1979 Western Airlines Poster - signed by artist
By: Jim Parker
Date: 1979 (dated)
Dimensions: 28 x 22 inches (71 x 56 cm)
This is a late 1970s poster dedicated to the history of airplanes used by Western Air, since their inception in 1926. Some of the planes featured in this poster include Douglas M-2, Sikorsky S38, and the German made Fokker F10 Tri motor. Ascending from the bottom to the top of the poster we get an evolution of commercial aircraft by a variety of companies that include Douglas, Boeing, Conair, and Lockheed. In the lower left, appear all of the logos associated with the long history of Western Air and in the lower right, we find a hand-signed autograph of from the artist, Jim Parker alongside his printed signature.
Western Airlines, founded in 1925 as Western Air Express, was one of the earliest American commercial airlines. It began with mail service between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City and soon expanded to include passenger flights. In the 1930s, Western Air Express merged with Transcontinental Air Transport to form Transcontinental & Western Air, which later became TWA. However, Western Airlines re-emerged as an independent company in 1934 after commercial airlines were allowed to bid for mail contracts following the failed experiment by President Roosevelt of having the U.S. Army deliver mail ill-equipped planes with inexperienced pilots.
Known for its pioneering spirit, Western Airlines expanded its routes across the western United States and to Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico. The airline was also recognized for its innovation, in being the first to offer in-flight movies in 1961. Western Airlines continued to grow until 1987, when it was acquired by Delta Air Lines, marking the end of its operations under the Western name.
Condition: Poster is in B+ condition with only a few minor scratches. Overall, the paper is clean sharp edges, pointed corners, and no tears or pin holes.
Inventory #12767
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