Eagles of the West by Robert Taylor

With the Battle of Britain in its closing stages, Hauptmann Helmut Wick leads a group of Bf109Es from I./JG2 back to base following a sweep along the Normandy coast, October 1940. The ancient abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel provides a fitting backdrop in the early evening sunlight.

Fought between 10 July and 31 October 1940, the Battle of Britain will be remembered as one of the most important battles in history as it pitted the best pilots in the world against each other.

As part of his long legacy in portraying scenes from the battle, Robert Taylor, who personally knew and was friends with many of the leading protagonists involved, has created this beautiful new work featuring the Luftwaffe’s leading Battle of Britain Ace – Helmut Wick.

Providing a fitting backdrop is the famous landmark of Mont-Saint-Michel whose ancient abbey has witnessed many invading armies come and go. Now radiant in the early evening sunlight in a style that only Robert can capture, the abbey’s soaring gravity-defying walls will, in time, once again witness the passing of another conflict.

Complementing Robert’s work and adding great historic interest for collectors, every print carries the original signatures of some of the most famous Luftwaffe Aces who flew during the Battle of Britain. This is likely to be a landmark edition from the world’s most collected aviation artist with a line-up of signatories that will never be repeated. Although sadly no longer with us, their names remain a powerful reminder of the mighty force that went into battle with the best of Fighter Command.

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Genuine Signatures:

Limited Edition: Along with artist Robert Taylor, every print carries the original signatures of some of the Luftwaffe’s most prominent Aces who flew in combat during the Defense of the Reich:

Generalleutnant GÜNTHER RALL - Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves & Swords / 275 victories

Leutnant HERMANN NEUHOFF - Knight’s Cross / 40 victories

Major ERICH RUDORFFER - Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves & Swords / 222 victories

Collector's Edition and Artist's Proofs: - Each print in these historic editions includes the autographs of a further two famous Bf109 veterans. All five of the signatories reached Ace status before the end of the war, together clocking up many thousands of flying hours in combat and between them amassed over 535 victories:

Major HANS-EKKEHARD BOB - Knight’s Cross / 60 victories

Oberstleutnant HUGO DAHMER - Knight’s Cross / 57 victories

Tribute Edition: - Including an ORIGINAL PENCIL DRAWING and THIRTEEN signatures! With all components of the Collector’s Edition, each print in this highly-restricted version is issued with an exquisite original pencil drawing, specially created for the occasion by Robert Taylor, which is signed by no less than five famous Luftwaffe fighter pilots:

Oberstleutnant HEINZ MARQUARDT - Knight’s Cross / 121 victories

Oberleutnant WALTER WOLFRUM - Knight’s Cross / 137 victories

Oberleutnant WALTER SCHUCK - Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves / 206 victories

Unteroffizier OTTOMAR KRUSE - Iron Cross / 2 victories

Feldwebel OSKAR BÖSCH - Iron Cross 1st & 2nd Class / 18 victories

Each of these stunning works of art is then conservation matted to include museum-quality reproduction miniature Knight’s Cross and Luftwaffe cap eagle, along with the original autographs of a further three famous Luftwaffe Aces including the legendary pilot depicted in Eagles of the West:

Major HELMUT WICK - Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves / 56 victories

Major FRITZ LOSIGKEIT - Knight’s Cross / 68 victories

Generalleutnant ADOLF GALLAND - Knight’s Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords & Diamonds / 104 victories

Double & Quadruple Legacy Remarque Editions: For the first time ever, we’re delighted to offer ground-breaking Legacy Remarques on a new release. Robert’s talented son, Richard Taylor, will create a specially hand-drawn Remarque in the lower border of the print.