Description
You are bidding on a VERY NICE used example of a WW2 USAAF Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress” Control Yoke! This was mounted directly in front of the pilot (or co-pilot), and gave him control of the aircraft and radio. Recovered from a wreck, this is most likely from a later G version, but would have been used in all F to G models.
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress was one of the most iconic heavy bombers of the war, employed extensively by the United States Army Air Forces in both the European and Pacific theaters. The pilot’s control yoke was the primary flight control interface, directly connected to the aircraft’s control surfaces and used to command pitch and roll during all phases of flight. In combat operations these yokes were handled during takeoff, formation flying, high altitude bombing runs, evasive maneuvers, and landing, making them among the most significant physical touchpoints between pilot and aircraft. Original B-17 cockpit components are increasingly difficult to find, particularly authentic flight control items.
Made of a steel internal structure with its original molded rubber coating, this example remains SOLID and structurally sound. Manufactured around 1944, the rubber grip is fully intact with no sections missing…though it shows normal wear, fading, and age-related cracking consistent with a genuine period-used piece. The central hub remains present, though the original microphone push button is missing; some original internal wiring remains visible. There is light surface oxidation to the exposed metal areas but NO structural corrosion, NO repairs, and NO modern alterations observed! Some traces of GREEN cockpit paint remain on parts of the outer surface. The working”MICROPHONE” can clearly be seen, as well as some part numbers at the reverse. This is an honest RELIC condition yoke that displays beautifully and represents an increasingly scarce original cockpit component from the legendary B-17 Flying Fortress. I have shown its location in the last images. A FANTASTIC display piece for any serious USAAF or aviation collection!
