Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7

Fathers of the Air Service Authentic Signature Collage, circa 1926-1993

About the Item

Presented is a collage celebrating the men who made an early impact on the formation of America’s Air Service. Complete with signatures by Jimmy Doolittle, Tooey Spaatz, Hap Arnold, and Billy Mitchell, this work pays homage to the dramatic influence of the airpower in warfare. A photograph signed by Spaatz is displayed at the bottom right of the collage as well as a signed photo of Doolittle with the inscription, “To Frank Barone: With kindest personal regards and every good wish.” Towards the middle of the collage is a letter written and signed by Arnold agreeing to sign an “Official A.A.F Guidebook.” Lastly, the center of this work bears Mitchell’s signature on his personal “Boxwood” Middleburg, VA letterhead. All elements are framed together in a custom archival frame. James “Jimmy” Doolittle Most famously known for leading the Tokyo Air Raid during WWII, General Jimmy Doolittle contributed not just service, but ingenuity to the nascent air service. A military strategist, Doolittle also became the first pilot to fly from the American east coast to the west coast in under 24 hours, developed low visibility flight tools, modified bomber escort tactics, and led the famous Eighth Air Force. General Doolittle served in WWI, WWII, and the Cold War, but his attack on Tokyo and other major cities dominates his legacy and has since been called the Doolittle Raid. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz During WWII, General Carl “Tooey” Spaatz served as a commanding general of the Twelfth Air Force in North Africa and in February 1943, he assumed command of the Northwest African Air Force, which he organized. Spaatz took command of United States Strategic Air Forces in January 1944 and led the air war against Germany until the war's end in Europe. In July 1945, Spaatz moved his headquarters to the Pacific Ocean Theater. It was there that he received the order from the War Department for the 20th Air Force to drop atomic bombs on Japan. After the war, Spaatz became the first Chief of Staff of the independent U.S. Air Force in 1947. Henry H. “Hap” Arnold Hap Arnold was the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force and was instrumental in the planning of aerial attacks against Japan and the daylight bombing raids on Germany in WWII, including the Doolittle Raid. He was heavily involved with and developed many of the fateful strategic decisions made during WWII. Instructed by the Wright Brothers, Hap Arnold’s pilot career led him to eventually help create the world’s most impressive Air Force. William “Billy” Mitchell Billy Mitchell served as an Army Officer in WWI and was an early and ardent advocate of an independent air force. The first American airman to cross enemy lines in WWI, Mitchell was named Lieutenant Colonel on the American Expeditionary Forces in June 1917. Although his relentless pushing for an independent air force earned him a court marshall and demotion, eventually his ideas were put into place. In 1946 Congress produced a medal in his honor and presented it to his son. Condition: Overall very good condition. No significant damage is evident on any signature piece. The Spaatz photograph is signed in blue ink while the Doolittle photograph is signed and inscribed in black ink. Neither photo is faded, however there is one minor crease over Doolittle’s proper left eye. The other three photos are newly printed and in Fine condition. The Arnold letter is clearly legible and signed in blue ink with two horizontal creases from where the letter was originally folded. Mitchell’s signature card is signed clearly in black ink. Both papers are clean and bright. All elements are framed according to the highest archival standards including acid-free matting and UV protective glass.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 40 in (101.6 cm)Width: 43.5 in (110.49 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1926-1993
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Colorado Springs, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: AS1451stDibs: LU909718334052
More From This SellerView All
  • US Air Corps in Australia Vintage Military Pennant, circa WWII
    Located in Colorado Springs, CO
    Presented is a souvenir felt pennant celebrating the servicemen and women of the U.S. Air Corps who were based in Australia and fought alongside members of the Royal Australian Air Force during WWII. The navy pennant features a printed red outline of the Australian continent with the U.S. Air Corps “wings” superimposed on it. Below, the text reads, “Souvenir of U.S. Air Corps in Australia.” At the very bottom of the pennant is the U.S. Air Corps symbol. Framed according to archival standards, this pennant symbolizes the collaborative partnership between the United States and Australia during the height of the Second World War in the Pacific Theater. Following the swift Japanese conquest of the Philippines and East Indies in late 1941, the remaining servicemen of the United States Army Air Force in the Pacific eventually relocated to Australia, to join other US and Australian units, including the Fifth Air Force, and regroup. The Fifth Air Force was placed under the command of Major General George Kenney in July of 1942. Their new goal was to seize air superiority over New Guinea and gain back air coverage over the Solomon Sea. General Kenney worked with U.S. Army General MacArthur...
    Category

    Vintage 1940s Australian Historical Memorabilia

    Materials

    Felt

  • John F. Kennedy Signed Senate Menu Collage
    Located in Colorado Springs, CO
    Presented is a John F. Kennedy inscribed and autographed United States Senate Restaurant menu. Kennedy signed the menu on April 10, 1957, when he was a Senator representing the state of Massachusetts...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s American Historical Memorabilia

    Materials

    Paper

  • Souvenir of the War 1914-15-16-17-18 Banner
    Located in Colorado Springs, CO
    Presented is a stunning textile banner from the first World War, dating to 1918. The square tan cotton cloth is embroidered with two crossed flags, the ...
    Category

    Vintage 1910s Australian Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

    Materials

    Cotton

  • 31-Star Printed American Flag, Celebrating California Statehood, Circa 1850
    Located in Colorado Springs, CO
    This is a rare 31-star medallion printed American flag, celebrating the addition of California to the Union. The flag is printed on silk and has a spectacular “Great Star” canton pat...
    Category

    Antique 1850s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

    Materials

    Silk

  • 38-Star Antique American Flag with Unique Canton, circa 1876-1890
    Located in Colorado Springs, CO
    This is a striking 38-star American flag. The flag dates to 1876-1890, when Colorado (represented by the large star in the center of the flag’s canton) joined the Union as the 38th s...
    Category

    Antique Late 19th Century American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

    Materials

    Muslin

  • Vintage WWII U.S. Navy Patriotic Banner, "Welcome Firemen" Flag, circa 1941-1945
    Located in Colorado Springs, CO
    This is a beautifully preserved WWII Navy aircraft carrier banner, emblazoned with a welcome for the ship's firemen. The banner is partially printed and has sewn elements. The flag's field is dyed a rich navy blue, with a resist dyed white stripe and a sewn red stripe at both top and bottom. A large "WELCOME" is resist dyed at center, in big white letters. This is followed by a sewn yellow strip of contrasting fabric, printed with the word "FIREMEN" in blue. Thirteen white stars complete the design of this patriotic piece of WWII and Navy history. The banner retains its original white hoist, with two metal grommets on each side, for ease in display on the ship. Along the center of the hoist is the printed name of "J.S. Sullivan." "Naugatuck, Conn." is printed along the left and the size "2 x3 FT" is printed along the right. The flag maker, Annin, has sewn in its label, boasting "guaranteed defiance fast colors." CONDITION: Very good condition, considering age and past use. Partially printed and hand-sewn flag construction. Some toning to the white of the flag and along the top hoist. Original grommets at left and right of the hoist. The flag measures 36" X 22". Expertly framed on black linen with an antiqued black wood...
    Category

    Vintage 1940s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

    Materials

    Linen

You May Also Like

Recently Viewed

View All