NEW YEAR'S BASH — TROY WHITE Artist-Signed Limited Edition Lithograph — Number 29/500 — Original Certificate of Authenticity — Framed
Prix régulier 450,00 € TTC 6%
On 1 January 1945, the German Luftwaffe launched Operation Bodenplatte, a major surprise attack against Allied airfields in Belgium, the Netherlands and France.
The offensive was intended to disrupt Allied tactical aviation during the final stages of the Battle of the Bulge.
One of the airfields targeted was Advanced Landing Ground Y-29, near Asch, Belgium, where American P-51 Mustangs of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group, were operating...
Characteristics
| Artist | Troy White |
| Title | New Year's Bash |
| Dimensions | Print: 60 × 52 cm (W × H). Framed: 78 × 70 cm (W × H) |
| Poster Credits | Troy White (artist) — Original oil painting © 1996 — Signed and numbered limited edition lithograph |
| Date | 1996 (original painting). Historical event: 1 January 1945. Exact print publication date not established. |
| Printing Methods | Limited edition lithograph |
| Backing | Framed with cream-coloured mount and wooden frame with gold-coloured detailing |
Description
Cette œuvre est particulièrement intéressante pour une collection d'aviation consacrée à la Belgique : elle représente un combat aérien survenu le 1er janvier 1945 au-dessus d'Asch (aujourd'hui As), en Belgique, lors de l'opération allemande Bodenplatte.
Le pilote américain représenté est William T. “Bill” Whisner Jr., aux commandes de son P-51D Mustang Moonbeam McSwine. Il abat un Messerschmitt Bf 109 après avoir lui-même subi des dommages importants.
Voir la documentation de Troy White lui-même ici, qui confirme le sujet, l'année de création 1996, la technique de lithographie, l'édition de 500 exemplaires signés et numérotés, et même un prix de vente de l'artiste.
NEW YEAR'S BASH — TROY WHITE
Artist-Signed Limited Edition Lithograph — Number 29/500 — Original Certificate of Authenticity — Framed
Description
New Year's Bash is a dramatic Second World War aviation artwork by American aviation artist Troy White, depicting an extraordinary aerial engagement during the Battle of Y-29 in Belgium on 1 January 1945.
The painting features Captain William T. “Bill” Whisner Jr. flying his North American P-51D Mustang, Moonbeam McSwine, during the German Luftwaffe's Operation Bodenplatte offensive.
The Mustang, with its distinctive blue nose, polished metal fuselage and HO-W identification markings, banks sharply over the winter landscape as it engages a German Messerschmitt Bf 109.
Troy White's dynamic composition places the viewer alongside the American fighter, creating a remarkable impression of speed, movement and danger.
The contrast between the Mustang's vivid blue nose, the dark green countryside and the pale winter sky gives the painting its distinctive visual impact.
Historical Context — The Battle of Y-29
On 1 January 1945, the German Luftwaffe launched Operation Bodenplatte, a major surprise attack against Allied airfields in Belgium, the Netherlands and France.
The offensive was intended to disrupt Allied tactical aviation during the final stages of the Battle of the Bulge.
One of the airfields targeted was Advanced Landing Ground Y-29, near Asch, Belgium, where American P-51 Mustangs of the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group, were operating.
Approximately 65 German fighters from Jagdgeschwader 11 approached the airfield just as American pilots were taking off.
Despite being caught at a dangerous moment, the Mustang pilots responded immediately and engaged the attacking Luftwaffe aircraft.
The ensuing battle became one of the most celebrated fighter engagements of the closing months of the Second World War.
The 487th Fighter Squadron received a Distinguished Unit Citation for its performance during the action.
Captain William T. “Bill” Whisner Jr. (1923–1989)
William T. Whisner Jr. was a distinguished American fighter pilot who achieved the rare distinction of becoming an ace in both the Second World War and the Korean War.
During the Second World War, he served with the 487th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group, popularly known as the Bluenosers.
On New Year's Day 1945, Whisner took off from Y-29 as German aircraft attacked the airfield.
His Mustang sustained damage to its wings, oil tank and flight controls, but he continued the engagement.
He was credited with destroying four German fighters during the battle.
The incident depicted in New Year's Bash represents Whisner's final victory of the day: the destruction of a Messerschmitt Bf 109 following a head-on engagement.
Whisner finished the Second World War credited with 15.5 aerial victories.
He later served in Korea, flying North American F-86 Sabre fighters and achieving further victories against MiG-15 aircraft.
He retired from the United States Air Force as a colonel in 1972 and died in 1989.
His remarkable combat career remains an important chapter in American fighter aviation history.
The P-51D Mustang — Moonbeam McSwine
The North American P-51D Mustang was one of the most successful American fighter aircraft of the Second World War.
Combining speed, range and manoeuvrability, it played an essential role in establishing Allied air superiority over Europe.
The aircraft featured in New Year's Bash is Moonbeam McSwine, associated with Captain Whisner.
Its historic markings include:
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Aircraft type: North American P-51D Mustang
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Aircraft serial: 44-14237
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Tactical identification: HO-W
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Unit: 487th Fighter Squadron
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Group: 352nd Fighter Group
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Air force: United States Army Air Forces
The distinctive blue nose identifies the aircraft with the famous 352nd Fighter Group.
About the Artist — Troy White
Troy White is an American aviation artist, author and aviation enthusiast whose work is dedicated to preserving the history of military aviation and the people who flew historic aircraft.
He studied at Berry College in Georgia and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Florida State University.
A licensed pilot and experienced skydiver, White brings a practical knowledge of flying to his aviation artwork.
His first solo exhibition devoted to aviation painting and sculpture took place in 1978.
His work is recognised for its bold perspectives, dramatic movement, historical research and powerful portrayal of aerial combat.
He has also published books and articles on military aviation history and the experiences of fighter pilots.
The Creation of New Year's Bash
Troy White created the original oil painting New Year's Bash in 1996.
The painting was inspired by the remarkable events of 1 January 1945 and by historical information shared with the artist by veteran 352nd Fighter Group pilot and historian Robert “Punchy” Powell.
White chose to commemorate two significant engagements from the Battle of Y-29 in separate paintings:
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New Year's Bash, featuring Captain William T. Whisner Jr.
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The Legend of Y-29, featuring Colonel John C. Meyer.
The original New Year's Bash was executed in oil on canvas.
The artist subsequently made the composition available as a signed and numbered limited edition lithograph.
Historical source: Troy White, The Legend of Y-29, Stardust Studios.
https://www.starduststudios.com/hey-i-can-see-your-house-from-up-here/the-legend-of-y-29
Original Artist Signature and Numbering
This example bears a pencil signature attributed to Troy White in the lower margin, together with the handwritten edition number 29/500.
The original Certificate of Authenticity confirms the title, artist and matching edition number.
The artist's official catalogue identifies New Year's Bash as a signed and numbered limited edition of 500 lithographic prints.
The signature and numbering are both visible in the accompanying close-up photographs.
The signature attribution is supported by the artist's edition documentation and the original certificate; no independent handwriting authentication has been undertaken.
Original Certificate of Authenticity
The artwork is accompanied by its original Certificate of Authenticity.
The certificate identifies:
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Title: New Year's Bash
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Artist: Troy White
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Certificate number: 29/500
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Edition: Limited edition of 500 prints
Collectors' Interest
New Year's Bash is an attractive aviation collectible combining Troy White's dynamic artistic style with one of the most remarkable American fighter engagements of the Second World War.
The work commemorates Captain William Whisner's exceptional combat performance during the Battle of Y-29 in Belgium on 1 January 1945.
Its low edition number 29/500, original artist-associated pencil signature, matching Certificate of Authenticity and traditional framing enhance its appeal to collectors of P-51 Mustang aviation art, the 352nd Fighter Group and Operation Bodenplatte.
The historical connection to an important air battle fought in Belgium makes the artwork especially relevant to European aviation enthusiasts.
Shipping & Click & Collect
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