Custom image sizes available. If borders are desired, the image will be reduced proportionally (e.g., for 2" borders on all sides, the image dimensions would be reduced by 4" to 40" x 34").
Indicate desired image size in comments during checkout. If no custom size is provided, your image size will be 44" x 38".)
Printed on special Fuji Crystal Archive and Kodak photographic papers with a fine luster finish
This particular aircraft was dug out of the jungle near Finschhafen Airfield, Papua, New Guinea, where it had been buried following the war. It was restored by WestPac Restorations in 2017. It has the most significant combat history of any of the museum’s aircraft. It was assigned to the 39th Fighter Squadron.
On a mission on December 31st, 1942, pilot Ken Sparks was flying this aircraft and was credited with two aerial victories. He downed one Japanese aircraft by gunfire and found himself engaged with another. While approaching each other a high speed head on, the Japanese banked left but hit Sparks’ outer right wing. It tore several feet from the wingtip, but the Zero lost its wing and crashed. Sparks went on to achieve 11 aerial victories in several different aircraft.
Read about the artist's unique production process on his portfolio page.