*British, WWII, RAF Air Ambulance Fund Donation Badge, Silson New York, Enamel & Gilt*
Scarce WWII RAF Air Ambulance Fund badge by Silson, New York — a rare fundraising pin from Britain’s wartime home front appeals.
A scarce Second World War Royal Air Force Air Ambulance Fund donation badge, manufactured in the United States by Silson of New York. Measuring 4 cm by 4 cm, the design features the RAF roundel in enamel, with gilt outstretched wings above, surmounted by a King’s Crown. The centre bears the RAF monogram in blue enamel within a laurel wreath. The reverse is clearly stamped “SILSON PATENTED”, with original pin fitting intact.
Historical Note:
The RAF Air Ambulance Fund was launched in 1941 under the patronage of the Duchess of Gloucester to provide specially adapted air ambulances for the Royal Air Force. Much like the more famous Spitfire Fund, the campaign relied on public donations across Britain and the Commonwealth, with contributors rewarded with enamel badges as tokens of support.
Silson, an American costume jewellery manufacturer, produced a series of patriotic badges during WWII for both U.S. and Allied causes. Their RAF Air Ambulance badges were distributed in Britain to recognise donations, symbolising the combined efforts of the British public and overseas supporters to save lives as well as fight the war.
*Condition*
The badge retains much of its original gilt finish and coloured enamel, though with patches of wear, losses, and some surface chips consistent with age and use. The reverse is stamped SILSON PATENTED and shows typical handling wear. The pin and clasp remain present, though the pin shows oxidation. Overall, a genuine and well-preserved example with honest patina. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
