Tag Archives: plaque

Strategic Air Command Aluminum Plaques. This set includes a thick cast aluminum plaque bearing the insignia of the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) and two thin etched aluminum placards related to the Airborne Command Post “Looking Glass” and SAC Headquarters imagery. Design: Raised-relief emblem of the Strategic Air Command featuring the gauntleted arm clutching lightning bolts and an olive branch – symbolic of global readiness for both offense and peace. Material: Cast aluminum alloy, polished raised surfaces, with recessed black enamel or oxidized background. Dimensions: Approximately 6.5 inches wide by 7 inches high, 0.5 inch thick. Reverse: Raw unfinished casting, consistent with wall-mount plaques produced for base offices, command centers, or crew quarters. Date Range: Circa late 1950s-1970s, the Cold War operational period when SAC operated from Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Airborne Command Post “Looking Glass” – Strategic Air Command. Depicts a Boeing EC-135 aircraft. Likely a desk or wall identification plate for display in command posts or briefing rooms. 7″ × 4.5″, thin brushed aluminum with black etching. SAC Headquarters Building & Missile Display. Shows the main HQ building with missile monument and flagpoles. Same etching method and size as above. Likely part of a presentation set or commemorative desk display produced for senior officers or visiting dignitaries. The Looking Glass EC-135 aircraft was an airborne command post that mirrored SAC headquarters, maintaining 24-hour readiness to direct nuclear forces in the event of ground communication failure. Plaques and etched aluminum art pieces like these were commonly produced by base machine shops or Lockheed, Boeing, or Air Force engravers as commemorative or internal presentation pieces-not mass-produced souvenirs. Authenticity Indicators: Hand-finished casting marks, non-commercial construction, period-correct aluminum thickness, and accurate heraldic design. Surviving examples typically originate from retired SAC personnel estates or base decommissioning lots. Collector Interest: Strong among Cold War, U. Air Force, and aviation memorabilia enthusiasts.