July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2022
Robert A. Blosser was born on February 10, 1921 and resided in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. According to documents, at the outbreak of WWII, Blosser filed for the draft and enlisted on September 27, 1943. Records regarding Blosser's service during WWII are spotty as there is a gap until he was discharged from the service at Randolph Field, Texas on December 16, 1945. He is mentioned to have served as a fighter pilot in WWII and a small P-38 sweetheart pin that was passed down with his possessions may hint that he was a P-38 pilot. Blosser reenlisted in the Air Force on May 2, 1952 in order to serve his country during the Korean War. It was during this conflict that Blosser also served as a fighter pilot behind the controls of the swept wing, transonic F-86 Sabre. The F-86 was a revolutionary fighter during its time, as it was the United States' first swept-wing fighter that could match its counterpart, the Soviet MiG-15 in dogfights in the war-torn skies over Korea. He was released from service on November 30, 1957. Blosser's obituary lists him as a career officer with the U.S. Air Force with 20 years of service. He passed away in Sumter, South Carolina on July 13, 2008. Blosser's grouping is small but includes his desirable medium azure B-15C flight jacket. The jacket, with its signature slant pockets and fur collar, retains its original spec tag. Although the tag is worn, the size marking "38" is still legible as is the manufacturer "Pritzker & Sons". The jacket exhibits scattered staining but remains supple with 1 small area of fur loss on the collar and sturdy waistband and cuffs. There is fraying to the bottom of the right cuff. The crown zipper functions properly and zips and unzips smoothly. There is 1 Major oak leaf on the left shoulder and ghosting of pins on the right shoulder. The group also includes Blosser's US Air Force Dress tan uniform tunic complete with all insignia and US Air Force Buttons. The fruit salad features his pinback pilot wings, with various campaign and service ribbons and a Silver Star with 3 oak leaf clusters and Purple Heart. There is also clutchback US insignia on the collar and clutchback Major oak leaves on each shoulder. His WWII period dog tags are secured to the left epaulette. The group also includes various smalls from Blosser's career including his hat badge, zippo lighter, cloth and metal wings, and his concealed weapons permit from his civilian life. Interestingly, his WWII-era sterling marked wings are engraved "Love Ann" on the reverse and was most likely a symbol of affection from his sweetheart, as he most likely wore the wings over his heart on his WWII uniform. This is a very nice grouping that deserves further research. CONDITION: Clothing articles are in very good condition with the flight jacket exhibiting stains as mentioned. Dress tunic is excellent. Various smalls range from fair-very good. JLD
Item Dimensions: 26" X 26"