Description
It had begun; the end game was inexorably in play. The final defeat of Germany and the end of Nazi tyranny was almost within sight but in the skies over Germany the defiant remnants of the Luftwaffe fought on with savage determination. Ever since the long-range American P-51 escort fighters had first appeared, the skies over the Reich had witnessed grim encounters with the Mustangs taking on the Luftwaffe as they tried to stop the heavy bombers of the USAAF reaching their targets. By early 1945 it was a losing battle, but still the Luftwaffe fought on and, in the resulting maelstrom of combat, the Mustang pilots still had their work cut out against these battle hardened, expert pilots
Robert Taylor’s superb drawing, part of his much-acclaimed Graphite Series, dramatically reconstructs one such clash in early 1945 as P-51 Mustangs of the 357th Fighter Group have spotted a group of Bf109s heading their way. Without hesitation they dive head-on in an attempt to break-up the enemy formation and for the pilots on both sides the explosive encounter of close combat is suddenly upon them.
Limited edition prints of this classic Robert Taylor Master Drawing have been signed over the last few years by some of the most respected USAAF Mustang and distinguished Luftwaffe pilots who dueled in those merciless skies over Europe. Since signing the prints some of these legendary names have very sadly passed away, making it one of the most collectible editions of recent years.
THE LIMITED EDITION
The complete edition is signed by the artist and two of the 357th Fighter Group’s most famous P-51 Aces:
Colonel CLARENCE E “BUD” ANDERSON – 357th Fighter Group / 16 ¼ victories
Captain WILLIAM B OVERSTREET – 357th Fighter Group / 5 victories
THE ACES EDITION
Among the many famous names who dueled over the skies of Europe are two of the best known Luftwaffe Aces who have also personally signed this edition:
Leutnant HUGO BROCH Knights Cross – JG54 / 81 victories
Oberleutnant WALTER WOLFRUM Knights Cross – 137 victories
THE ACES EDITION ARTIST PROOFS
The Artist Proofs are additionally signed by the third highest scoring Ace of all time:
Generalleutnant GÜNTHER RALL Knights Cross with Oak Leaves & Swords – 275 victories
THE FIGHTER PILOTS EDITION
To represent the struggle between the Luftwaffe and the USAAF during this crucial time this eleven signature edition has all the signatures of the Aces Edition plus a further seven highly respected fighter pilots that flew on both sides:
Captain JAMES BROOKS – 31st Fighter Group/ 13 victories
Lieutenant Colonel CLYDE EAST – 10th Photo Recon Group /14 ½ victories
Colonel ART FIEDLER – 325th Fighter Group / 8 victories
Colonel JOE PETERBURS – 20th Fighter Group / 2 victories
First Lieutenant CLINT WHITE – 31st Fighter Group
Leutnant JORG CZPIONKA Iron Cross – NJG 11 / 2 victories
Oberleutnant KURT SCHULTZ Iron Cross – JG5 / 3 victories
(Please note that the Fighter Pilots Edition is not signed by Gunther Rall)
THE COLLECTORS EDITION
Five additional Luftwaffe pilots, who flew and fought in the final days of the war have also signed this prestigious edition, creating a highly collectible SIXTEEN signature Collectors piece.
Generalleutnant GÜNTHER RALL – Knights Cross with Oak Leaves & Swords / 275 victories
Hauptmann GÜNTHER NORDENHOLTZ – 1 victory
Oberfeldwebel ERICH AXTHAMMER Knights Cross – 4 victories
Unteroffizier GUSTAV DREES – JG54 / 4 victories
Unteroffizier JOHANNES OESTERHELT – JG52 / 2 victories
THE TRIBUTE PROOF EDITION with 24 signatures
Each print is conservation matted to include the original pencil signatures of four top P-51 Aces along with four of the most highly decorated Luftwaffe Bf109 pilots who flew in WWII. The signatories on this piece amassed a staggering total of more than 1050 victories between them, providing a new benchmark for the serious collector:
Generalleutnant ADOLF GALLAND Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, & Diamonds / 104 victories.
General JOHANNES STEINHOFF Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves & Swords / 178 victories
Major GERHARD SCHOPFEL Knight’s Cross / 40 victories, all in the West
Generalmajor DIETER HRABAK Knight’s Cross / 125 victories
Captain WILLIAM “OBEE” O’BRIEN 357th Fighter Group / 5 ½ victories
Lieutenant Colonel BOB GOEBEL 31st Fighter Group / 11 victories
Major RICHARD “BUD” PETERSON 357th Fighter Group / 15 ½ victories
Lieutenant General GEORGE G. LOVING Jr 31st Fighter Group / 5 victories
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