Central African Airways pilot officer gilt winged badge c1946

A rare original circa 1946 early period 'Central African Airways officer's pilot's wing badge'; gilded brass example, converted from a 'Imperial Airways pilot's wing badge by the addition of a silver shield to the centre with embossed "CAA" and a tusk applied to the lion, thus making it a Rhodesian lion. Very good condition, retaining original two loop fittings, gilt remains bright.
Width 64mm.

These wings are attributed to the C.A.A. 'Central African Airways' which was formed in 1946 and based in Salisbury then Southern Rhodesia. The airline covered the area of the Southern African Federation. The wings closely conform to the pattern worn by Imperial Airways and was probably converted from exsiting stocks, with the application of the overlay central shield. Early photographs of Company pilots show a similar shape metal wing been worn. I believe these wings to be circa 1946. The airline ceased in 1967.