27th Aero insignia

SCMc · 4 October 2008, 12:30 PM

The insignia of the 27th Aero Squadron is a bald eagle with outstretched talons. Colored representations, show it having a gray body. Does anyone know that this was the case? I would expect it to to have a brown body, like the real bird.

Steve

Cliff · 7 October 2008, 09:51 PM

Based on this pic of a real one, I'd say white or greyish white.

Probably a bit faded as well.
Not sure where I found this image on the net.

Cliff

SCMc · 8 October 2008, 12:55 AM

Hi Cliff,

Thanks for posting this.

Steve

stephenl · 8 October 2008, 05:54 AM

There are photos of N. 28's the 27th recieved with the insignia minus the red circle or "sun" in the background as well. I can ot remember when this part of the insignia was added.

Steve

SCMc · 8 October 2008, 08:56 AM

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the input. This photo shows an N.28 with a sun, though it is not outlined like the sun in Cliff's photo. The body of the eagle is also darker than the head, while in Cliff's picture it seems to be reversed. I wonder if these were variations from plane to plane or changes over time.

Any further input would be appreciated.

Steve

Cliff · 8 October 2008, 06:06 PM

SCMc

Did some further checking of pics of the 27th.

'Over The Front' V.3#4 has an article related to the 27th AERO. One of the footnotes has comments by Sgt. Haggart who says he drew the original eagle design based on photos of Bald Eagles. Real bald eagles have brown bodies and somewhat greyer under-wings.
Actual pics of the insignia show for most - white head, darker (grey??) body and even darker under-wings - exact colours unknown unless you can find a surviving example.
There are a few variations:
- the pics I posted looks like brown head, grey body and black under-wings.
- pic of N.28 #8 in OTF V.3#4 has white head, dark body and lighter under-wings.

Cliff

SCMc · 8 October 2008, 07:24 PM

Cliff,

Thank you for looking into it further

Steve

flypaper · 2 December 2008, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCMc

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the input. This photo shows an N.28 with a sun, though it is not outlined like the sun in Cliff's photo. The body of the eagle is also darker than the head, while in Cliff's picture it seems to be reversed. I wonder if these were variations from plane to plane or changes over time.

Any further input would be appreciated.

Steve

You can't discount what film was used to take which picture. Each one "saw" colors as completely different shades and this showed in the prints.

Whats as interesting as the unit insignia is what looks to be a Masonic Temple emblem under the m.g.

flypaper · 2 December 2008, 08:08 PM

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