NIFA Memorabilia in the Smithsonian

The National Intercollegiate Flying Association dates back to 1920. In all those years of intercollegiate flying competition, many awards have been presented, usually in the form of traditional trophies.

The organization has occasionally gotten creative in that respect, however. Back when it was known as the National Intercollegiate Flying Club, these wings were handed out:

It's unclear what specific purpose these wings served...whether they were a specific award, whether they were handed out to judges, or whether everyone received a set.

Whatever their purpose, these particular wings are now part of the Smithsonian's collection.