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Up for sale is a rare, historically significant 2-piece lot of original Cold War-era U.S. Air Force unit publications tracking the legendary 36th Fighter-Bomber Wing based in occupied Germany.
This lot captures the precise era when the USAF transitioned into supersonic tactical jet aviation in Europe and highlights the famous "Skyblazers" aerial demonstration team (the predecessors to the Thunderbirds in Europe).
Included in this Lot:
• Item 1: Skyblazer Magazine – First Annual Issue (December 1952)
This is the highly sought-after inaugural annual issue published during the wing's historic operational transition between Furstenfeldbruck and Bitburg Air Bases. The unique front cover features a mid-century graphic of a USAF F-84 Thunderjet soaring over the mountains, overlaid with a German holiday greeting reading "Frohe Weihnachten und ein Glückliches Neues Jahr". The back cover beautifully displays the official 36th Wing crest emblem.
• Item 2: The Aerie Base Yearbook / Commemorative Book (Circa 1951-1952)
The official unit book for Furstenfeldbruck Air Base, proudly dubbed "The World's Best Air Base." The vibrant blue cover features an eagle motif, a blazing multi-jet flight formation, and the colorful illustrated insignias of the 22nd, 23rd, and 53rd Fighter Squadrons, alongside the Skyblazers logo. The interior is a goldmine of military history, packed with crisp black-and-white photography of personnel rosters, daily base life, and breathtaking echelon flight formations over the Bavarian Alps.
Condition & Collector Note:
Both items are original, vintage military paper ephemera items. Covers retain strong, bright graphics. Inside pages feature excellent contrast, clear historical photo prints, and a fascinating look at early 1950s tactical fighter history in the European Theater. Perfect for aviation historians, Cold War researchers, or militaria collectors.
Items will be packed flat with sturdy backing to ensure safe transit.
