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This wonderful collection of four original World War II aviation centerfolds comes from Air Trails Pictorial magazine, published during 1944, while the war was still being fought. Each features a dramatic full-color illustration of military aircraft in action, capturing the excitement, danger, and history of wartime aviation.
The four illustrations include:
- Hawker Typhoon – A dramatic aerial battle over Paris, with the Eiffel Tower prominently featured.
- Flying Fortress – American B-17 bombers on a wartime bombing mission.
- Consolidated Catalina – A flying boat involved in a rescue operation at sea.
- Grumman Avenger – An American torpedo bomber attacking enemy warships.
These centerfolds are from the July, August, and October 1944 issues of Air Trails Pictorial, along with one additional illustration from 1944 for which the exact month has not been identified.
Each centerfold measures approximately 20\" × 13\" and is printed on the original lightweight magazine paper. All retain their original captions and descriptive text along the bottom.
The second photo shows the back of each of the 4 prints, showing that they did come from originally from Air Trails Pictorial.
These are authentic WWII-era magazine illustrations, not modern reproductions. They would make a wonderful addition to a collection of military aviation memorabilia, World War II history, or vintage aircraft artwork. They are also attractive candidates for framing.
Provenance: These original Air Trails Pictorial illustrations have a wonderful family history. They originally belonged to my grandparents, Charles Lawrence Bond and his wife, Barbara, who served as civilian volunteer “plane spotters” during World War II, watching the skies for aircraft as part of the nation’s homeland defense efforts. Their son, my father, Nathaniel Bond (1934–2023), was a young boy at the time with a keen interest in aviation. He carefully saved these centerfolds from the magazines and treasured them throughout his life. Their remarkable condition, more than 80 years later, is a testament to the care with which he preserved them.
Condition: The centerfolds are in very good vintage condition considering their age of more than 80 years. They retain their original center folds, with some minor age-related wear and occasional small imperfections along the edges and folds, as shown in the photographs.
Shipping: All four illustrations will be carefully packaged together to protect the original paper during shipment.
Sold as one lot of four original 1944 centerfolds.
