Museum Rarity WWII Univ. Of Vermont Army Air Forces Burnt Leather Seal Pennant

A Unique Piece of WWII Aviation History. This University of Vermont (UVM) pennant is a museum-grade rarity and a true'survivor' from the early 1940s. Unlike the standard green-and-gold athletic pennants of the era, this Burgundy & Cream variant was a specialized, limited-run commission by the Collegiate Manufacturing Company of Ames, Iowa.

It was produced specifically for the hundreds of aviation cadets stationed at UVM during the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) and the War Training Service (WTS) between 1939 and 1944. Featuring a premium stamped-leather monoplane with a detailed propeller (representing the Piper J-3 Cub trainers flown at Burlington Municipal Airport), this'Action' variant was the highest tier of production offered by CMC. To our knowledge, this is the only documented specimen of its kind in this colorway and near-mint condition, making it a cornerstone acquisition for UVM alumni, WWII Homefront collectors, and aviation. "Burnt Leather Seal" Construction: The central graphic features a detailed pilot and trainer aircraft etched into a genuine leather appliqué.

Excellent Vintage Condition (New Old Stock). This 1940s pennant appears to be'deadstock'-i The wool is vibrant, the leather is supple, and the four original cream ties are crisp and unfrayed.

A true museum quality surviver. Expert Construction: The leather airplane is Blind-Stitched to the burgundy felt.

This high-end tailoring technique ensures the applique is permanently secured without visible thread or bobbin marks on the reverse side, maintaining a clean, museum-quality aesthetic. This was the "top-of-the-line" premium offering from the era, as leather was a rationed strategic material during the war.

Hand-Sewn Appliqué Lettering: Unlike common screen-printed souvenirs, the "Army Air Forces" and "University of Vermont" text consists of individually cut and hand-sewn felt letters, a hallmark of master craftsmanship. Documented Provenance: Features the original Collegiate Manufacturing Co. (Ames, Iowa) leather maker's tag on the reverse. CMC was a prestigious military contractor and the premier American collegiate outfitter of the mid-20th century.

Historical Rarity: Represents a specific, short-lived wartime program where UVM served as a vital training hub for aviation cadets. Condition: Excellent vintage condition with original tassels intact.

Displays 2 honest mounting holes at the hoist edge, at the bottom of the tassels on each end perfectly placed where it was originally displayed. There is a clean, stable break in the burgundy wool that does not interfere with the graphics and is easily concealed if framed. All four cream ties remain firmly attached at this same location. Rarity Tier: Rare / Elite (due to the combination of hand-sewn work, leather seal, wool background and specific institutional history).

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