BEA Airline pilots wing gold bullion uniform badge

A scarce original early period example of a 'British European Airways BEA pilot's wing badge', gold bullion wire embroidery padded wings, the centre bearing the 'BEA' emblem within a golden laurel wreath surmounted by a 'Astral Crown' all on felt cloth backing, the reverse with black hessian paper lining. Very good condition, bullion remains bright.Width approx 80mm.'British European Airways' was formed in 1946, BEA and BOAC merged in 1974 to become British Airways.