Saburo Sakai Signed "Zero" Original Nose Art on Aluminum (PSA)

"**Original Hand-Painted 8""x12"" Aluminum Nose Art Featuring WWII Japanese Ace Saburo Sakai — Hand Signed and Authenticated by PSA/DNA**

Offered here is a remarkable and historically significant **8""x12"" original hand-painted aluminum nose art panel**, honoring one of the most legendary fighter pilots of World War II — **Saburo Sakai**, the famed Japanese naval aviator and ace. This unique piece has been **hand signed in permanent marker** by Sakai himself and features a beautifully rendered representation inspired by the aircraft nose art of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero that he famously flew. The panel has been **authenticated by PSA/DNA** and bears their **tamper-evident certification sticker affixed directly to the artwork**.

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### **Biography of Saburo Sakai (1916–2000)**

Saburo Sakai was a decorated pilot of the **Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service (IJNAS)** and one of Japan’s most celebrated aces during World War II. He flew the **Mitsubishi A6M Zero**, a highly maneuverable long-range fighter, and achieved **64 confirmed aerial victories**, making him one of the top Japanese fighter aces of the war.

Sakai saw action in numerous pivotal campaigns, including in China, the Dutch East Indies, and the Pacific theater against American forces. Despite being severely wounded in combat — struck by enemy fire that blinded him in one eye and partially paralyzed one side of his body — Sakai miraculously flew his damaged Zero over 1,000 kilometers back to base. He later returned to duty and continued flying, a testament to his extraordinary resilience and skill.

After the war, Sakai became a symbol of reconciliation and peace, frequently speaking publicly about the horrors of war and the value of understanding between former enemies. His autobiography, *Samurai!*, became an internationally acclaimed account of his wartime experiences and personal transformation.

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### **Item Details:**

- **Artwork**: Original hand-painted aluminum **nose art** featuring inspired markings of Saburo Sakai’s Zero fighter

- **Signature**: Hand signed in **permanent marker** by Saburo Sakai

- **Dimensions**: **8""x12"" aluminum panel**

- **Medium**: Aircraft-grade aluminum, hand-painted with period-accurate detail

- **Authentication**: **PSA/DNA certified**; PSA/DNA tamper-proof sticker affixed directly to the panel

- **Condition**: Excellent — crisp signature, vivid colors, suitable for display

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### **Summary:**

This authenticated and expertly rendered nose art panel is an exceptional tribute to **Saburo Sakai**, a man whose wartime legacy and postwar message of peace resonate worldwide. His rare autograph, paired with the historic symbolism of the Zero fighter, makes this a truly **one-of-a-kind collectible** — ideal for aviation historians, WWII collectors, and admirers of military history. An **authentic piece of World War II heritage**, backed by **PSA/DNA authentication**."

A portion of the sale of this auction will be donated to the General James. H Doolittle Scholarship Fund. The General James H. Doolittle Scholarship Fund was founded to assist college students by awarding one scholarship annually in the maximum amount of $5,000 to a deserving student who is pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree in aeronautical engineering or an aerospace science. Students are selected based on their scholastic achievement, school and community participation, demonstrated leadership potential and financial need. More information can be found at the Doolittle Scholarship Funds’ website.

The autograph(s) includes an official PSA/DNA hologram for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA Hologram

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.