Patriot Posted January 6, 2013 Share #1 Posted January 6, 2013 Some of you may have seen this for sale a couple weeks ago, which went unsold. I refrained from bidding in hopes that it would be relisted for less. As it it turned out, it was relisted for the same price, and someone else bid. Bah... I paid $2 more for it than I could have last week, but I am still happy. The frame looks like it might be period, we'll see when it arrives in the mail. Nice portraits like this don't come up as often as you would think, do they? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patriot Posted January 6, 2013 Author Share #2 Posted January 6, 2013 ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Got da Penny Posted January 6, 2013 Share #3 Posted January 6, 2013 I like this alot. as you know, I have a weakness for photos also. It appears he is wearing a survival vest ?? as for the frame, I have one very similar to yours with Gen Eisenhowers photo in it. Carey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted January 6, 2013 Share #4 Posted January 6, 2013 These types of portraits are great.They looked so young. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patriot Posted January 6, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted January 6, 2013 I was wondering what he was wearing - the seller said that it was a parachute harness, but that didn't seem right. No rank is visible, but do you think he was an officer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnny Signor Posted January 7, 2013 Share #6 Posted January 7, 2013 It does appear to be some sort of harness set up , he may have been into bombers they had a variety of chute types in WW2 , try the net about WW parachute types and you may find something showing a better photo of his rig . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patriot Posted January 7, 2013 Author Share #7 Posted January 7, 2013 OK guys.... I have looked through the internet and I think I ***may*** have a match (but not quite?). This looks very close to the B-8 parachute. The photograph and description is from the website provided below: " Shown above is a near mint example of the B-8 parachute. It was made by the National Automotive Fibres Inc. January 4th, 1944. The B-8 showed up on the front lines of the 8th AF in about December of 1943. The B-8s with the snap hook and D-ring type of hardware always has a small cushion or pad affixed to the hook that connects at the chest. In surveying the 15th AF, you will find that nearly all the bomber crew who have B-8 chutes have the later version made with the bayonet type of hardware. See photo # 6 in the fighter pilot section for an example of a B-8 parachute with bayonet hardware." http://www.303rdbg.c...orms-gear7.html Do we have a match? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38Driver Posted January 7, 2013 Share #8 Posted January 7, 2013 Keep in mind it's a photo from training, not operational. He's still got Gosport Tubes in the flying helmet so its probably from Primary Training days. More then likely a parachute harness, not a survival vest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted January 7, 2013 Share #9 Posted January 7, 2013 Nice Photo. Could also be a seat pack version parachute harness.Looks like he is wearing a D-1 jacket as well by the looks of the collar.Overall the jacket looks lighter than a B3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patriot Posted January 7, 2013 Author Share #10 Posted January 7, 2013 Thanks guys for the comments and suggestions about his gear. I really appreciate it! Doyler, I assumed that it was a B-3, I never considered the possibility of it being a D-1. Interesting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted January 7, 2013 Share #11 Posted January 7, 2013 A classic studio shot! The slightly non-standard nature of his clothing might be because they're studio "airman's" props...the silk scarf, a generic "flight jacket" etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38Driver Posted January 8, 2013 Share #12 Posted January 8, 2013 Go to this e-bay listing for a primary training graduation book. Note the images of the new trainee pilots. All dressed the same as your photo http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-World-War-II-1944-Air-Force-Eagles-Log-Class-44G-Eagles-Field-Yearbook-/150915615860?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2323458c74 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted January 8, 2013 Share #13 Posted January 8, 2013 A classic studio shot! The slightly non-standard nature of his clothing might be because they're studio "airman's" props...the silk scarf, a generic "flight jacket" etc. Agreed. This was a common for graduates in many Air Corps fields.I have a small wing/insignia/photo group to a gunner and he has a similiar portrait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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