Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, November 9th. The auction will begin at 3:00PM BST and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, November 10th, Saturday, November 11th or Sunday, November 12th.

A functional model miniature Memphis Belle aircraft from Michael Caton-Jones' World War II action-drama Memphis Belle. The crew of the Memphis Belle flew the Flying Fortress bomber on its 25th and final mission over a heavily defended German town. While real Boeing B-17 planes were used for filming close-ups, several miniature models of various scales were created for wide shots and aerial group shots.

This highly detailed miniature is predominantly made of fibreglass, and has two fixed rubber front wheels, functional propellers, and clear plastic in its top turret, nose and each window. The bomber's exterior is finished in the traditional green-and-grey colours of the USAAF 8th Air Force, with hand-painted decals. These comprise its famous pin-up-girl nose art and various identification markings, namely: "124485" on either side of the tail; "DF A" on the left body; "A DF" on the right body; "MOM" below the top turret; a blue-and-white star on the left wing and on either side of the body; "Virginia" underneath the right waist gunner window; and "Sally" under the left waist gunner window. Four hand-painted plastic crew figures are fixed in their respective windows: a bombardier in the nose; a pilot and co-pilot in the cockpit; and two waist gunners in the open waist window. There are also five movable plastic guns: two in the ball turret, two in the tail, and one held by a waist gunner crew figure.

A mount is secured to the model's base so it can be displayed on a custom black metal stand, also included in the lot. The stand features a button, a cable and an encased power supply; when the cable is plugged in at the model's base and the button is pressed, it activates all four propellers. Intentional wear and distressing have been applied to replicate the lifesize, battle-worn B-17. In addition, there is discolouration to the plastic windows, a hole at the tip of the tail, cracks in the frame and windows, minor chips, and fading of the paint, while the right waist gunner's gun is missing. Dimensions (plane): 99 cm x 132 cm x 34 cm (39" x 52" x 13 1/2")

Contains mechanical components; see mechanical notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Special shipping required; see special shipping notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: £20,000 - 40,000 †Δ