"Airacobra poison to the Axis" Vintage WWII Poster, 1943

About the Item

Presented is a vintage WWII U.S. Army poster of a P-39 Airacobra fighter plane. The poster was published by the Recruiting Publicity Bureau in 1943. The poster depicts a P-39 mid-battle, set against a bright blue sky. The P-39 fires a round from its armament. In the background, a downed enemy plane spirals towards the ground. The poster text reads, “Airacobra poison to the Axis” at center in black and “... and a fighter the Army Air Forces praise” at bottom in white block letters. The P-39 Airacobra was a fighter produced by Bell Aircraft for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. It was one of the principal American fighter jets in service when the United States entered combat. The P-39 was used by the Soviet Air Force and enabled individual Soviet pilots to collect the highest number of kills attributed to any U.S. fighter type flown by any air force in any conflict. It was also used by the Free French, the Royal Air Force, and the Italian Co-Belligerent Air Force. Because its engine was equipped with only a single-stage, single-speed supercharger, the P-39 was used at lower altitudes. The comparatively low-speed, low-altitude nature of most air combat on the Eastern Front suited the P-39's strengths: sturdy construction, reliable radio gear, and adequate firepower. The Red Air Force developed successful group aerial fighting tactics for the Bell fighters and scored a surprising number of aerial victories over a variety of German aircraft. Condition: Color lithograph. Color still very vibrant. Crease at centerfold and small creases throughout in the outer margins. U.S. Army logo printed in white at bottom left. "P-X-7-RPB-10-11-43-7500" and the United States Army Recruiting Publicity Bureau logo at bottom right. Poster has been archivally framed in a custom-built black wooden frame with UV Plexiglas and acid-free backing and mats. Framed dimensions: 47”H x 35 1/2”W x 1/2” D.

Dimensions:

Height: 47 in (119.38 cm)Width: 35.5 in (90.17 cm)Depth: 0.5 in (1.27 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Paper

Place of Origin:

United States

Period:

1940-1949

Date of Manufacture:

1943

Condition:

Additions or alterations made to the original: Poster has been archivally framed in a custom-built black wooden frame with UV Plexiglas and acid-free backing and mats. Framing by Rio Grande Custom Framing, in Colorado Springs, CO, in September of 2021. Wear consistent with age and use.

Seller Location:

Colorado Springs, CO

Reference Number:

Seller: P3081stDibs: LU909726002222

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