Through Adversity to the Stars

At just 3cm by 4cm, this week’s find manages to fit quite a lot of history into a small space.

Today we have a really quite unusual pendant bearing the badge of the Royal Flying Corps. Hand-engraved silver detail stands out against a dark shell background, with the RFC initials beneath a crown and the Latin motto on a scroll below: “Per Ardua ad Astra”, or “Through Adversity to the Stars”.

We would date this piece to 1912–1918, the short period in which the Royal Flying Corps existed. Formed on 13 April 1912, it merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 1 April 1918 to become the Royal Air Force.

Look closely at the photograph and you can appreciate the work involved. The lettering, the leaves around the initials and the tiny details of the crown all sit within a pendant small enough to hold between finger and thumb.

We don’t know who originally wore it, or whether it was a gift. That part of its story remains a mystery. But someone took considerable care over this little piece, and it still rewards a closer look.

Our thanks, as always, to Michael of Anything Military for sharing another interesting find from the world of collecting.