WWII ALBUM FROM MESSERSCHMIDT WING SECTION

The album is made from an aluminum wing section of a downed German fighter, using the original hinge. The original Messershmidt metal label is still attached to the underside of the cover. The cover has the squadron insignia of the 84th Bombardment squadron of the 47th Bombardment Group in a central circle, and signatures of the unit members. These were drawn and signed in pencil, and then incised into the metal. There are color indications on the insignia. The album contains 10 – 8 Ľ" x 10 ˝" gelatin silver photographs, arrangements of photographs, printed several to a sheet, of scenes of the unit's activities. The unit served in French Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, and then in 1943 in Sicily. The photographs show scenes from these areas. In addition there is a loose 8" x 10 Ľ" glossy photograph of 7 officers in front of their plane, autographed in pen by 5 of them. Included, loose with the album, is a pamphlet with cartoons: "Things We'll Remember about Brig. Gen. George W. Goddard." [Goddard had extensive service in both world wars and after, as the principal American specialist in aerial photography, and is responsible for the development of many innovations.] This is a unique photographic object,especially for those who collect unusual albums. It is of course a significant memento of the War.