Robert M. Elder Signed 'Fast Cats' 11x16 Lithograph (AIV)

""" Calling all aviation enthusiasts and collectors!







Prepare to take flight with this extraordinary find: a hand-signed 11 1/2 X 16 lithograph titled """"Fast Cats"""" by acclaimed artist Stan Stokes. Authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, this captivating lithograph celebrates the legendary speed and agility of the """"Fast Cats"""" of World War II, as witnessed by WWII Ace Robert M. Elder.







In """"Fast Cats,"""" Stan Stokes expertly captures the sleek silhouette of the P-38 Lightning, one of the most iconic aircraft of the war. Set against a backdrop of azure skies and billowing clouds, these formidable fighters soar with unparalleled grace and power, embodying the spirit of aerial supremacy.







The hand-signed signature of Robert M. Elder, a distinguished WWII Ace, adds an extra layer of authenticity and prestige 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 Robert M. Elder himself.







Don't miss your chance to own this rare piece of aviation art. Bid now and make this hand-signed Stan Stokes lithograph of """"Fast Cats,"""" authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, the centerpiece of your collection. Seize this opportunity to honor the courage and skill of WWII Ace Robert M. Elder and celebrate the indomitable spirit of the Fast Cats. Place your bid today and let this extraordinary piece of history take pride of place in your collection! ""







Robert M. Elder was born in Saskatchewan, Canada on December 5, 1918. He attended the University of Washington in Seattle as a Naval ROTC student, where he majored in Aero Engineering. Elder commenced his flight training at Pensacola, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the USNR in May of 1941. In June, Elder was assigned to Bombing Squadron 3, the Black Panthers, who were at that time were equipped with Douglas Dauntless S1313-3 bombers, and were assigned to the USS Saratoga (CV-3) based in San Diego. With the attack on Pearl Harbor, Elder and his squadron mates from V13-3 would be soon be involved in the heat of battle in the Pacific. Elder flew numerous bombing missions during the Battle of the Coral Sea. During the Battle of Midway, V13-3 flying off the USS Yorktown, along with bombers from the USS Enterprise, sunk three Japanese aircraft carriers in a matter of minutes. This would prove to be the turning point in the War in the Pacific. Elder would later fly in both the Guadacanal and Easter Solomons campaigns. He was awarded two Navy Crosses, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and received two Presidential Unit Citations. Following the War, Elder remained in the Navy. He was one of the first graduates from the Navy's test pilot training school in 1950. He was also one of the first Naval aviators to fly jet aircraft, and he participated in developmental flights on both the F8F Bearcat and the F7F Tigercat. On the former Elder carrier qualified the aircraft. In 1953 Elder returned to combat duty with VF-191 flying off the USS Orinskany. Subsequently he commanded Carrier Air Group 12, the USS Waccamaw, and the USS Coral Sea. Following the Korean War, Elder continued to fly. In 1957 Bob was assigned as Director of the Flight Test Division at the Navy's Air Test Center at Patuxent River, Maryland. Here Bob personally conducted initial test flights on many of the Navy's new supersonic fighter aircraft including the F3 Demon, F-1 1 Tiger, the F-4 Phantom 11, the A-5 Vigilante, and the F8U-3 Crusader 11. Elder retired from the Navy in 1963. He then worked for the Northrop Corporation for 23 years, holding the positions of Chief Test Pilot, Director of Flight Operations, and Head of Flight Test and Evaluation. He was one of the driving forces behind the programs which evolved into the F/A- 18 Hornet. Bob also was founder of the Tailhook Association, and received its Lifetime Achievement Award in 1964. During his amazing flying career, Bob Elder has flown more than 8,000 flight hours in 142 different types of aircraft. He has become carrier qualified in 35 different aircraft, and has made almost 1,000 carrier landings. Bob s also served as President of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. He died 12th September 2008."

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.