Fairchild Model 24W: WW2 Aircraft Identification Chart, 1942

This striking vintage poster, "(Second World War-Aircraft Identification) Argus I (Warner) [Fairchild Model 24W]," created by renowned British printers Fosh & Cross in 1942, beautifully captures an intriguing piece of aviation and wartime history. Originally designed as part of a vital series of aircraft identification posters produced for the United Kingdom during World War Two, this artwork served a critical wartime function in helping personnel swiftly recognize and differentiate aircraft types.

Offered by The Unique Maps Co., this high-quality fine art print is available on premium acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas, ensuring its preservation and vibrancy for decades to come. With various sizing and framing options available, this print can be personalized and customized, making it a remarkable addition to any collection or interior décor scheme.

Fosh & Cross Ltd. were the primary printers of government-issued propaganda and educational posters during the war, renowned for their clear visual communication and crisp graphic style. Their work was instrumental in disseminating important information quickly and effectively during a time when swift recognition could mean the difference between safety and danger.

The Argus I depicted in this poster is the British designation for the Fairchild Model 24W, a civilian aircraft adapted for military use during World War Two. The Fairchild Model 24, originally developed in the early 1930s, was celebrated for its luxurious interior, reliability, and adaptability. With its Warner Scarab radial engine, the Argus I gained additional power and stability, reinforcing its suitability for wartime roles.

Rendered in a distinctive monochromatic palette of black silhouettes set against a neutral cream background, this instructional poster features three clear silhouette views of the aircraft—side view, underside, and front-on—allowing ground observers to quickly identify it from multiple angles. Essential details such as wingspan (36 feet) and length (23 feet) are clearly indicated, underscoring the practical utility of this artwork.

This vintage aircraft identification poster is an ideal gift for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, or lovers of mid-century graphic design. It would make a unique and thoughtful present for special occasions such as Christmas, Father's Day, birthdays, or housewarmings, offering recipients a meaningful connection to a significant chapter of aviation and wartime heritage.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.