STAR OF AFRIKA...The Archive Edition
(Signatures)	Artist : Nicolas Trudgian and two Afikakorps Veterans , Luftwaffe pilot Erich Rudorffer and Afrikakorp Gunner Gunter Halm plus an Original Signed Joachim Marseille combat Report.
(Dimensions)	35" 1/2 x 23" 1/2 approx  Unframed Remarqued Print
Price	£2995.00

Description

Among the greatest Luftwaffe fighter pilots, one young ace, Hans-Joachim Marseille, achieved almost legendary status. He began to shine during the Battle of Britain, but it was later when flying with JG27 over the burning wastes of North Africa that he suddenly transformed into a formidable marksman, earning the title 'The Star of Afrika'. Flying in support of Rommel's famed ' Afrikakorps ', in their fierce battle for the desert, he quickly became a master of flying the Messerschmitt Bf109F. Other pilots were amazed at his ability to handle the aircraft while ' deflection shooting '; firing whilst in a turn , almost at a stall and using only short bursts of fire to bring down his opponent...Marseille eventually rose to become the highest scoring ace against the Western Allies and was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds... On one day alone, the 1st September 1942 , he shot down seventeen Allied aircraft including eight in just ten minutes. On the 26th September 1942 , he scored his 158th and final victory against a Spitfire. Four days later , when flying a brand new Bf109G , smoke began to appear from the engine. Marseille managed to fly the stricken aircraft back over German-held territory and elected to bail out. In doing so he struck the tail and fell to his death. He was just 22 years old... Adolf Galland described Hans-Joachim Marseille as '' the unequalled virtuoso of all fighter pilots ''...This is a rare and unique opportunity to own a piece of history. The Marseille Archive Edition is limited to 158 prints worldwide and is signed by the artist and two Knights Cross holders who both served in the Afrikakorps , Erich Rudorffer Knights Cross Oakleaves and Swords ( Luftwaffe Ace ) and Gunter Halm Knights Cross ( Anti-Tank Ace )... In addition each print will have a triple-sized remarque inscribed on it by the artist and an original combat report signed by The ' Star of Afrika - Hans-Joachim Marseille ' Knights Cross Oakleaves Swords and Diamonds... Each print relates to a specific Marseille victory, numbered in chronological order 1 to 158... The triple-sized remarque is drawn below the image in a generous white border and it uniquely depicts the actual combat described in the accompanying report....The signed combat report will be issued in a clear plastic sleeve along with a translation of the document... Marseille's victories 1 to 7 were made in the Battle of Britain , those from 8 to 158 were made in North Africa... All 158 Victories were made against the western allies. Collectors may request a specific numbered print and it s matching report (if available) and Nicolas Trudgian will be happy to discuss the options in depicting the combat scene described in the report... THE MARSEILLE ARCHIVE EDITION... priced @ £2995.00... limited to only 158 numbered prints worldwide. ( Only if and when the combat report becomes available )...Due to our limited supply of combat reports the Marseille Archive Edition will continue to be released as and when the reports become available…THE CANVAS GICLEE EDITION ... A full-size canvas reproduction of the painting, individually signed and numbered in paint by the artist. Size when stretched: 36" x 24" approx , Rolled ( unstretched ) priced @ £325.00... STRETCHED priced @ £375.00... limited to 30 numbered reproductions worldwide.To complement the purchase of your fine art print, we are now able to offer a professional Picture Framing service. For further details please contact us by phone or email.