Image size 18 3/4" X 26" with margins; 22 5/8" X 29" overall
Limited edition of 950 signed and numbered prints with 50 Artist's Proofs.

In addition to the artist's signature, each print is co-autographed by Generalleutnant Adolf Galland (Ret.) along with Galland's first mechanic and Crew Chief Gerhard Meyer who helped Galland prepare for the LOBSTER FLIGHT.

The Painting: On 15 April 1941, to celebrate General Theo Osterkamp's 49th birthday, Oberstleutnant Adolf Galland Kommodore of JG 26, decided to join the festivities and personally deliver some lobsters and oysters. Gerhard Meyer, Galland's Crew Chief throughout the war, filled a basket with these delicacies and carefully placed it in Galland's new Bf 109 F.

Flying from Brest to Le Touquet, France, with his wingman Oberleutnant Westphal, Galland decided a detour to England was in order. His hunter's instinct paid off as near Dover they surprised a large flight of Spitfires on a training exercise. Being unfamiliar with the new F models Galland inadvertently lowered his landing gear in the heat of the air battle. Even with this handicap he downed three Spitfire Mark II's. As Galland flew through the formation, with the 109's gear down, famous RAF Ace Paddy Finucane chased Galland claiming him as a victory.

Beautifully captured by Historical Artist Jerry Crandall in this limited edition print, Galland flies his new Bf 109 F over the French countryside with his wingman Westphal. The basket of seafood delicacies can clearly be seen directly behind Galland.

PRICE: $175.00 each s/n edition

       $275.00 each Artist's Proofs

JG 26 THE ABBEVILLE KIDS

Image size 19 1/2" X 27" with margins, 22 3/4" X 30" overall

Limited edition of 950 signed and numbered prints with 50 Artist's Proofs.

In addition to the Artist's Signature, each print is co-autographed by Gerhard Schoepfel, Kommodore JG 26, one of the most successful Battle of Britain pilots Adolf "Addi" Glunz, Oberleutnant; Rolf Hermichen, Major, prominent home defense pilot; Otto Stammberger Hauptmann.

The painting: One of the most famous aggregations of fighter pilots of all time was the legendary Jagdgeschwader 26 led by great names of the Luftwaffe such as Adolf Galland, Gerhard Schoepfel and "Pips" Priller. JG 26 gained a reputation first with the RAF then with American airmen as a special elite "aces" unit where the pilots were hand picked by Herman Goring, so the rumor went. We now know that was not quite the case. "Schlageter" was the official title given JG 26 named after the political martyr Albert Schlageter; however, to the allies JG 26 was known as the "Abbeville Boys", "Abbeville Kids", "The Yellow Nose Bastards", etc. Besides JG 26, JG 2 Richthofen and machines of JG 53 Pik As based near Abbeville, France, had engine cowlings and rudders painting yellow for ID purposes.

During the summer of 1941, II./JG 26 received the first allotments of the Fw l90 A's. As with any new machine, they suffered teething problems, namely with engines overheating and fumes leaking into the cockpit. Gradually these problems were solved with the installation of vents, then louvers on the sides of the cowling. Then finally the BMW 801 engine was moved forward about 5 inches on the A-5 and later series Fw 190.

In this tribute to the Abbevllle Kids, Kommodore Gerhard Schoepfel leads a Staffel of Fw 190 A's over the French coast line.

PRICE: $195.00 each S/N

       $295.00 each Artist's Proof