The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 1088:
Description
This is a remarkable offering for any aviation or WWII enthusiast, featuring a collection centered around legendary P-47 Thunderbolt ace Colonel Robert S. Johnson. The centerpiece is a framed print of the P-47 (likely a Republic P-47C or D, judging by the overall silhouette) signed by Johnson, accompanied by an original note and several large-format, black-and-white print sketches of the aircraft from various angles—nine total. The note, addressed to “John,” confirms the photo is a signed print, mentioning he received four and that the pilot, a “nice guy,” signed and wrote the exact same thing on all four, a detail the sender notes that they know “John” likes. There are at least three pieces of accompanying correspondence (letters) and two smaller photo prints/postcards included. The text on the primary note also includes Johnson’s critical details: Robert S. Johnson, Colonel USAF, 56th Ftr Group, 8th AF England, with his 27th Victory on May 8, 1944. A historical description of the P-47, detailing its role as a high-altitude fighter that became a powerful ground-attack aircraft and “defeated the best the Luftwaffe had in aerial combat,” is also included. Part of the John Bannister Collection. H 11″, W 17″. See photos.
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