A compelling matched pair of pilot rating wings from Cubana de Aviación — Cuba's national flag carrier, founded in 1929 and one of the oldest and most storied airlines in Latin America. Both badges feature a central blue enamel globe bearing the silhouette of Cuba in dark relief — Cubana's distinctive logo — flanked by a pair of fully spread gold-tone feathered wings, and both retain their original straight bar pin-and-clasp fasteners on the reverse. The two badges represent distinct pilot rating grades: the upper badge bears "SEGUNDA" on a white scroll banner below the globe with a plain gold star above, designating a Second Class or co-pilot qualification; the lower badge carries a more elaborate wreathed gold star device above the globe with no scroll text, consistent with a senior or First Class pilot rating.
Cubana de Aviación was founded in October 1929 and became one of the earliest airlines to emerge in Latin America, originally a subsidiary of Pan American World Airways before becoming privately owned by Cuban investors, and has been wholly owned by the Cuban government since May 1959. In its pre-revolutionary golden era Cubana was a true pioneer — the first Latin American airline to operate the Lockheed Constellation, the first to fly regular scheduled service to Europe, and one of the first carriers in the world to order the Boeing 707. Original Cubana crew wings from the pre- or early post-revolutionary period are genuinely scarce outside of Cuba and pair perfectly with the other Cuban aviation pieces available in this collection. Approximate width: approximately 2¾ inches each. Material: Gold-tone base metal with blue enamel. Country of Origin: Cuba. Both show light age-appropriate wear.
🛫 WINGS OF HISTORY! A Historic Aviation Collectible & Memorabilia Online Extravaganza!
Part One of the Frank Cuadrado Lifetime Collection — Online Only Auction
Bidding Ends: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 @ 7:00 PM EDT | www.BidYall.com
WELCOME ABOARD! You've found the catalog for one of the most extensive and historically significant aviation memorabilia collections ever offered at auction — the MUSEUM QUALITY lifetime collection of Frank Cuadrado, retired Federal Aviation Administration employee. Browse the lots below, but first, here's your flight plan:
★ THE COLD WAR CUBAN COLLECTION — The Crown Jewels History you can hold in your hand. Leading the way: General Eulalio Cantillo's personal FAR pilot wings — a direct, personal link to one of the pivotal military figures of revolutionary-era Cuba. Alongside them: Cuban Brigade 2506 wings and patches from the Bay of Pigs invasion force, Fuerza Aérea Revolucionaria (FAR) pilot wings in multiple rank variants, and gorgeous pre-revolutionary Cubana de Aviación insignia, including a bullion wing patch that has to be seen to be believed. Material with this provenance simply does not surface at auction.
★ FEDERAL AVIATION HERITAGE — A Salute to the Collector's Own Career A scarce Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) eagle badge from the pre-FAA era (ca. 1938–1958), a Connecticut Department of Aviation Inspector badge, and a City of Jackson, MS Airport Police badge. Early aviation law-enforcement and regulatory insignia is among the toughest categories to collect — and here it is.
★ DEFUNCT U.S. AIRLINES — The Carriers That Built American Aviation Eastern Air Lines (multiple pieces, including the wonderful "Future Flight Captain" child's cap), Hughes Air West chrome pilot wings, a National Airlines cap badge & wings set, plus TWA, Mohawk, Colonial, Continental and MORE. These legendary names no longer grace our skies — their insignia lives on right here.
★ UNIFORMS & WEARABLES — The Golden Age, Head to Toe Highlighted by a complete vintage airline stewardess uniform — jacket, cap, and period-correct wings badge — straight from the era when flying was an EVENT, plus crew insignia spanning multiple carriers.
Serious aviation historians, militaria collectors, Cold War buffs, airline employees past and present — this is your boarding call. Every lot tells a story, and when this collection is gone, it's GONE. And remember: this is only PART ONE — stay tuned for the next departure!
🔨 Bidding Ends: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 @ 7:00 PM EDT 📍 Online Only | Spartanburg, SC | Bid from Anywhere at www.BidYall.com 📞 (864) 497-0330
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