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Item Specifics:
Conflict: WWII (1939-1945)
Service / Branch: US Army Air Forces (USAAF)
Original / Reproduction: Original Period Photographs
Quantity: 5 Original Black & White Photos
Subject: Fighter / Bomber Pilot, Aircraft Flak Shrapnel Damage, Flight Gear
Location / Campaign: European Theater / Holland
Features: Handwritten Inscription / Historical Provenance on Back
Aircraft Tail Number Visible: 00656
Up for sale is a rare, documented 5-photo historical lot of original WWII US Army Air Forces (USAAF) black-and-white photographs covering a combat pilot and his battle-damaged aircraft in Holland.
This archive features exceptional firsthand historical provenance. One photo includes period handwritten notes on the reverse reading:
"Picked these up in Holland. Made three holes going in and 278 holes coming out on the other side."
The lot includes:
Photograph of the pilot crouching on the wing pointing directly to heavy flak/shrapnel holes, next to tail section marked "00656".
Portrait of the officer in uniform standing in front of flak damage on the fuselage.
Close-up portrait of the pilot wearing a leather shearling flight helmet and goggles.
Full-length shot of the pilot in leather flight jacket, flight trousers, and parachute harness setup.
Candid shot of the pilot posing outside a field tent structure in shorts, service cap, and sidearm belt.
Excellent vintage condition for period military photographs. Crisp contrast, clear detail, and minor handling wear along margins as expected with authentic WWII ephemera.
Keywords: wwii USAAF pilot photo lot holland battle damage flak holes aircraft tail 00656 flight gear leather jacket parachute goggles army air corps european theater battlefield provenance original snapshot WWII aviation 1940s
