A handsome and historically significant officer's cap badge issued by the Civil Aeronautics Authority — the federal agency that preceded the FAA as the primary regulator of American civil aviation from 1938 until its reorganization and eventual replacement by the Federal Aviation Agency in 1958. The badge presents the full Great Seal of the United States eagle in rich bronze-tone relief: wings fully spread, holding an olive branch in the left talon and a bundle of arrows in the right, with the striped shield at breast and the "E PLURIBUS UNUM" ribbon banner in the eagle's beak — all surmounted by the bold "C.A.A." letter device on a scroll bar above. The reverse retains its original screw-post and nut fitting, confirming this is a genuine uniform cap badge rather than a decorative reproduction. The CAA was established under the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938 and was responsible for regulating airline fares, routes, and safety during the formative years of American commercial aviation — the era of the DC-3, the first transcontinental air mail routes, and the explosive postwar growth of commercial flight. CAA uniform insignia is genuinely scarce; the agency existed for only twenty years, its successor absorbed its functions, and relatively few pieces survived outside institutional collections. A natural companion to the FAA material in this collection and a strong standalone piece for collectors of federal aviation history or American government insignia. Country: United States. Size: Approximately 2 inches wide × 2¼ inches tall. Material: Bronze-tone base metal. Agency: Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA), 1938–1958. Condition: Very good; crisp relief detail throughout, natural patina, screw-post fitting intact.
🛫 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
All items sell AS-IS with no warranties or guarantees expressed or implied.
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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.
IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION!
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ITEMS WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO THE ADDRESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PAYMENT AND USED AT REGISTRATION!
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