Franklin Mint Signature Series "Berlin Express" P-51C Mustang Plane Auto Signed

Description: LIKE NEW CONDITION IN ORIGINAL BOX WITH COA FRANKLIN MINT ARMOUR SIGNATURE SERIES DIE CAST DISPLAY MODEL 1/48 SCALE P-51C Mustang 'Berlin Express' WWII Fighter Plane Signed by: Lt Bill OverstreetDeceased: 2013 363rd Fighter Squadron, 357th Fighter Group “Yoxford Boys”, 8th Air Force, Leiston Field, United Kingdom World War II Ace, Best known for his solo pursuit of a German Messerschmidtt bf109g underneath the arches of the Eiffel Tower in 1944This engagement occurred in the spring of 1944, Lt Overstreet and his P-51 Mustang (‘Berlin Express’) were a half hour away from Paris when the action started. Overstreet had followed the Messerschmidtt from the enemy fighter sortie on the US Bomber Group he was escorting. After most of the German fighters had broken off the attack, Overstreet and the German had begun a running dogfight, but as they neared Paris, the Messerschidtt now had Overstreet and his Mustang on his tail. The bf 109 pilot flew over Paris hoping that the heavy German anti-aircraft batteries surrounding the city would engage Overstreet and his ‘Berlin Express’. Overstreet managed to get some hits in at about 1500 feet. The German’s engine was hit and damaged, but Overstreet stayed on his tail braving the intense enemy ground fire. The German pilot aimed his plane at the Eiffel Tower and in a surprising maneuver, flew beneath it. undeterred, Overstreet followed right behind him, scoring several more hits in the process. The German plane crashed and Overstreet escaped the flak around Paris by flying low and full throttle down the Seine until he cleared the heavily defended city’s anti-aircraft batteries. The scene of Overstreet chasing and downing the enemy plane gave inspiration to the French citizens and the resistance. He was awared France’s highest military award, Ordre National de la Legion d’honneur by the French Ambassador to the United States Pierre Vimont at a ceremony held at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia on June 6. 2009. Overstreet passed away on December 29, 2013 at the age of 92. As a group the 357th Fighter Group was credited with shooting down 609 ½ enemy aircraft in a 15-month period. Bud Anderson was the groups leading ace with 16 ¼ enemy aircraft shot down. Limited Edition to 1000 pieces This model is 0382 of 1000 The plane is signed on a plate attached to the bottom of the planes wing serial numbered 00382/1000 and comes with a Franklin Mint matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity. The model is painstakingly built with a wealth of detail. each die cast model is professionally hand assembled and hand painted with great concern for exact accuracy The model measures approximately 8" long x 9 1/4" wingspan Like New Condition Shipped in original Franklin Mint matching Serial Numbered white outside shipping box. the plane itself is packaged in original matching numbered display box with original sytrofoam packaging and accompanied with collectors portfolio and matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity DOMESTIC SHIPPING WILL EITHER BE USPS, UPS GROUND OR FEDEX HOME DELIVERY DEPENDING ON COST PER BUYER LOCATIONIF AVAILABLEINTERNATIONAL SHIPPING COST NOT ONLY INCLUDES THE SHIPPING COST ITSELF BUT ALSO INCLUDES COST FOR INSURANCE AND THE INTERNATIONAL SALE FEE THAT EBAY CHARGES BOTH FIGURED ON THE ITEM'S FINAL SALE PRICE. INTERNATIONAL BUYER'S IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL CUSTOMS CHARGES.

Price: 492.99 USD

Location: Johnson City, Tennessee

End Time: 2025-02-09T20:02:33.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD