The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 1052:
Description
This is a fantastic and highly collectible collection of 5 pen-and-ink aviation drawings, authenticated by the incredible signature of Colonel Walker M. “Bud” Mahurin, one of the most distinguished and colorful American Aces of World War II and the Korean War. Mahurin was the first American pilot to become a double ace in the European Theater while flying P-47s (one of which is featured here) and the only U.S. Air Force pilot to shoot down enemy aircraft in the European Theater, Pacific Theater, and Korean War. The set includes five fighter planes—the American Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, the North American P-51 Mustang, the Grumman F8F Bearcat, and the German Messerschmitt Bf 109—alongside the rare German Arado Ar 234 jet bomber/reconnaissance plane. Each print features detailed handwritten notes and statistics about the specific aircraft model, a common practice for aviation artists to provide educational context. Given the prominent signature of a pilot who flew and fought against several of these planes, the potential value is significantly enhanced beyond that of an unsigned or artist-signed print. The drawings appear to be on heavy, white artist-grade paper and are in excellent, unframed condition, showing no visible signs of fading, tears, or creases. Part of the John Bannister Collection. H 11″, W 17″. See photos.
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