A rare and historically fascinating Captain's dress cap from Cubana de Aviación — Cuba's state airline — representing the post-revolutionary identity adopted after the Castro government nationalized the carrier following the 1959 revolution. The front badge is a large embroidered insignia on dark felt: bold gold bullion swept wings flanking a teal blue circular disc bearing a white jet aircraft silhouette, surmounted by a white five-pointed star within a gold bullion wreath — with "CUBANA" embroidered in red below, reflecting the simplified Cuban national identity of the socialist era. The cap band carries a heavy twisted gold bullion rope cord, and the black patent leather visor is decorated with gold bullion oak leaf embroidery — the double-oak-leaf visor treatment confirming Captain grade. The side buttons bear a four-pointed geometric star device. The blue interior lining retains a deteriorated diamond-shaped maker's label no longer fully legible. This cap represents the second and contrasting Cubana chapter in this collection, paired with the earlier pre-revolutionary Bancroft-made example — together documenting Cubana's remarkable transformation from Pan American affiliate to socialist state carrier across the divide of 1959. Condition reflects substantial honest wear from active service. Country: Cuba. Material: Navy blue wool crown, patent leather visor with gold bullion oak leaf embroidery, gold bullion rope cord, embroidered felt front badge, geometric side buttons. Airline: Cubana de Aviación, post-revolutionary era, circa 1960s–1980s. Condition: Good; badge intact with some wear, visor embroidery present, interior lining deteriorated, consistent with age and heavy use.
🛫 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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