VMF-113 Sketch by Hank Porter

[jpstout]

Here is a Hank Porter sketch, designed for the WWII USMC aviation squadron VMF-113 with the added bonus of his signature. I thought I would share this on the homefront since I recently posted it to the Rarest WWII USMC Patch discussion...

 

[jpstout]

Here is an original VMF-113 patch... :thumbsup:

 

[jpstout]

Original VMF-113 Patch, closeup...it is nicely embroidered and a great patch!

 

[jpstout]

Lastly, it is always a treat to find the squadron design on paper, gear, etc...this is an original letterhead used by the VMF-113 in WWII.

 

I hope you enjoy this little snapshot from Walt Disney and the USMC in WWII!

 

[disneydave]

Nice design. If I recall correctly it was the last one Gail sold.

 

Gail had contacted me before selling any of the designs on eBay. A six figure sum was offered for the whole collection of 550 insignia drawings but she and the owner decided to sell it all through eBay and private sales.

 

Two of Hank Porters children were still alive at the time. It's too bad they weren't able to get any of the art their father created. Between myself and three friends, I think we managed to buy collectively around 45-55% of the insignia art that was offered. I also scooped-up just a super rare piece of home front art Porter created as well. A fellow in England and one in japan managed to buy many pieces as well.

 

Porter had divorced his first wife. When he died his second wife got everything. Porter's three children approached the second wife and asked if it were possible to get some of their dad's art. The children were treated very badly by the second wife, and got next to nothing. The second wife willed all of the art upon her death to a niece in Portland who is in her 80s. None of her kids were interested in the art so she had a second party sell it all on eBay for her.

 

Nice design and a good example of Porter's "Walt Disney" signature. Porter was just one of a couple of Disney artists authorized to sign Disney's name.

[Corpsmancollector]

What an amazing design and a magnificent grouping of items! A sad story too Dave, but at least much of Porter's art ended up in the hands of collectors and enthuiasts who will treasure it and keep Porter's memory alive for generations to come.

 

Thanks for posting,

 

Will

[teufelhunde.ret]

Thx for the background info Dave!

[jpstout]

Thanks Dave, Will for the kind comments and the "rest of the story."

 

Yes, that was quite the treasure trove! When I talked to Gail, she indicated that there would be a few USMC related sketches and to be patient I was quite fortunate to get the VMF-113, but it sure has been a great addition to the collection. I was also able to get the sketch for VMF-321 and will post that one soon.

 

However, I missed the VMSB-333 Sketch and I am still kicking myself for that. :pinch: I was wondering if you bought that one, Dave? :think:

 

regards,

pat

[disneydave]

Here it is...and no, unfortunately I did not win this one. It's a keeper though!

 

[Johnny Signor]

Awesome art , just a shame it couldn't have all stayed as one collection rather than being broken up , but that has happened to a lot of various collections, always great to see any of the Disney "War Art " thanks for sharing it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Johnny

[jpstout]

 

 

 

Here it is...and no, unfortunately I did not win this one. It's a keeper though!

 

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Thanks Dave! Simply too bad they did not make a patch out of that design.

regards,

pat