This is a highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast display model of the Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird, finished in the markings of tail number 61-7974 — one of the most storied airframes in the Blackbird fleet. This Century Wings model captures that specific airframe in her distinctive markings, complete with the "U.S. AIR FORCE" titling, national star-and-bar insignia, and serial "17974"/"974" tail markings. The model remains in its original box with foam inserts, including the display stand, landing gear, and accessory components still in their protective wrapping, along with the included production number card (Production No. 0633) and instruction/history sheet. This was the first SR-71 release in the Century Wings diecast line, and "Ichiban" markings are among the most requested and recognizable liveries in Blackbird collecting given the aircraft's record-setting operational history. The original box shows some signs of wear associated with storage and measures approximately 20"x11.5". The plane measures approximately 18" nose to tail and 9.25" wing to wing.
Assigned to the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing's Detachment 1 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, #974 was among the first SR-71s to arrive at the base the crews and locals nicknamed "Habu" after the venomous pit viper native to the islands. On March 21, 1968, #974 flew the very first operational SR-71 sortie over Vietnam, piloted by Jerry O'Malley with RSO Ed Paine. Over her service life she flew more operational missions than any other Blackbird in the fleet, earning a small painted Habu snake on her fuselage for every completed mission — and once a crew logged more than five, they were considered "aces." In recognition of her record, a large Habu wrapped around a red numeral "1" was painted on her tail, giving her the nickname "Ichiban" — Japanese for "number one." The aircraft's story ended dramatically: on April 21, 1989, #974's right engine exploded shortly after takeoff from Kadena, severing hydraulic lines and disabling flight controls, ultimately forcing her crew to eject before the aircraft was lost. The aircraft was eventually recovered, studied, and buried at sea in the Mariana Trench.
🛫 WINGS OF HISTORY RETURNS!
The Aviation Collectible & Memorabilia Extravaganza Continues!
✈️ Part Two of the Frank Cuadrado Lifetime Collection — Online Only Auction
Lots Begin Closing: Sunday, October 25, 2026 @ 6:00 PM EDT
CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF, COLLECTORS — WE'RE BACK IN THE AIR! Part One was a high-flying success, and Part Two is even bigger. Bid Y'all Auction & Realty is proud to present 250 lots from the world-class lifetime collection of Frank Cuadrado, retired Federal Aviation Administration employee.
Mr. Cuadrado spent a career inside the world of aviation and a lifetime preserving its history. This next leg of the journey features Tiffany & Co. sterling, 14K gold pilot wings, a fleet of vintage desk and display models, rare pre-1959 Cuban aviation insignia, and one of the most extensive offerings of Eastern Air Lines memorabilia you'll ever see under one roof!
🦅 THE GREAT SILVER FLEET — EASTERN AIR LINES
✈️ Large carved wood "Hockey Stick" wing sign, a true showpiece (Lot 132)
✈️ Framed "Fly the Great Silver Fleet" flag (Lot 150) and framed "Route of the Great Silver Fleet" route map (Lot 250)
✈️ 1983 "America's Favorite Way to Fly" triple time-zone wall clock (Lot 145)
✈️ Eastern captain's visor cap with insignia (Lot 232)
✈️ Dozens of Eastern crew and job-title wings, including Balfour 10K gold-filled pilot hat badges and wings, plus wings personally named to Eastern employees (Lots 135–243)
✈️ Eastern crew baggage tags, a 1966 Flying Golfer trophy, 1970s hard hats, and a classic "Fly Eastern" flight bag (Lots 123–124, 165, 233–234 & 246)
💎 PRECIOUS METALS & FINE JEWELRY
✈️ 14K GOLD Cuban Pilot Wings with National Coat of Arms, a substantial 16.75 grams (Lot 100)
✈️ TWO Tiffany & Co. Sterling Eastern Pins, including a c. 1930s–40s "E.A.L." airliner pin (Lots 139 & 223)
✈️ Sterling Eastern pins, cap badge, and "Silverliners" wing (Lots 140, 160 & 236)
✈️ Silver-plated Boeing 314 "Clipper" by Editions Atlas, with Certificate of Authenticity (Lot 15)
CUBAN AVIATION & MILITARY HISTORY
✈️ Cuban Air Force pilot's badge named to "Jesús Garcia" (Lot 104) and Cuban Air Force Command Pilot badge (Lot 101)
✈️ Two Cuban Air Force officer visor caps (Lots 228 & 229)
✈️ 1940s Aerovías Q gold bullion pilot wings (Lots 56 & 60)
✈️ Pre-revolutionary Cuban military proficiency medal bar (Lot 59) and rare pre-1959 Cuban Air Traffic Control lapel pin (Lot 88)
✈️ Cubana Super Constellation flight bag (Lot 243), Cubana DC-4 model (Lot 112), and large-scale Cubana Britannia wall piece (Lot 226)
✈️ WWII-era U.S. Navy and Marine Corps base employee ID badge from Guantanamo Bay (Lot 76)
🛩️ CALLING ALL MODEL COLLECTORS!
During aviation's golden age, airlines and travel agencies showcased high-quality replicas to entice travelers into the skies. Today these travel agent models, airline display models, and desktop models are prized by a devoted community of collectors, and Part Two brings one of our strongest model selections yet!
✈️ Seven mid-century cast metal Eastern Air Lines Lockheed Constellation desk models (Lots 106, 109, 111, 113, 114, 186 & 189)
✈️ Pacmin resin display model in Go! Airlines livery (Lot 110)
✈️ Gold-tone Aero Commander Jet Commander presentation model, presented by W.F. Rockwell Jr. (Lot 193)
✈️ Eastern DC-9 "Whisperjet" by The Walter J. Hyatt Co. (Lot 107), plus Westway Models Eastern L-1011 and Cubana airliner (Lots 39 & 42)
✈️ Government of Canada Lockheed JetStar "CF-GTX" (Lot 205) and FomAER Italy F-4C Phantom II desk models (Lots 128 & 185)
✈️ Century Wings SR-71A Blackbird "Ichiban" 1:72 (Lot 66), Eastern diecast by InFlight200 and AeroClassics (Lots 148, 149 & 151), and two sealed 747 cutaway kits (Lots 73 & 74)
🏅 AMERICAN AIRLINES & FEDERAL AVIATION
✈️ An extensive run of American Airlines positional badges, including sterling assistant manager, chief, general foreman, inspector, expediter, and more (Lots 17–26)
✈️ FAA credential and badge wallet group (Lot 227) and a Federal Aviation Agency pin from before the agency became the FAA we know today (Lot 115)
⭐ CATALOGER'S CHOICE
✈️ Our own Clay's personal pick and a modern standout, a Franklin Mint PATRIOTIC F-117 STEALTH FIGHTER (Lot 75)!
Whether you're an Eastern Air Lines devotee, a precious-metals insignia collector, a display model enthusiast, a Cold War and Cuban history buff, or someone who remembers when flying was an EVENT, this is your boarding call. Provenance like this rarely comes to market, and when these pieces are gone, they're GONE!
Fasten your seatbelts, since lots begin closing Sunday, October 25th! And keep your tray tables up, because the journey isn't over yet. PART THREE of the Frank Cuadrado Collection is already on the horizon! Register now so you're first in line when boarding begins. 🛬
All items sell AS-IS with no warranties or guarantees expressed or implied.
We reserve the right to add or delete items prior to sale time.
All items sell AS-IS with no warranties or guarantees expressed or implied.
We reserve the right to add or delete items prior to sale time.
Payments by Wire Transfer will incur a $15 service fee per invoice.
Payments by Zelle will incur a $5 service fee per invoice. Zelle limit is $1500.
Payments made with a credit card will be charged an additional 3.5% fee on the total.
**Titled items will not transfer until payment is cleared and items are picked up by winning bidder. Titled items not picked up within 30 days will be forfeited and resold. Any item not picked up on designated pick-up day/time will incur a $10 per day storage fee. In no case will a refund or proceeds from resale of items not picked up within 30 days be awarded to prior bidder even if already paid for.
CREDIT CARD POLICY: Bid Y'all Auction & Realty requires that you use a valid credit card in order to set up a bidding account. Credit Card Limit for Invoice Totals is $2000. Invoices totaling over $2000 must be paid by cash, check, certified funds or wire transfer. There is a 3.5% fee added for using credit cards. There is a $10 minimum for credit card purchases. By registering with your credit card, you, the purchaser agrees to the following credit card terms:
1. I, the buyer hereby authorizes the auction company (Bid Y'all Auction & Realty) to charge my credit card that I have set up my bidder account with, for the full amount of my bill, if I do not settle my unpaid account within 3 business days of the auctions ending.
2. I, the buyer, hereby authorize the auction company (Bid Y'all Auction & Realty) to charge my credit card for up to $1000 non-refundable deposit on each vehicle purchased at the conclusion of the auction.
3. I, the buyer, understand the terms of the auction including pickup and payment dates and timelines, and agree that I have placed bids with the intent of abiding by the auctions set terms and conditions.
4. I, the buyer, have been given the opportunity to inspect the items in person and understand the the auction company is selling the items in AS IS, WHERE IS, condition.
5. I, the buyer, hereby agrees to authorize the auction company to charge my credit card for my purchases in the event that I do not show up to pickup my items in person and make other payment arrangements. I also agree that the auction company is not responsible for handling, moving or storing the items I have purchased and that I risk the chance of those items being stolen or damaged if left behind.
6. There is a $10 minimum for credit card purchases. I agree that a 3.5% fee will be charged for using a credit card.
7. I, the buyer, hereby agree to not challenge or deny payment to the auction company for purchases made with the credit card that I have placed on file with the auction company. I fully understand the terms and conditions of the auction and hereby agree to this Credit Card Policy or I will not place bids with this auction website.
SALES TAX INFO: Auction purchases from Bid Y’all Auction & Realty may be subject to state sales tax. Sales Tax will be added to the final sale amount including the buyers premium. If you are tax-exempt, you can submit your resale and South Carolina form ST-8A to prevent the collection of tax. We do not collect sales tax for vehicles or coins/currency.
Please send any specific questions to our email address
[email protected] or call us 864-497-0330 for more information.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL!
Any bidders with credit cards that are declined at end of auction will be charged a $10 processing fee to run another credit card. Payments made by check or wire transfer must clear our bank before items will be shipped. This can take up to an additional 14 business days.
Online Bidding Terms:
1. Bid Y’all Auction & Realty has put forth every effort in preparing the catalog for this auction to provide accurate descriptions of all items. All property is sold 'as-is' and it is the bidder's responsibility to determine the exact condition and/or authenticity of each item. Printed statements or descriptions by staff are provided in good faith and are matters of opinion and/or seller provided information. Questions regarding condition and/or other specifics important to the bidder must be asked in writing at
[email protected] prior to bidding. Absolutely NO refunds will be offered.
2. FOR ONLINE BIDDING: There is a 15% Buyer's Premium added to your total purchase.
3. All accounts must be settled at the conclusion of the auction. We accept CREDIT CARDS, CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, WIRE TRANSFER, or ZELLE ONLY (Wire Transfer Fee $15 & Zelle Fee of $5)! A 3.5% fee will be added to the invoice total for all credit card purchases. All items must be paid for within 7 business days or items will be forfeited and collections proceedings will be initiated against the defaulting bidder.
4. We are SOMETIMES SLOW TO SHIP as we package items well and try to ensure your items will get to you in great condition. PLEASE BE PATIENT. Bid Y'all Auction & Realty will arrange packing and shipping through Shipping Saint. Packing and shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer and will be charge separate from the auction. Arrangements must be made by buyer for large items (furniture, artwork, vehicles, rugs, etc.) to be shipped by a professional shipping company and may result in higher shipping costs. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL AN ITEM BE REFUNDED DUE TO SHIPPING COST!
5. Our online auctions move quickly! If you are interested in an item, bid quickly. If you win an item in the auction your credit card on file will be charged at the end of the auction unless other arrangements are made PRIOR to online auction start time as listed with the auction company beforehand. The exception is ALL GOLD/SILVER/JEWELRY/COINS MUST BE PAID IN CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, WIRE TRANSFER, ACH or ZELLE ONLY (Wire Transfer Fee of $15 & Zelle Fee of $5)! within 7 Business days from the end of the auction.
6. In order to better serve our customers, all bidders must provide their name, address, daytime phone number, and email address at which they can be contacted. This is to ensure good communication between Bid Y’all Auction & Realty and the bidder throughout any transactions.
7. The purchaser agrees to pay all reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred by the auction company in the collection of funds. The purchaser also agrees that a fee of 2% per month is added to the balance of any unpaid balance due the auction company and any other costs or losses incurred by the purchaser's failure to adhere to these terms. Any debt collection or dispute proceedings will be heard in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
8. The auctioneer has the sole discretion to advance the bidding and may reject a nominal advance, should it in his estimation prove injurious to the auction. The auctioneer shall be the final judge in all bidding disputes and shall name a bidder as the purchaser.
9. The auction company shall not be held responsible for any 'missed' bids or bids unseen by the auctioneer. Bid Retractions ARE NOT ALLOWED! Bid ONLY on items you wish to purchase!
10. ALL SALES ARE FINAL!
11. By bidding on any item, the bidder shows acceptance of the terms of the auction.
12. The auction company reserves the right to refuse service or decline registration to any person. All announcements made the day of auction take precedence over any and all written, verbal or electronic statements.
13. All items must be picked up at the designated place and time listed in the auction details or shipping arrangements made.
14. “Local Pickup” items WILL NOT BE SHIPPED! Many of these items are large or heavy. You MUST bring help to load. Bid Y’all Auction & Realty will not be responsible for any item after the sale ends. No charge back or refund will be allowed! Items not removed by the time listed for pick up MAY be charged a fee ($25 'Local Pickup' / $5 Small Items) to be placed in storage. For any placed in storage, a $10 per day storage fee will be charged. All storage fees must be paid prior to pick up or shipping. Any item not picked up or shipping arraignments made by the buyer within 30 days of auction will be forfeited and sold or donated.
15. ALLOW 1-2 WEEKS FOR SHIPMENT. YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL FROM SHIPPING SAINT ASKING IF YOU WANT YOUR ITEMS SHIPPED OR IF YOU WILL BE PICKING UP. ANY CHANGES IN SHIPPING ADDRESS MUST BE IN WRITING BY EMAIL. If you DO NOT WANT IT SHIPPED and wish to forfeit your purchase YOU MUST EMAIL
[email protected].
16. For individual invoices (NOT INCLUDING SILVER, GOLD, COIN/CURRENCY & JEWELRY) under $1500, we accept major credit cards, wire transfer, ZELLE, cashier’s checks and cash. Invoices over $1500 must be paid by cashier’s check, cash, or wire transfer. A 15% buyer’s premium will be charged to all invoices. Local buyers may pay in cash with correct amount including change if they contact Bid Y’all Auction & Realty prior to their credit card being charged. Bidders must contact Bid Y’all prior to Auction close to arrange payment in cash. Due to an increase in fraudulent activity and non-paying bidders, any NEW CUSTOMER TO BID Y’ALL AUCTION & REALTY with an invoice over $500, payment must pay with cash, wire transfer, ZELLE or certified cashier’s check unless approved before close of auction. For any 1st time buyer invoices over $500, items will not ship until funds clear our financial institution. This can take up to 14 business days or more.
17. Auctioneer, employees, family members and sellers will be allowed to bid in auctions with the intent to purchase items won during auction. In no case shall auctioneer, employees, family members or sellers be allowed to bid to only increase the bid amount, however the auctioneer may advance the bid up to and not beyond the established reserve price of any item.
IMPORTANT PICK UP & SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:
Pick up date for this auction is 10/28/2026 from 10-4 PM
Lots may only be picked up at our office on scheduled date as shown above unless other arrangements are made prior to that date. We will combine shipping for multiple auctions ending within 10 days of the other.
IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION!
All shipping cost are the responsibility of the buyer and will be charged separate from the auction.
ITEMS WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO THE ADDRESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PAYMENT AND USED AT REGISTRATION!
Shipping will be coordinated through Shipping Saint. You will be sent an email and/or text when your items are ready to ship. You will be prompted to confirm your address and will be able to pay for the separate shipping invoice at that time.
