LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 MAR Grand Format Air & Space Sale #6000  / 

58234

Fantastic WWII P-47 Thunderbolt Nose Art

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:24,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Fantastic WWII P-47 Thunderbolt Nose Art
<B>Fantastic WWII P-47 Thunderbolt Nose Art "Butchie".</B></I> History meets art on a section of aluminum panel removed from a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter-bomber flown by Lieutenant Maurice W. "Andy" Anderson. Anderson flew ground support combat missions with the 395th Fighter Squadron, 368th Fighter Group - the famed "Panzer Dusters". The section of panel measures 22.5" x 28.75" and features a portrait of Anderson's sweetheart Butchie. The unknown but unquestionably talented artist worked from a photograph provided by Lt. Anderson and produced a portrait expertly rendered in the style evocative of the period. The detail is exquisite with an almost photographic quality. Butchie's almond eyes, brown hair and smile fairly leap out at the viewer. Anderson's admiration for his sweetheart is further exemplified by the small red heart used as a dot above the "i" in her name. Nose art, a unique form of folk art, acted as a talisman for the young men flying dangerous missions in war torn skies. No doubt Lt. Anderson was comforted with Butchie by his side as his squadron flew from forward air fields in France and Belgium.<BR><BR>The portrait is crazed in some areas with a few small chips in the paint, most notably in the area of Butchie's cheek, else it is in fine condition. The reverse side of the panel retains the original aluminum support bracing and a modern wooden brace has been added to facilitate handing for display. Few examples of original WWII nose art survive either in museums or private hands, making Butchie a rare woman indeed.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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