Anybody dealt with a company called US Wings?

Never dealt with them and from your report I wont.
What patch did they have that you cant get elsewhere?

It's a US 383d Fighter Squadron patch, they have a great range and I haven't found another source for them, particularly not in the UK. It's a shame because they have some great stuff, an extensive range of USAAF patches, I am currently in the process of further negotiating regarding the postage. Sigh!

Can anybody suggest a reason why something that at the most should cost less than a tenner would cost $49?

It's from Eastman so not cheap but good quality...
http://www.eastmanleather.com/product_i ... cts_id=103

Can anybody suggest a reason why something that at the most should cost less than a tenner would cost $49?

Well, my only guess is that they send it with insurance and tracking stuff.

And wrap it in $20 bills?
How much can insurance be on a £6 badge?

I will persevere with the emailing for a couple of days and if they are still suggesting that, that is a reasonable price for postage I'll go with the Eastman one although it doesn't stop me being fookin pissed off about it.

And wrap it in $20 bills?
How much can insurance be on a £6 badge?

And they send it with a courier like EMS or DHL. Not with just the post.

I see it more and more on ebay: that they only will use couriers instead of the regular post due to non-tracking and thus the receiver claiming they didn't receive the goods (but did) and get a refund through paypall as the sender is not able to proof it's shipped & that it really has arrived.

And yes, 49$ shipping for a 6$ patch is ofcourse ridiculous

I'd personally say don't bother, try and find a different supplier, that price is plain ridiculous and in my honest opinion, only the mentally deficient or the very desperate would pay that much for postage, save your money sir and spend it on something nice.

EDIT: I just quickly checked Soldier Of Fortune and found some badges, the closest to 383rd fighter is 382nd Bomber Squadron, I'll keep a look out for you, I usually find something when I look for it.

Thanks mate.

My first port of call was SOF but (and this is the sad bit) none of the patches of fighter squadrons served in the ETO. They were all either Pacific, AVG/Flying Tigers or flew the Med. Just not what I want...

I'm sure I'll sort something out one way or the other...

I have emailed them to ask them to itemise the postage costs, if they manage to make it up to that much I will eat my hat!

I just got, today, a letter from America. It had some decals, 2 sheets US legal paper and 2 sheets of card[to protect the decal]. That cant be far from the weight of one badge?
That was posted USPS First Class Mail International Package, it has a locator number. The price on the envelope is $3.
$46 dollars to make up....

Do you know how much the UPS from the States was? Just so that I have that information if they email me and tell me that's how much their shipping provider charges.

I've bought the Eastman one. Can't be bothered with the arsing around. Feckin rip off merchants.

In conclusion - AVOID US WINGS - What a rip off!

At least you know it will be good quality.

At least you know it will be good quality.

Or they've have taken his money and scampered off to their hidey holes to scheme, it better be good quality for the money he's paid.

I believe that Eastman products are good quality. Although I suppose there is a chance potentially that they get their stock from this company US Wings. They certainly have some stock which is identical.

They certainly have some stock which is identical.

Do they? What kind of stuff? A2 jackets? Lots of people sell them but few are to the quality Eastman achieve.
Eastman have always had the highest standards of reproductions which, at least to me, look way ahead of anything I saw on USWings.
They have also been in business longer than many members here have been alive, I dont think they need so hide and scheme.

Absolutely. I have heard of Eastman. I never doubted the quality.

At least you know it will be good quality.

Or they've have taken his money and scampered off to their hidey holes to scheme, it better be good quality for the money he's paid.

I was talking about Eastman, they are thoroughly reputable, I own 2 of their jackets and several other bits and bobs from them.

I believe that Eastman products are good quality. Although I suppose there is a chance potentially that they get their stock from this company US Wings. They certainly have some stock which is identical.

Which items are identical? (serious question, I had a quick look and didn't see) Eastman Leather Clothing certainly make make their own leather jackets, they are excellent reproductions and the owner, Gary Eastman, is a real enthusiast and perfectionist.