New Aviaton Art - A Higher Call, the return of "Ye Olde Pub"

[lmritger]

I had the pleasure to meet both of them at an event in Florida back in 1999, and it was truly an honor to hear them speak of their shared experience, and see the genuine appreciation they had for each other. I sat with Herr Stigler for a while in 2001 at the IPMS-USA Nationals in Chicago and we spoke about his experiences later in the war; he was not only one helluva good pilot, he was also one helluva a good man.

This is an absolutely gorgeous rendition, and while I'm not usually into collecting aviation art, I may make an exception for this print. Thanks for the link!

Lynn

[Django]

That is stunning.

[fritzthefox]

That's a beauty!

[Warbird Kid]

That is awesome! BEAUTIFUL.

[kzollitsch]

I ordered a copy as soon as it was released. Really looking forward to getting it and the accompanying 10-page booklet on the actual event and pilots.

[tom d. friedman]

gorgeous!!! you can almost hear the hum of the engines!!!

[michaelharadon]

The face of the wounded crew member in the waist is really haunting.

[Jack Cook]

From TOCH forum
This incident has come up before. The Luftwaffe pilot was Oberleutnant Franz Stigler of JG 27, a family friend since he flew with my uncle in Africa in 1942. I have had dinner with Franz and Charlie Brown in the past, and there is some controversy in certain circles as to the veracity of this whole story. Keep in mind that Stigler was a member of the schwarm which included Erwin Sawallisch and which was accused of faking claims in Africa. I believe this led to the unexplained death of Sawallisch. Also, considering that shooting down viermots at this stage of the war was considered a duty and honor in light of the death toll of German civilians, it doesn't seem likely that a Jagdwaffe pilot would willingly let his victim go, especially since consequences for doing so could be negative. I'm not saying that chivalrous acts did not occur, but the participants in this alleged incident have gotten alot of "mileage" out of it.

[Mgawa]

I like this painting- excellent done!!

[warbird1]

So, how many WIX'ers out there are aviation art collectors? Out of curiosity, what are some of your most prized prints?

I have many, many aviation art prints that I've been collecting for over 30 years. My most valuable ones are some of the Robert Taylor limited edition ones that came out in the 80's and early 90's. One I'm particularly fond of is a print of the "Memphis Belle" that is signed by all of her crew members, crew chief and Margaret Polk.

[Jack Cook]

I have four that are special.
#1 Bill Phillipps "A Time for Eagles" I made the Spitfire model of Oscar Coen's MkVb XR-Z and
he used for reference and rec'v a AP print from him and Oscar.

#2 Bill's "Top Cover For The Straggler" of Jack Ilfrey's P-38J. He took my suggestion and all
my photos of Jack and his Lightning and used them has his refrences. Have a AP of that one too.
I was told that print was the basis for FC P-38J in those markings

#3 Jerry Crandall's "Big Hog" was a birthday gift from Tom Blackburn also with some amazing VF-17
memorabilia.

#4 A original of my step-dad's VA-75 KA-6D Intruder by a local artist friend.

[67N20]

1. By Keith Ferris: In Commemoration-The Golden Anniversary of the B17 "Flying Fortress" July 1935-July 1985

2. By Nichols Trudgian: American Air Forces in Europe Fiftieth Anniversary 1942-1992

Four other black and white prints of B17s

[gary]

I began collecting in the mid 80's and I have to admit my "hobby" has gotten totally out of hand. I have some 150 prints and have taken great pleasure in meeting Aces and getting dozens of extra signatures on the art. Some is framed with actual pieces of the featured aircraft. I have many favorites but one is special in that I sent it to Gabby Gabreski and he wrote about 2 paragraphs about why the "Jug" was so effective for him and the 56th FG.
I would have to say that collecting art is like collecting baseball cards with one big difference, these veterans are approachable and humble and are true "Heroes", baseball players are closer to "prima donnas" and do not hold a candle to these great men.
IMHO
Gary

[warbird1]

I began collecting in the mid 80's and I have to admit my "hobby" has gotten totally out of hand. I have some 150 prints and have taken great pleasure in meeting Aces and getting dozens of extra signatures on the art. Some is framed with actual pieces of the featured aircraft. I have many favorites but one is special in that I sent it to Gabby Gabreski and he wrote about 2 paragraphs about why the "Jug" was so effective for him and the 56th FG.
I would have to say that collecting art is like collecting baseball cards with one big difference, these veterans are approachable and humble and are true "Heroes", baseball players are closer to "prima donnas" and do not hold a candle to these great men.
IMHO
Gary

I would love to hear what Gabby wrote. Can you either repeat it here, or scan/post a photo of the note?

[tom d. friedman]

i am when the price is right. i like 40's to 60's era stuff.