove upon him. Lt. Backus,
although beyond danger, seeing the predicament of his comrade, turned, and alone attacked the enemy, destroying one
and dispersing the others." His second DSC citation is for action on October 23, 1918: "A patrol of American
monoplanes attacked an enemy formation of superior number. Flying rear position, Lieutenant Backus maneuvered
above the attack to prevent other enemy planes from assisting their companions. In the midst of the combat, he saw
three planes escaping from battle. He immediately gave chase and attacked and shot down all three of the enemy." It
is certainly possible that this wolf's head panel could have been removed from the side of one of the 49th Spad aircraft
which Lt. Backus flew in combat. Lt. Backus' beret is from the collection of the late Steve St. Martin. He informs us
that he acquired it from the collection of Steve St. Martin, who obtained it directly from Mr. Backus himself during a
visit at his home. At that time he also copied a number of Lt. Backus' photographs, duplicates of which are also
included in a research binder with the beret. One of the copied Backus photographs actually shows him wearing this
beret. A historically significant lot which will display beautifully. II
$10750
WWI 49th Aero Squadron Aircraft Panel & French Beret of 49th Aero DSC Recipient
