Mrs. Bones Research Library
"Preserving the history behind the treasures we discover."
Welcome to the Mrs. Bones Research Library, where we document the history, provenance, identification, and collector information behind the vintage and antique treasures we discover. Each guide is independently researched using historical references, manufacturer information, collector resources, archival materials, museum collections, and period publications whenever available.
Triumph in the Air
A Tribute to WWII Heroes
Bradford Exchange Collector Plate Series
Research File No.: MBRL-2026-0008
Published: July 28, 2026
Last Updated: July 28, 2026
Research Confidence: 🟢 High
A Research & Provenance Guide
One of the most compelling aspects of collecting commemorative collector plates is discovering the history they were created to preserve. While many decorative plates celebrate fine art or nostalgic subjects, others commemorate defining moments in history and honor the courage of the individuals who shaped the modern world. Military-themed collector plates often combine historically researched artwork with detailed ceramic craftsmanship, creating lasting tributes to the aircraft, crews, and battles that changed the course of history.
This Research & Provenance Guide documents the research conducted by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard on three original collector plates from Triumph in the Air: A Tribute to WWII Heroes, produced by The Bradford Exchange and featuring the artwork of acclaimed military artist James Dietz.
Each plate portrays a dramatic aerial scene inspired by the air war of the Second World War, honoring the bravery of Allied aircrews while highlighting aircraft that became legendary through their service during one of history's most significant conflicts.
Through examination of manufacturer markings, plate numbers, Bradex identification numbers, artist information, historical references, and aviation resources, we sought to identify the collection, document its production history, and better understand the historical significance of the aircraft and missions represented.
Our goal is not simply to identify a series of collectible plates, but to preserve the stories behind the aircraft, the artwork, and the people whose service inspired this collection so that military historians, aviation enthusiasts, collectors, researchers, and future owners can better appreciate both the artistry and the remarkable history these plates commemorate.
Introduction
This Research & Provenance Guide documents the research conducted by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard on a group of three original collector plates from the Triumph in the Air: A Tribute to WWII Heroes series, produced by The Bradford Exchange and featuring artwork by renowned military artist James Dietz.
Each plate honors the courage, skill, and sacrifice of Allied aviators who served during the Second World War. Through historically inspired artwork, the series captures dramatic aerial combat scenes while paying tribute to the aircraft, crews, and missions that helped secure victory during one of history's most consequential conflicts.
Our research focused on identifying the manufacturer, documenting the artist and collector series, examining the edition information and Bradex identification numbers, and exploring the historical significance of the aircraft and military operations portrayed. We also sought to distinguish documented historical facts from common misconceptions frequently found in secondary market listings, providing collectors with a carefully researched reference for this series.
Although this guide focuses on the three plates acquired by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard, it also documents the broader Triumph in the Air collection so that military historians, aviation enthusiasts, collectors, researchers, and future owners can better understand the historical and artistic significance of these commemorative plates.
Research Summary
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | Triumph in the Air: A Tribute to WWII Heroes |
| Manufacturer | The Bradford Exchange |
| Artist | James Dietz |
| Product Type | Limited Edition Decorative Collector Plates |
| Collection Theme | World War II Military Aviation |
| Material | Fine Porcelain |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Approximate Diameter | Approximately 8¼ inches |
| Pieces Researched | Three Original Plates |
| Plates in Our Collection | Dance of Death, Hunting Fever, and Stung by a Thunderbolt |
About The Bradford Exchange
Founded in 1973, The Bradford Exchange became one of the world's leading producers and marketers of limited-edition collectible art, decorative plates, figurines, ornaments, and commemorative keepsakes. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, the company built its reputation by collaborating with respected artists, historians, museums, military organizations, and licensing partners to create collectible editions celebrating history, patriotism, wildlife, fine art, popular culture, and significant historical events.
Among its most recognized products are its decorative collector plates, many of which were produced in fine porcelain and issued in limited editions. Rather than being intended for everyday dining, these plates were created as decorative works of art designed to commemorate important people, places, events, and achievements. Each issue typically featured original artwork reproduced using high-quality ceramic transfer techniques, allowing collectors to enjoy detailed paintings in a durable porcelain format.
Military-themed collections became especially popular during the 1980s and 1990s, when many veterans, their families, and history enthusiasts sought meaningful ways to honor the sacrifices of the "Greatest Generation." Through collaborations with acclaimed military artists, The Bradford Exchange produced numerous series recognizing the courage of Allied servicemen and women while preserving important moments from World War II history.
The Triumph in the Air: A Tribute to WWII Heroes series reflects this tradition by honoring the pilots, crews, and aircraft that helped secure Allied victory during the Second World War. Combining historically inspired artwork with quality porcelain craftsmanship, the series continues to appeal to collectors of military memorabilia, aviation history, and decorative patriotic art.
Although collector plate values have fluctuated over the decades, Bradford Exchange military collections remain appreciated for their detailed artwork, historical themes, and lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who served during World War II.
About the Artist – James Dietz
The artwork featured throughout the Triumph in the Air: A Tribute to WWII Heroes series was created by James Dietz, one of America's most respected historical and military artists. Renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, Dietz has built an international reputation for producing historically accurate paintings that bring pivotal moments in military history to life.
Born in 1946, Dietz developed an early interest in history, aviation, and military subjects. His work is distinguished by extensive historical research, careful study of original photographs, veterans' firsthand accounts, military equipment, uniforms, and archival records. This commitment to authenticity has earned his paintings recognition among collectors, museums, military organizations, historians, and veterans alike.
Rather than portraying war as abstract conflict, Dietz focuses on the individuals who served—the pilots, aircrews, soldiers, and sailors whose courage and sacrifice shaped history. His paintings often capture dramatic moments of action while remaining faithful to the appearance of the aircraft, vehicles, landscapes, and equipment depicted. The result is artwork that is both visually compelling and historically respectful.
Throughout his career, James Dietz has illustrated numerous books, commemorative prints, military publications, and collector editions covering subjects ranging from the American Civil War and World War II to the Vietnam War and other significant military campaigns. His original paintings are represented in private collections throughout the United States and are widely admired within the military art community.
For the Triumph in the Air series, Dietz created dramatic aerial combat scenes inspired by the experiences of Allied aviators during World War II. Each painting highlights not only the aircraft themselves but also the determination, skill, and bravery of the men who flew them, transforming these collector plates into lasting tributes to the heroes of military aviation.
Today, James Dietz remains recognized as one of the foremost artists in the field of historical military art. His work continues to educate, inspire, and preserve the stories of those who served, ensuring that future generations can better appreciate the sacrifices and achievements of the men and women who shaped world history.
Triumph in the Air: A Tribute to WWII Heroes
World War II forever changed the course of history, and nowhere was that transformation more evident than in the skies above Europe, the Pacific, and North Africa. Military aviation evolved at an unprecedented pace during the conflict, with fighter aircraft, bombers, and their crews playing decisive roles in securing Allied victory. The bravery, skill, and sacrifice of these airmen have inspired generations of historians, veterans, artists, and collectors.
Recognizing the enduring fascination with military aviation and the courage of those who served, The Bradford Exchange created the Triumph in the Air: A Tribute to WWII Heroes collector plate series. Featuring original artwork by acclaimed military artist James Dietz, the series honors some of the most memorable aircraft, aerial battles, and combat missions of the Second World War.
Rather than presenting generic aviation scenes, each plate depicts a specific aircraft and mission inspired by documented wartime events. Dietz's carefully researched paintings capture not only the appearance of these legendary warbirds but also the intensity, danger, and heroism experienced by the pilots and crews who flew them. His attention to authentic aircraft markings, camouflage, weather conditions, and historical details has made the series especially appealing to both military historians and aviation enthusiasts.
The plates in this collection serve as more than decorative artwork. They are visual tributes to the men and women whose service helped preserve freedom during one of history's most challenging periods. By combining historical accuracy with exceptional artistic craftsmanship, Triumph in the Air preserves the legacy of World War II aviation for future generations of collectors, historians, veterans, and their families.
Although the era of piston-powered military aircraft gave way to the jet age following World War II, the stories represented in this series continue to resonate today. Museums, memorials, veterans' organizations, and historical preservation groups around the world work to ensure that the achievements and sacrifices of the Greatest Generation—and the remarkable aircraft they flew—are never forgotten.
The Aircraft Featured in Our Collection
The three collector plates documented in this Research & Provenance Guide each depict a historically inspired World War II aviation scene featuring legendary American fighter aircraft and the courageous airmen who flew them. While each plate captures a different moment in aerial combat, together they tell the broader story of Allied air superiority and the vital role military aviation played in securing victory during the Second World War.
Dance of Death
Featuring the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Dance of Death portrays one of America's most distinctive twin-engine fighter aircraft engaged in combat over the European theater. Introduced in 1941, the P-38 served in numerous roles including long-range escort, reconnaissance, interception, and ground attack. Its unique twin-boom design, exceptional range, and heavy firepower made it one of the most versatile fighters of the war.
The Lightning gained lasting fame through the achievements of legendary American aces such as Richard Bong and Thomas McGuire, who together accounted for more than one hundred confirmed aerial victories while flying the aircraft in the Pacific Theater. The P-38 also played a pivotal role in Operation Vengeance, the daring 1943 mission that intercepted and shot down the aircraft carrying Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto.
James Dietz's dramatic artwork captures the speed, power, and danger of aerial combat while honoring the pilots whose skill and determination helped establish Allied air superiority.
Hunting Fever
Hunting Fever features the legendary North American P-51 Mustang, widely regarded as one of the finest fighter aircraft ever built. Introduced later in the war, the Mustang revolutionized Allied air operations through its exceptional speed, maneuverability, and long-range escort capability. Equipped with external fuel tanks, P-51s could accompany American bombers deep into enemy territory, dramatically improving the survival of bomber crews and shifting the balance of the air war over Europe.
The Mustang quickly became the aircraft of choice for many of America's highest-scoring fighter aces and earned a reputation for reliability, versatility, and combat effectiveness. Its combination of performance and endurance allowed Allied forces to achieve and maintain air superiority during the closing years of World War II.
In Hunting Fever, James Dietz portrays the Mustang in the heat of combat, emphasizing both the aircraft's graceful design and the courage of the pilots who flew dangerous escort and interception missions over occupied Europe.
Stung by a Thunderbolt
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the largest and most heavily armed single-engine fighters of World War II. Nicknamed the "Jug" by its pilots, the Thunderbolt combined exceptional durability with tremendous firepower, making it equally effective in air-to-air combat and ground attack missions.
Powered by the massive Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engine, the P-47 could withstand extensive battle damage and still return its pilots safely home. Its eight .50-caliber machine guns, rugged construction, and ability to carry bombs and rockets made it one of the most formidable fighter-bombers of the European Theater.
In Stung by a Thunderbolt, James Dietz captures the raw power and resilience of the P-47 as it engages enemy aircraft in a dramatic wartime encounter. The painting serves as a tribute to the thousands of pilots who relied on the Thunderbolt's strength and firepower while supporting Allied operations across Europe.
Understanding Limited-Edition Collector Plates
One of the most common questions collectors have about Bradford Exchange collector plates concerns the meaning of the term "Limited Edition." Unlike mass-produced decorative china, limited-edition collector plates were created as part of carefully managed collecting programs designed to produce each issue for a defined period before permanently retiring the design.
Rather than manufacturing plates indefinitely, The Bradford Exchange issued individual designs for a limited production period or according to predetermined edition guidelines established when the collection was introduced. Once an edition closed, production of that specific plate ceased, ensuring that no additional examples would be produced under the original authorization.
Each plate in the Triumph in the Air: A Tribute to WWII Heroes series bears its own Bradex number, providing collectors with a unique identification code for that specific issue within the collection. Individual plate numbers were also assigned during production, allowing each example to be identified within its edition.
It is important to understand that "Limited Edition" does not necessarily indicate rarity or guarantee future value. Collector demand, condition, completeness of the series, historical significance, and the continued popularity of the featured subject all play important roles in determining desirability in today's secondary market.
For many collectors, the greatest appeal of the Triumph in the Air series lies not in its investment potential but in the combination of exceptional military artwork, historical storytelling, and quality porcelain craftsmanship. The plates serve as enduring tributes to the pilots, aircraft, and missions that helped shape the outcome of World War II, making them meaningful additions to collections focused on aviation history, military heritage, or patriotic Americana.
Identifying the Collection
The three collector plates documented in this Research & Provenance Guide share several characteristics that identify them as authentic examples from Triumph in the Air: A Tribute to WWII Heroes collector plate series.
Each plate features:
- Original artwork by James Dietz
- Production by The Bradford Exchange
- Fine porcelain construction with a glazed finish
- Full-color artwork reproduced from an original historical painting
- Decorative gold-colored border surrounding the artwork
- Individual issue title within the series
- Unique Bradex identification number
- Individual plate number
- Manufacturer's backstamp and copyright information
- Decorative art object designation intended for display rather than food service
- Approximately 8¼ inches in diameter
The examples researched by Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard include the following issues from the series:
- Dance of Death
- Hunting Fever
- Stung by a Thunderbolt
Although this Research & Provenance Guide documents the three plates currently in our collection, additional issues were produced as part of the complete Triumph in the Air: A Tribute to WWII Heroes series. Many collectors enjoy assembling complete sets, while others focus on plates depicting favorite aircraft, notable military campaigns, or artwork by James Dietz.
Examining the backstamp is one of the most reliable methods of identifying an authentic plate from this series. The backstamp provides valuable information including the series title, plate title, Bradex number, individual plate number, artist attribution, manufacturer information, and copyright details. Together, these markings help collectors authenticate, catalog, and distinguish each issue within the collection.