The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 1045:
Description
A World War II collector assembled memorabilia collection related to the Atomic Bomb missions. The fact that collector John Bannister personally solicited the autographs from the crew members, including General Paul Tibbets (commander of the 509th and pilot of the Enola Gay) and members of the Bockscar crew, speaks to the dedication and direct sourcing of the signatures. This direct solicitation method ensures high confidence in the authenticity of the autographs. The centerpiece remains the striking pencil or pen-and-ink rendering of a Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber, heavily annotated with autographs and inscriptions. Surrounding the drawing is a substantial collection of archival paper, including the numerous note cards and slips, many featuring personal handwritten notes and letters from the airmen responding to Bannister’s request. The inclusion of 1990s newspaper clippings confirms the period in which Bannister assembled this archive, likely during the time of crew reunions and increased public interest. The materials—paper, card stock, and newspaper—are expertly preserved on a large flat. Condition is excellent for a mixed-era paper archive. The papers show expected light age-toning and minimal creasing or edge wear. The key autographs, including that of Tibbets (multiple) , appear dark, legible, and clear. The later 1990s clippings are in very fine condition. Part of the John Bannister Collection. The estimated measurement for the entire laid-out collection is roughly H 24″, W 36″, D 1″. All fit in 11”x17” sleeve.
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