U.S. Navy Cat

Historical testimony: Usually found on GRUMMAN F4F-3 Wildcats this nose art showing Felix the Cat, running with a large spherical black bomb with a lit fuse, appeared on a Douglas SBD Dauntless, a Navy scouting and dive bombing aircraft. In the 1920’s, the US Navy’s bombing squadron 2 (VB-2B) adopted this famous cartoon character as their official mascot and unit insignia. It was later used by fighter squadrons like VF-6B and VF-3 during WW2. The squadron was based in Pearl Harbor, aboard the USS Enterprise, and was involved in several crucial battles in the Pacific. It is now designated as the insignia of strike fighter squadron VF-31, known as the “Tomcatters”. Several well-known aviators have flown with Felix on their shoulders, including Charles Lindbergh and Butch O'Hare.

Artwork description: Enamel painted aluminium plates riveted to a cardboard panel. Approximate size 51 x 47 cm.

Price: AUD$ 300.00