Original Item: Only One Available. This is an impressive framed example of Jerry Crandall’s aviation artwork “Adolf Galland,” produced by Eagle Editions Ltd. in 1988 in connection with the approaching 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Unlike the signed and numbered limited-edition examples of this image, this particular print is neither signed nor numbered. The large frame measures approximately 23 x 34¾ inches, and the image remains clear and in excellent overall condition.

The painting depicts Oberstleutnant Adolf Galland, Kommodore of Jagdgeschwader 26, flying his new Messerschmitt Bf 109 F during the events of April 15, 1941. Galland was flying from Brest toward Le Touquet to attend the 49th birthday celebration of General Theo Osterkamp, carrying seafood delicacies intended for the festivities. His crew chief, Gerhard Meyer, had placed the provisions aboard the aircraft before departure.

Rather than flying directly to Le Touquet, Galland and his wingman, Oberleutnant Westphal, made a detour toward the English coast in search of RAF aircraft. Near Dover they encountered a formation of Spitfires. During the ensuing combat, Galland’s landing gear was inadvertently lowered, creating considerable drag while he continued the engagement. Galland claimed two Spitfires as confirmed victories and another as unconfirmed; British records indicate that one Spitfire was destroyed while two others were damaged in forced landings. RAF ace Paddy Finucane engaged Galland during the action and claimed the German aircraft as a victory, but Galland successfully returned to Le Touquet.

The incident became one of the better-known episodes associated with Galland’s wartime career and was later captured by aviation artist Jerry Crandall, whose work frequently depicted specific aircraft, pilots, and documented combat events. Signed limited-edition versions of “Adolf Galland” are known bearing the signatures of Galland and his crew chief Gerhard Meyer, while this particular example remains unsigned and unnumbered.

The print remains housed in a good period frame and presents extremely well. Although it lacks the signatures and edition number found on the limited-edition versions, its large format, excellent condition, and depiction of one of Adolf Galland’s best-known Bf 109 F episodes make it a strong display piece for a collection focused on WWII aviation, Luftwaffe history, or military aviation artwork.