Framed Presentation Picture of a BAE Harrier Jump Jet in Aluminium circa 1980

Here on offer is a really unusual framed presentation picture of a BAE Harrier Jump Jet that has been hand engraved from an aluminium sheet.

I can’t say for sure but I think this may be the image of a BAE Sea Harrier.

The image of the Harrier in flight has been skilfully cut/engraved from a sheet of aircraft grade aluminium alloy. The background has been painted black to ensure the Harrier stands out.
There is also a small-engraved plaque on the front that reads:

TO: ARCF WITH THANKS
FROM: BAE HAMBLE

I don’t know what ARCF stands for but this was clearly an award to them from British Aerospace (BAE) at Hamble, Southampton, England.

The British Aerospace (BAE) Sea Harrier was informally known as the ‘Shar’. It was a naval short take-off / vertical landing / vertical take-off jet fighter, predominantly used in a reconnaissance or attack aircraft role.

The BAE Sea Harrier FRS1 entered service with the Royal Navy in April 1980, during an era in which most naval and land-based air superiority fighters were large and supersonic. The principal role of the subsonic BAE Sea Harrier was to provide air defence for naval aircraft carriers and surface ships around the world.

The BAE Sea Harrier saw service distinction during the Falklands Conflict of 1982, as well as during both of the Gulf Wars (1990-1991 & 2003-2011) the Balkans conflict and Sierra Leone. On all occasions, the Sea Harriers mainly operated from aircraft carriers positioned within the conflict zones.

The usage in the Falklands was probably the most high profile and important success recorded by the aircraft 'in theatre' where it was the only fixed-wing fighter available to protect the British Task Force. Flying off of HMS Invincible and HMS Hermes, the BAE Sea Harriers defeated 20 enemy aircraft during the encounter, with just one being lost to enemy ground fire.

In 1993, an updated version was developed for the Royal Navy (Sea Harrier FA2) featuring a more powerful engine, a much improved weapon systems and enhanced air-to-air capabilities. Despite this, the aircraft was said to be out-dated and manufacturing of the BAE Sea Harrier ceased in 1998, with the last aircraft retiring from Royal Naval service in 2006.

The picture itself is in excellent condition with just some light oxidisation to the aluminium finish that will easily clean off if so required.

The frame measures 13.9” (35.4cm) by 9.25” (23.5cm) and weighs 400g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50715