Col. C.E. "Bud" Anderson Decanter

Col. C.E. "Bud" Anderson was the kind of aviator whose resume reads like the backbone of mid-century American airpower.

He flew 116 combat missions in four different P-51 Mustangs, finished World War II as a Triple Ace credited with 16 1/4 kills, and then kept serving through a 30-year career that extended through the Korean War and into the Vietnam era. Along the way, not only did he serve as a fighter pilot, but also as a combat and operational commander, test pilot, and leader of flight test programs. All told, Bud flew more than 130 aircraft types and logged over 7500 flight hours.

After Bud passed, he was interred at Arlington National Cemetery, a final honor for a life spent in service to our nation.

This decanter is a tribute to Col. Anderson's legacy. Front and center on the label, you'll find an authorized reproduction of Bud's signature and photo of him as a young military aviator by one of his beloved Mustangs, both graciously provided by EAA AirVenture Warbirds in Review and Col. Anderson's family. Rather than a depiction of only one specific aircraft, this artistic label is an entire montage of Bud's five WWII aircraft. From the olive drab green finish to the red and yellow checkerboard nose to his kill markings and one of the tail numbers, 414550, all are integrated as part of this tribute design.

This is not a novelty item. It's aviation memorabilia built with the same techniques and attention to detail as aircraft are built. We construct them by hand in the USA using two tapered and hand-rolled aluminum skins, then hand rivet them around a custom-molded glass bottle. We secure the entire metal label together with a rear piano hinge, then add the finishing touch, our "Remove AFTER Flight" tag. 

Pick it up and you'll understand why the intricacy of our process matters. If you've ever turned a wrench on an airplane, you'll be able to feel the difference firsthand. 

And this one carries an extra mission: proceeds go to support EAA Warbirds in Review, helping Connie Bowlin and her crew keep World War II aviation history alive for the next generation, just like Bud did when he was alive.

This is a decanter only, one built to be owned by those who get where we're coming from: pilots, veterans, mechanics, restorers, history buffs, collectors, and anyone who believes the right aviation gift is a story worth carrying forward.