Hello everyone,

I was just offered a B-17 manufacturers data plate which has a history on the civil registry. I'd like to use it to build off of, but I'll need a title to do so. The airframe was scrapped 50 years ago, but the data plate was illegally removed during the early 50s when the aircraft was sitting as a display. Because it was removed illegally, there is no chain of title.

The current owner suggested that I attempt to get a new title. I'd like to know if this is possible, and what I will need to do in order to get it.

I would guess that this happens often with fighters, such as the P-51, so I'm hoping someone will have some experience here.

Thanks.

-Eli Josephs
Fort Collins B-17