The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2240:
Description
Note: Pickup/Transport required. Contacts available post auction.
B-17 "Desert Rat" Nose Art Cedar Chest
This is a masterfully custom crafted storage chest built by Dave Bott that serves as a tribute to the Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress, specifically airframe serial number 41-2595. The lid is the centerpiece, featuring hand-painted nose art depicting both the "Desert Rat" and "Tangerine" motifs—names historically discovered during the real-world restoration of this specific aircraft in Marengo, Illinois. The artwork is executed on a metallic-finished panel with faux-rivet detailing and traditional USAAF markings, all preserved under a thick, glass-like protective resin pour. The body is constructed from solid oak with classic raised paneling, opening to a pristine aromatic cedar-lined interior. This piece is a "must-have" for aviation enthusiasts, blending fine furniture making with World War II nose art culture. The chest is in excellent condition, with the resin top providing a durable, high-gloss finish that protects the art from scratches, while the oak casing shows only minimal handling wear. H 21.5", W 50", D 19" See photos.
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