Bradford Exchange Struck by a Thunderbolt Collector Plate – Triumph in the Air – Heinz Krebs – WWII Aviation
A carefully chosen piece from the cupboard.
Ships with care from Pittsburgh ✨
Each item inside Mrs. Bones Curio Cupboard is selected with intention—never ordinary, never without a story.
Some are handcrafted. Some are discovered. All are chosen to bring a little intrigue, beauty, or curiosity into your world.
Crafted of fine hard-fire porcelain by The Bradford Exchange, this limited-edition collector plate features Heinz Krebs' dramatic artwork depicting Struck by a Thunderbolt, an exciting World War II aerial combat scene featuring the legendary Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. Produced as the fourth issue in the Triumph in the Air collector plate series, this decorative plate honors one of the toughest and most effective American fighter aircraft of World War II.
Bradford Exchange "Struck by a Thunderbolt"
Celebrate the power and resilience of Allied military aviation with this limited-edition Bradford Exchange collector plate featuring Struck by a Thunderbolt, the fourth issue in the Triumph in the Air series.
Created from original artwork by acclaimed aviation artist Heinz Krebs, this decorative porcelain plate portrays the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt engaging enemy aircraft during an intense combat mission over occupied Europe. Nicknamed the "Jug" by the pilots who flew it, the P-47 earned a reputation for exceptional durability, devastating firepower, and remarkable survivability. Krebs' dramatic artwork captures the aircraft in the heat of battle while paying tribute to the bravery of the Allied pilots who flew these formidable fighters.
Produced by The Bradford Exchange, this collector plate was manufactured as a limited edition of 95 firing days and bears its original manufacturer backstamp, Bradex number, and individual plate number.
Whether displayed in a military history collection, aviation-themed office, veterans' display, or collector plate cabinet, this piece is an outstanding tribute to the men and machines that helped secure Allied victory during World War II.
This example bears Plate Number 944A and Bradex Number 84-B10-147.4, identifying it as the fourth issue in The Bradford Exchange Triumph in the Air collector plate series.
Historical Background
The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the largest and heaviest single-engine fighter aircraft of World War II. Introduced in 1942, it became famous for its rugged construction, eight .50-caliber machine guns, and outstanding performance as both a high-altitude escort fighter and a devastating ground-attack aircraft.
The Thunderbolt flew thousands of combat missions across Europe and the Pacific, escorting bombers, destroying enemy aircraft, and providing critical close-air support to Allied ground forces. Its toughness allowed many heavily damaged aircraft to return safely home, earning the P-47 a lasting reputation as one of the most dependable fighters of the war.
Features
- The Bradford Exchange
- Original artwork by Heinz Krebs
- Title: Struck by a Thunderbolt
- Series: Triumph in the Air
- Fourth Issue
- Limited Edition
- Limited to 95 firing days
- Hard-fire porcelain collector plate
- Approximately 8¼ inches in diameter
- Decorative display plate
- Original manufacturer backstamp
- Bradex Number: 84-B10-147.4
- Individually numbered plate
Condition
Very good vintage condition.
No chips, cracks, or repairs observed during inspection. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the item description.
Mrs. Bones Research Library
We've extensively researched this collector plate series.
Read the complete Research & Provenance Guide here:
Perfect for gifting, collecting, or keeping something a little unexpected for yourself.
Availability:
Some pieces are one-of-a-kind or limited in quantity. Once they’re gone, they may not return.
✔ Available online
✔ Carefully packed and shipped
✔ From our Pittsburgh-based curio space
You may also like
Every piece you find here has a story behind it.
Not everything here is meant for everyone.
Curated, Not Mass Made
Each item is chosen for its story, character, and charm—not to fill a shelf. Every piece arrives with intention, never by accident.
Always Changing
The cupboard evolves constantly. What’s here today may be gone tomorrow, so every visit is a little adventure—discover something unexpected each time.
Packed With Care
Every order is thoughtfully prepared and shipped from our Pittsburgh-based curio space, ensuring your treasures arrive safely and ready to delight.