Larry Girard Signed 'Sentimental Journey' 11x16 Lithograph (AIV)

""" Calling all aviation aficionados and collectors!







Embark on a nostalgic journey through the golden age of aviation with this exquisite find: a hand-signed 11 1/2 X 16 lithograph titled """"Sentimental Journey"""" by acclaimed artist Stan Stokes. Authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, this captivating lithograph celebrates the spirit of adventure and wanderlust embodied by TWA pilot Larry Girard.







In """"Sentimental Journey,"""" Stan Stokes transports us back to an era of glamour and excitement as a sleek TWA airliner soars gracefully through the clouds. Against a backdrop of azure skies and fluffy cumulus clouds, the aircraft symbolizes the romance and thrill of air travel during the mid-20th century.







The hand-signed signature of Larry Girard, a distinguished TWA pilot, adds an extra layer of authenticity and historical significance to this lithograph, making it a prized addition to any aviation collection.







With AI-Verified authentication services, you can bid with confidence, knowing that the signature on this lithograph has been verified using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. This ensures that you are acquiring a genuine piece of aviation history, signed by Larry Girard himself.







Don't miss your chance to own this rare piece of artwork. Bid now and make this hand-signed Stan Stokes lithograph of """"Sentimental Journey,"""" authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, the centerpiece of your collection. Celebrate the romance of flight and honor the legacy of TWA pilot Larry Girard. Place your bid today and let this extraordinary piece of history take flight in your collection! ""







Larry Girard was born in 1922. He had a interest in aviation from an early age. He built aircraft models, and spent as much time as possible around airplanes and airports. By doing oddjobs around a local airport, Larry earned his first flight in a Curtis Junior (a three-cylinder lightweight pusher aircraft) at the Somerset Hills Airport in New Jersey. While attending Newark College of Engineering, he enrolled in the Civilian Pilot Training Program. He completed all phases of this training, earning both Commercial and Flight Instructor Ratings. He also obtained a Ground School Instructor Certificate, which resulted in Larry landing his first job with Roscoe Turner Aviation in Indianapolis. Earning $200 per month, Larry instructed neophyte pilot students from Central and South America. During this time Girard met Alton Parker of TWA. This helped him land a job at TWA as a Second Officer in the newly formed Intercontinental Division. This unit flew government and military 'W1Ps during WW II. Modified, 4-engine, Boeing 307-B aircraft were utilized, which were given the military designation C-75. These tail draggers kept their peacetime names of Commanche, Cherokee, etc. Larry made many Atlantic crossings in these aircraft, including one flight which lasted nearly twenty hours. He flew Generals Arnold, Clark, Simpson, and Bradley, as well as F.D.R. on these trips, which were often kept highly secretive. In 1945, at the young age of twenty-three, Girard was promoted to Captain. He then flew C-54s until the end of the War. Following the War Larry flew DC-3s and Martin 404s on domestic routes for TWA. He was later made the Regional Test Pilot for TWA's operations at the three major New York airports. Girard flew all the variants of the Lockheed Constellation. The 1049-G model, which is depicted in Stan Stokes painting, remains one of Larry's sentimental favorites. On one flight where Girard was checking out a fellow pilot, the pilot collapsed at the controls during a thunderstorm over Nebraska. Girard made an emergency landing at Grand Island, but unfortunately the pilot being checked out did not survive. As jets began to displace the older piston-powered aircraft, Girard became an instructor on the Boeing 727, and also served as a Cheek Airman for the Boeing 707 and the 747. Captain Girard served a four year stint as Director of Flight Crew Administration and Labor Relations, before returning to line flying with TWA's operations in California. He flew Pacific Routes with TWA until they were phased out. He then flew the great polar route from Los Angeles to London until he retired in 1982. Larry resides with his wife Phyllis in Pebble Beach, California where he enjoys golf, tennis, and some occasional recreational flying. Sadly, he died on 25th July 2003."

The lot / autograph(s) includes an official Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: AIV COA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.