Lot 132

World War II U.S. Army Air Forces B-17 Flying Fortress Poster

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World War II U.S. Army Air Forces B-17 Flying Fortress Poster

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Starting Bid: $1,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Impressive Framed World War II U.S. Army Air Forces B-17 Flying Fortress Deadly Queen of the Skies Poster The four-engine Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" heavy bomber remains one of the most significant and famous aircraft in American history. 12,731 were built in 1936-1945, and they were used in every theater of World War II and are reported to have dropped more bombs during the war than any other aircraft. They became legendary both for their ability to sustain heavy fire and deliver devastating blows to the enemy during daylight raids. Thanks to their multiple machine gun emplacements and the B-17s' robust build, they could fend off enemy fighter aircraft while continuing to their intended bombing targets if necessary but were often deployed with fighter support. The B-17's contributions to the Allied victory was so significant that General Carl Spaatz, Commander of U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe, stated: "Without the B-17, we might have lost the war." Earle B. Winslow (1884-1969) studied at the Art Institute of Chicago in the early 20th century before moving to New York City. During World War II, Winslow was commissioned to illustrate posters and instructional materials for the U.S. military. His art inspired both U.S. servicemen and their countrymen. This World War II poster used the B-17s mythical status to boost American morale. It features the underside of a B-17 in a red sky with two bombs falling towards their target and "FLYING FORTRESS" in bold red text over "Deadly Queen of the Skies-/pride of the Army Air Forces." The upper left has the U.S. Army emblem, and the poster is also signed and dated "Earle B. Winslow 42" below the bomber's tail. The poster is professionally mounted in a wood frame measuring 34 1/2 by 45 1/2 inches.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Condition: Excellent overall with stunning color and contrast, distinct imagery and text, minor age and storage related wear, and slight creases. Overall, a beautiful work of art featuring the U.S. Army Air Force's iconic B-17 "Flying Fortress."

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000