Description
A superb edition remembering the P-51 Mustang pilots of the USAAF
By the end of 1944 thousands of sleek, long- range, sparkling silver P-51 Mustangs of the U.S. Eighth Air Force were prowling ever deeper into Germany, seeking out the remnants of Goering’s once-fabled Luftwaffe. For the past year the P-51s had been at the sharp end of the fight but now they dominated the sky, achieving complete combat air superiority over the Reich. The Mustang had been transformed into one of the most potent weapons of the war.
But this outstanding machine could never have achieved such a status without legendary men to fly them – and the Mustang pilots of the ‘Mighty Eighth’ were among the best in the world. Men such as George E. Preddy, John C. Meyer, ‘Bud’ Anderson, ‘Kit’ Carson and Don Blakeslee; not forgetting Robin Olds and Chuck Yeager, the great Clyde East and many others.
Plus men like Colonel John D. Landers, CO of the 78th Fighter Group and main subject of artist Richard Taylor’s stunning contemporary work Eagles of the Eighth. The picture relives a moment during the spring of 1945 in which he and his men are about to start engines and head out from Duxford to strafe targets of opportunity in Germany. Colonel Landers notched up an impressive 14.5 victories – including a share in a Me262A which he achieved flying his P-51D Big Beautiful Doll, whose markings are well known to enthusiasts at air shows across the world.
Image size: 17 ¼” wide x 9” high
Overall print size: 22 ¼” wide x 15 ½” high
Sadly, however, time has taken its toll on these great men and many are no longer with us. We are therefore deeply honoured that over the years by up to four famous veterans who flew this amazing fighter in combat during WW2 have been able to join artist Richard Taylor in signing the prints of this memorable edition. In tribute to the great men who flew P-51s, the matted Veterans Edition and Remarques include the original and fully authenticated autographs of some of the finest pilots and Aces to fly Mustangs during the war.
The Limited Edition & Artist Proofs
Two famous P-51 Mustang pilots who flew with the USAAF over Europe during WWII have personally signed each print in these editions:
Colonel ARTHUR C. ‘ART’ FIEDLER
325th Fighter Group / 8 victories
Colonel JOSEPH A. PETERBURS
20th Fighter Group / 2 victories
The Collector’s Edition
Each print in this four signature edition has been additionally signed two highly-regarded Mustang pilots who achieved Ace status whilst flying P-51s during WWII:
Colonel CLARENCE E. ‘BUD’ ANDERSON
357th Fighter Group / 16 ¼ victories
Colonel STEVE N. PISANOS
4th Fighter Group / 10 victories
The Matted Veterans Edition
Adding considerable historical significance, each copy in this highly-restricted edition has been mounted to full conservation standards to include the original and authentic autographs of a further six famous P-51 Mustang pilots who flew during WWII, creating a stunning TEN signature edition:
Colonel ERNEST E. ‘ERNIE’ BANKEY
364th Fighter Group / 11 ½ victories
Brigadier General RUSSELL A. BERG
10th Photo Recon Group
Captain JAMES L. BROOKS
31st Fighter Group / 13 victories
Major JAMES A. GOODSON
4th & 31st Fighter Groups / 15 victories
Major RICHARD A. ‘BUD’ PETERSON
357th Fighter Group / 15 ½ victories
Major General DONALD J. STRAIT
356th Fighter Group / 13 ½ victories
The Matted Remarques
With all components of the Veterans Edition, Richard will hand-craft an original drawing in the lower margin of each print to create a unique collectors piece. If you have any particular requests, please ask when placing your order and we will do our best to accommodate.
The Matted Double Remarques
Specially created for the serious collector, each print is enhanced with a unique double-size pencil drawing, once again finished in Richard’s graphite and paint combination.
Approx. matted size: 23” wide x 19” high
THE LIMITED EDITION
Edition Size – 110
THE ARTIST PROOFS
Edition Size – 15
THE COLLECTORS EDITION
US $175.00 UK £125.00
Edition Size – 100
THE VETERANS EDITION
Edition Size – 30
THE REMARQUES
Edition Size – 10
