The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 1085:
Description
Highly curated World War II aviation grouping centered around the esteemed Major Harry H. Crosby, Navigator for the legendary “Bloody 100th” Bomb Group of the U.S. Eighth Air Force. The collection’s folder/display sleeve is a representation of his dramatic personal story, A Wing and a Prayer, published by HarperCollins, with the strong possibility that the contents, or perhaps the sleeve itself, are signed or inscribed by Crosby. This collection is composed entirely of ephemera and artwork. Included are several detailed 100th Bomb Group aircraft prints/drawings (likely the B-17 Flying Fortress) with extensive handwritten historical notes or personal anecdotes/signatures, plus at least one print of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 (possible Bf 109 G-6 variant). The grouping also contains a stack of correspondence, documents, and personal photographs, all of which contribute to the deep dive into the 8th Air Force narrative. The style and content place this collection squarely within the WWII era and subsequent veteran/historical community interest. Overall condition appears to be Very Fine; the folder is clean, and the paper prints/documents show minimal signs of age, folding, or foxing, having been kept flat and protected. Part of the John Bannister Collection. H 11″, W 17″. See photos.
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