An original vintage snapshot photograph of a young airman in service uniform and peaked cap standing beside a straight-wing jet fighter with "PN-" buzz number lettering on the fuselage (one digit hidden behind him) and the national insignia at right. The aircraft sits on gravel with its canopy visible and a protective cover on the landing gear. About 3.7 x 5.1 inches with deckle edges. Condition: light toning and minor surface wear; the airman is unidentified and only the front is shown.

The PN buzz-number prefix was used on the Lockheed P-80/F-80 Shooting Star, the first operational U.S. jet fighter. The deckle-edge print and uniform appear to date to the late 1940s or 1950s. A nice piece for early jet age, USAF and aviation photo collectors.