SHARK SIGHTING
Overall size: 37.5 "x 23" Image size: 32"x 16"
Personally signed by at least 11 original Flying Tigers, this scene depicts "Tex" Hill and crew bore-sighting the guns of an AVG Tomahawk, preparing for battle in the Asian skies during WWII.
The American Volunteer Group prepares for business out on the firing range in China, 1942. In this scene, AVG ace “Tex” Hill looks over the shoulder of armorer Chuck Baisden as the engine is run up and the wing guns are test-fired on one of the Flying Tigers’ P-40s. Bore-sighting the guns of a Tomahawk in these primitive conditions required leveling the plane, often on the tailgate of a flatbed truck, and adjusting the fire of all guns to converge at a predetermined distance. The expertise and ingenuity of the AVG armorers, crew chiefs and maintenance personnel meant the difference between life and death for pilots who daily confronted the enemy, which ultimately earned the Flying Tigers worldwide fame.
The painting Shark Sighting was completed in 2007. One interesting detail, which fans of the AVG can appreciate, is that the artist wanted to include elements to honor all 3 squadrons, while maintaining historic accuracy (all 3 never flew together at once following training period in Burma). Representing the 3rd “Hell’s Angels” squadron are: Armorer Chuck Baisden (in cockpit) and crew chief Leo Schramm (on tail), arming Tomahawk # 68, flown by the AVG’s first ace, Duke Hedman. Representing the 2nd “Panda Bears” squadron is one of the Tigers’ greatest and well-loved aces, David Lee “Tex” Hill, who did indeed fly various 3rd squadron planes on occasion. Those with sharp eyes will notice near the front wheels, a green apple and dark snake winding its way through the grass, which symbolizes the AVG’s 1st Squadron, the “Adam & Eves”, who displayed the apple & snake insignia on the fuselages of their aircraft.
Autographed editions of this print include Certificate of Authenticity & Signers Biography Profile
Main Edition $295
11 AVG Signatures
Display Edition $125
Signed by artist only
Special Edition- Sold out
15 AVG signatures
Canvas Giclée Edition-The next best thing to owning the original painting!
These beautiful Canvas Giclées are individually printed, and are hand-varnished, signed & numbered by the artist. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery, as these custom items require special ordering. Canvases are shipped rolled & ready for stretching.
20 x 40" Canvas Giclée $895
24 x 48" Canvas Giclée $1095
30 x 60" Canvas Giclée $1295
Custom sizes are also available! Please contact us for pricing on custom sizes not listed above. Please feel free to call with questions 407-718-8187
Shark Sighting Print by John Shaw, personally signed by at least 11 original Flying Tigers, this scene depicts "Tex" Hill and crew bore-sighting the guns of an AVG Tomahawk, preparing for battle in the Asian skies during WWII.
Shark Sighting AVG print signers at the 2007 Charleston, SC Reunion
Shark Sighting - 2007 Reunion, Charleston SC- Last time the AVG signed a print as a group - Pictured with original oil painting: Tex Hill, Chuck Baisden (armorer), Dick Rossi
Signing prints in Charleston, SC 2007-Last time the AVG signed a print as a group-
The great crew at Charleston AFB rolled out the carpet for the Flying Tigers, with tours of their fantastic C-17s, demonstrations with trained canine units, etc. A good time was had by all. AVG vets pictured here, back row, L to R: Rich Richardson, Morgan Vaux, Frank Losonsky, Dick Rossi, Paul Clouthier, Chuck Baisden, Joe Poshefko, ‘Red’ Foster Hanks, Ken Jernstedt, Peter Wright, Tex Hill, Ed Janski
A vintage 8.5"x 11" photo of Tex Hill's "Panda Bear" Squadron -