William Knight Signed "Faster and Higher" 11.5x16 Lithograph (AIV) X-15 Pilot Legendary Test Pilot
Flew the X-15A-2 to a record-breaking speed of Mach 6.7 - fastest speed ever recorded by a manned, winged aircraft
- Lot number 11332257
- Total views 2
- Starting bid $20.00
- SALUTE TO SERVICE NO RESERVE
"**Unframed Hand-Signed 11.5 x 16 Print Titled “Faster and Higher” by Artist Stan Stokes – Signed by X-15 Pilot William “Pete” Knight and Artist Stan Stokes – PSA/DNA Authenticated with Certificate of Authenticity**
Offered here is an exceptional **11"" x 16"" aviation art print titled *“Faster and Higher”*** by acclaimed artist **Stan Stokes**, **hand signed by both Stokes and legendary test pilot Brigadier General William J. “Pete” Knight**. This powerful and visually striking print honors Knight’s historic role in piloting the **X-15 rocket plane**, and is **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and accompanied by their **Certificate of Authenticity**, ensuring its provenance and investment-grade value.
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### **About Brig. Gen. William “Pete” Knight**
**William J. “Pete” Knight** (1929–2004) was a **United States Air Force pilot, aeronautical engineer, test pilot**, and later, a **Brigadier General and U.S. Congressman**. He is best known for his legendary work with the **X-15 rocket aircraft program**, one of the most significant aeronautical achievements of the 20th century.
On **October 3, 1967**, Knight flew the **X-15A-2** to a record-breaking speed of **Mach 6.7 (4,520 mph)**—the **fastest speed ever recorded by a manned, winged aircraft**. He earned **astronaut wings** for flying above 50 miles altitude and flew more X-15 flights than any other pilot. Knight also flew combat missions in Vietnam and later served in senior command roles before retiring from the Air Force with the rank of Brigadier General.
Knight's contributions helped define the boundaries of **hypersonic flight**, directly influencing the future of **space exploration and advanced aerospace design**.
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### **About the Artwork – “Faster and Higher”**
Painted by **Stan Stokes**, renowned for his historically rich and technically precise aviation art, *“Faster and Higher”* captures the **X-15 in flight against the thin blue edge of Earth’s atmosphere**. The composition celebrates the engineering marvel of the aircraft and the unmatched courage of the men who flew it. The print is **hand signed by both Stokes and William “Pete” Knight**, making it a rare and meaningful piece of aerospace history.
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### **Item Details**
- **Title**: *“Faster and Higher”*
- **Dimensions**: 11"" x 16"" (unframed)
- **Medium**: Fine art aviation print
- **Signatures**: William “Pete” Knight (X-15 pilot) and Stan Stokes (Artist)
- **Authentication**: **PSA/DNA Authentication Services**
- **Includes**: PSA/DNA **Certificate of Authenticity**
- **Condition**: Excellent; bold and clear autographs, ideal for framing and display
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This hand-signed artwork offers a **unique opportunity to own a piece of aerospace history**, signed by the man who flew faster than any other in a winged aircraft. A true collector’s gem, this print is ideal for enthusiasts of **space exploration, aviation innovation, or Cold War-era test pilot legacy**. A tribute to the pioneering spirit that redefined the limits of flight."
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 lot / autograph(s) includes an official Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.
Authentication: AIV COA
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.