Authentic Aircraft Artifacts

Aircraft Artifacts LLC is a Veteran Owned Small Business.

How I started this work was a happy accident.

I noticed a company online that had plane tags from an F-101.

Having flown about 100 missions in the F-101, I thought it would be cool 

to own a piece of one, so I ordered a tag.

Next, I searched for a C-141 tag. 

I couldn't find ANY at all!

There were no C-141 tags anywhere to be found.

Months later, while visiting a local scrapyard, 

I met Scrap Master Larry Wallace.

Our conversation turned to nearby Altus Air Force Base 

and my history in the 57th Airlift Squadron flying in C-141s.

He mentioned he had something he wanted me to see, 

and located some C-141 panels he had been saving for over 20 years.

I was amazed he kept these for so long, as there was so much more 

that had already been processed into scrap.

My mind started imagining what I could do with these pieces, 

and after many more months, I came up with a plan.

What you see here today is a fruition of all the ideas, inspiration, and working 

out the complex details of how to protect and preserve a piece of history.

These C-141 aircraft tags are from C-141B Tail #66-0154.

I flew numerous mission on this very aircraft.

I don't know of any airplane tags anywhere, where the tags offered are 

from someone who actually flew on that particular aircraft!

The number of C-141 artifacts, 

from any military C-141, are extremely limited.

With rare exception, all the 284 C-141s are gone. 

All were destroyed or scraped except 

for the few that are in museums or on display.

This is a rare opportunity to personally own a piece of history.

Once these are gone, they're gone.

These tags are EXTREMELY limited. 

There can never be anymore like this!

Each aircraft artifact tag requires a great deal of time to produce.

After I rescue and acquire the aircraft material, here's my process.

(Please note:  I do not have expensive manufacturing or industrial grade machinery, 

although a local shop has allowed me to use their foot operated shear.)

• Material is scrubbed and cleaned.
• Each piece is hand cut, a hole drilled, then all sharp edges removed.
• Each tag is laser etched, one at a time.
• A high quality etching with good contrast is a slow process.
• The front laser etching takes 2 hours, and the reverse about 30 minutes.
• The tags are then installed on a retail card with a ring and wire cable.
• Additional handling and packaging is next before they are ready for shipping.

In the end, I have about 3 hours of time and effort in each tag.

It's worthwhile to me because I want to 

preserve the memory of the C-141s for every person 

who shares my love for and appreciation of this historic airlifter!