Memphis Belle

Historical testimony: This Boeing B-17 F with the serial number 41-24485 was assigned to the 324th Heavy Bombardment Squadron and was flown by Lt. Robert Morgan. While stationed in England, the 91st Bomb Group Corporal Torry Starcer painted on the starboard side of the aircraft his own version of the George Petty 1941 original pin-up girl holding a telephone. The same girl was painted wearing a blue outfit, instead of this red one, on the port (left) side of the plane. The nose art became a symbol of hope and resilience for the crew, who completed 25 missions over Europe, becoming the first US bomber crew to achieve this milestone during World War II.

The plane was made famous by the 1990 movie “Memphis Belle“, which was inspired by the 1944 documentary “A Story of a Flying Fortress“. The nose art depicted in the movie was a modified version of the original design.

Memphis Belle has been fully restored and is now preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB, near Dayton, Ohio.

Artwork description: Enamel painted aluminium plates riveted to cardboard panel and curved on a foam board structure. Nose art hand painted with oil paint. Includes two windows made of Perspex. Approximate size 120 x 80 cm.

Price: AUD$ 3000.00