A stunning and exceptionally rare complete three-tier set of Cubana de Aviación pilot rating wings — PRIMERA (First Class/Captain), SEGUNDA (Second Class/First Officer), and TERCERA (Third Class/Second Officer) — offered together as a single lot representing the full pilot qualification hierarchy of Cuba's national flag carrier. Each badge features a central device with a vivid red enamel star, spread gold-tone feathered wings, and the rating designation on a white scroll banner below. The Primera badge carries the additional distinction of a wreathed star device above the central medallion, marking the highest qualification grade; the Segunda is struck in silver-tone with a plain star above; and the Tercera is gold-tone without a star device. All three retain their original straight bar pin-and-clasp fasteners on the reverse, and the bright high-gloss finish and construction style suggest production from the 1970s–1980s era of Cubana operations.
Complete three-grade rating sets from Cubana de Aviación are extraordinarily difficult to assemble and almost never appear on the Western collector market. Cubana was founded in 1929 and is one of the oldest airlines in Latin America, operating throughout the Cold War era with a fleet that included Soviet-built Ilyushin and Tupolev jets. To have Primera, Segunda, and Tercera together in a single lot is a genuine collector's prize. Approximate width: approximately 2½ inches each. Material: Gold-tone and silver-tone base metal with red and white enamel. Country of Origin: Cuba. All three show minimal wear with strong finish and enamel remaining.
🛫 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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IMPORTANT PICK UP & SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:
Pick up date for this auction is July 9, 2026 from 10AM-4PM
Lots may only be picked up at our office on scheduled date as shown above unless other arrangements are made prior to that date. We will combine shipping for multiple auctions ending within 10 days of the other.
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