WW2 US Navy warbird nose art

Liberator · **Joined:** Mon Feb 28, 2011 3:11 am **Posts:** 837

Something to bring some joy - noseart from WW2

http://navypilotoverseas.files.wordpres ... =950&h=977

Phil

The Inspector · **Posted:** Sat Dec 24, 2011 7:35 pm

What is the, I guess, Bottle opener sticking out of the side window behind the co pilots cockpit clearview?
Once again, the B-24 proves, 'if it's weird or uncommon, you'll see one on a B-24 at some point'

And I'm far, far from close to being offended by the historic artwork. :lol:

Django · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2011 12:12 pm

Cool photo!

Chris Brame · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:17 pm

"Good news, Miss Phipps - no new cavities!" :lol:

carlisle1926 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:35 pm

Does anyone have any idea who the artist was in the picture?

the330thbg · **Joined:** Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:06 pm **Posts:** 2713

carlisle1926 wrote:

Does anyone have any idea who the artist was in the picture?

I think it is the guy in the photo! :shock:

just could not pass that one up! :wink:

seaknight15 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2011 4:27 pm

Looks like HAL OLSEN

John Kerr · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2011 4:59 pm

The aircraft being paited by Sgt. J.W. Wilson, is aPB4Y-1 32122 (ex 42-40950) on Entiwetok in June 1944. Here are some additional photos:

carlisle1926 · **Posted:** Tue Dec 27, 2011 7:02 pm

Thanks for the info on the artist.

fritzthefox · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2011 10:20 am

Credit should probably really be given to Gil Elvgren, the artist who originally painted the pin-up, "Sleepy Time Gal", which afterwards inspired nose art for countless WW2 aircraft.

I think the only other piece of art that has been copied as frequently is Frazetta's "Death Dealer", which adorns a whole bunch of modern aircraft noses and ladder doors (and a Molly Hatchet album cover, from which it derived its popularity).

StangStung · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2011 10:28 am

Thanks for posting these. The Navy nose art, as it was much less frequent, doesn't get enough credit in my book.

And as noted above, there are a series of credits due, starting at the original artists (Elvgren, Vargas, etc.), then the guys who actually painted them in the field. I think the original artists are pretty well known (especially in the art community). Just try and buy an original Vargas or Elvgren today and see what I mean!

But the guys who adapted (or flat out copied) this art in the field should be recognized as well. Nose art, as a form of popular (or "folk") art, has a significant place in our history. Thanks again for posting.

ACarey · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2011 1:43 pm

This particular PB4Y-1 was operated by VB-109. I would say that a majority of PB4Ys in the Pacific were adorned with some type of art.

Django · **Posted:** Wed Dec 28, 2011 2:55 pm

fritzthefox wrote:

Credit should probably really be given to Gil Elvgren, the artist who originally painted the pin-up, "Sleepy Time Gal", which afterwards inspired nose art for countless WW2 aircraft.

Sorry Fritz, but that is incorrect. The original artist was Alberto Vargas and this particular example appeared as a gatefold in the April '44 Esquire Magazine. The title was "Patriotic Gal", not Sleepy Time Gal, which was another popular pose, from the Sept '45 Esquire. I have both framed and hanging in my hallway with a few other Varga gatefolds.

Thanks John for the info and additional photos!

tom d. friedman · **Posted:** Thu Dec 29, 2011 12:31 am

the artist has an uncanny resemblance to actor tom hanks!!

Taigh Ramey · **Posted:** Thu Dec 29, 2011 12:43 am

The Inspector wrote:

What is the, I guess, Bottle opener sticking out of the side window behind the co pilots cockpit clearview?
Once again, the B-24 proves, 'if it's weird or uncommon, you'll see one on a B-24 at some point'

The bottle opener is a drift sight used by the navigator to determine wind drift by tracking objects on the ground. The angled portion sticking out of the window is a mirror. Here is a photo of the part on the inside mooched from http://www.b25.net

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WW2 US Navy warbird nose art

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