An original miniature model B-17 pilot used in the production of the Second World War movie Memphis Belle.

A number of real B-17’s were located for filming with some of them being airworthy. With so few real planes available and with such dramatic action required, a number of model miniatures, of differing scales, were required for filming.

This model pilot was used as part of one of the beautifully constructed large scale versions of the B-17 aircraft used in the film, fitted as part of the aircraft’s cockpit assembly. These particular aircraft were used for the close-ups during the intense aerial combat sequences, where use of real aircraft was not advisable. Cast in resin, the model is missing its head, arms and lower legs, while the back of the pilot model has been cut out to allow the fitting of a frame to ensure the model stayed secure during use. The model’s leather and canvas flight gear is finished in brown and green, while traces of modelling clay are also present on the model’s chest.

Well used on the production, the pilot model features significant wear from production use, with wear to the paint work, but remains in an overall fair production-used condition with additional wear from use.

It measures approx 7.75in x 3.5in x 3in 

Memphis Belle is a 1990 British-American war drama film directed by Michael Caton-Jones and written by Monte Merrick. The film stars Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz, and Harry Connick Jr. (in his film debut). Memphis Belle is a fictional version of the 1944 documentary Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress by director William Wyler, about the 25th and last mission of an American Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bomber, the Memphis Belle, based in England during World War II. 

All our props come with a Studio Props Certificate of Authenticity and have been authenticated by a well-renowned collector of props for many years.