New Products

G-CIVY: The last BA 747 to depart London Heathrow

 – why her story isn’t quite over –

Final Departure from Heathrow

BA 747-436 G-CIVY became the last BA 747 to depart Heathrow (with sister aircraft G-CIVB) on the morning of 8th October 2020. In overcast and drizzly conditions, she carried out a flypast of the airfield before setting course for St. Athan, near Cardiff, where she was scrapped in December 2020.

Twenty-two years of service

G-CIVY first flew on 25th September 1998 and was delivered to her British Airways London Heathrow base four days later. Her Manufacturer Serial Number was 28853. Her final revenue (cargo) flight, as BAW192, landed at Heathrow from Dallas Fort Worth on 5th April 2020, when she was withdrawn from service and entered storage having accumulated over 90,000 flight hours.

Heathrow, United Kingdom – August 03 2019: British Airways Boeing 747-436 registration G-CIVY, flight number BA217 departs Heathrow airport en route to Washington seen from Myrtle Avenue

Origins of the 747

The 747 was the result of the work of some 50,000 Boeing people. Called ‘the Incredibles’, these were the construction workers, mechanics, engineers, secretaries and administrators who made aviation history by building the 747 — the largest civilian aeroplane in the world — in roughly 16 months during the late 1960s. The incentive for creating the 747 jumbo jet came from reductions in airfares, a surge in air-passenger traffic and increasingly crowded skies. As the world’s first wide-body jetliner, the 747 revolutionized air travel becoming known as the ‘Queen of the Skies’, cementing Boeing’s dominance in the passenger aircraft market.

747-400 facts

The 747-400 rolled out in 1988. It was truly monumental in size and required construction of the 200 million-cubic-foot (5.6 million-cubic-meter) 747 assembly plant in Everett, Washington, the world’s largest building (by volume). The fuselage of the original 747 was 225 feet (68.5 meters) long; the tail as tall as a six-storey building. Its wingspan is 212 feet (64 meters), and it has 6-foot-high (1.8-meter-high) ‘winglets’ on the wingtips. Pressurized, it carried a ton of air. The cargo hold had room for 3,400 pieces of baggage and could be unloaded in seven minutes. The total wing area was larger than a basketball court. Yet, the entire global navigation system weighed less than a modern laptop computer.

BA and the 747-400 series

British Airways was one of the Boeing 747’s earliest customers and the world’s largest operator of the jumbo jets. Having operated 15 BOAC 747s following BOAC’s merger with BEA, the British Airways that we know today took delivery of its first 747 in 1974.

The airline’s first 747-400 was delivered in June 1989. Over the years, British Airways operated a total of 57 Boeing 747-400 aircraft. Deliveries of British Airways 747-400s took place for ten years until April 1999.

On 16 July 2020, British Airways announced it was immediately retiring the remaining Boeing 747-400 aircraft. BA had originally intended to phase out the last 747s by 2024 but brought the plans forward in part due to the downturn in air-travel following the COVID-19 pandemic and to focus on replacing the 747 with the more fuel-efficient Airbus A350, Airbus A380, and Boeing 787.

747 436 British Airways Boeing GCIVY
747 436 British Airways Boeing GCIVY

Continuing the Journey – Icarus Originals and Aerotiques

Prior to her final demolition, sections from the port and starboard rear fuselage were removed. These were acquired by Aerotiques Ltd to produce unique items. Icarus Originals has been entrusted with some of this reclaimed material to manufacture this special range of BA 747-436 G-CIVY cufflinks and desktop models in association with Aerotiques.  These have been produced by melting down the original airframe aluminium and recasting (using the lost wax method) ensuring this iconic aeroplane will live on beyond her retirement.

To find out more about 747-436, G-CIVY and the production process please visit our Original Icons section or click here.

British Airways 747-436 G-CIVY Mini Model

Own a piece of BA 747 history with this model made from aluminium recovered from BA 747-436 G-CIVY.

Created in partnership with Aerotiques, these limited edition mini models feature a perfect replica of a 747 cast from fuselage aluminium recovered from the last BA 747 to leave London Heathrow – 747-436, G-CIVY.

Set on a laser engraved plaque which pays tribute to BA’s famous ‘Oneworld’ design, each of these mini models has been handmade and polished in the UK.

Get your mini model today and continue the journey of this aviation icon.

  • 747 436 British Airways Boeing GCIVY Cufflinks
    747-436 G-CIVY Mini Model
    £59.99
  • 747 436 British Airways Boeing GCIVY Cufflinks
    747-436 G-CIVY Cufflinks
    £139.99

Own a piece of BA 747 history with these cufflinks made from aluminium recovered from BA 747-436 G-CIVY.

Created in partnership with Aerotiques, these limited edition cufflinks are a perfect replica of a 747 cast from fuselage aluminium recovered from the last BA 747 to leave London Heathrow – 747-436, G-CIVY.

Individually cast, each of these cufflinks has been handmade and polished in the UK.

Get your cufflinks today and continue the journey of this aviation icon.

New Products, Uncategorized

New Year, New Jewellery Collection

Our aim at Icarus Originals is to always create bespoke products that are innovative, beautiful and extremely sentimental. 

Since inception we have celebrated the iconic craft that have defined transportation in the last 100 years, by blending the very latest technical innovations with the highest quality British craftsmanship in order to create a  selection of unique, premium products.

With this being said, we’re looking forward to some amazing projects ahead of 2021…

Let’s be honest, 2020 has been a pretty terrible year as a whole. So to give us something to look forward to, we are expanding our collection with new models, bracelets, tag range as well as our signatures cufflinks, too. 

Exciting projects include: 

  • A collaboration with Duxford Aviation society using material from their Comet 4B – the first ever jet airliner to cross the Atlantic.
  • English Electric canberra
  • Aston Martin DB5
  • Original Ford Mustang
  • An intercity 125 train model
  • AW Merlin helicopter
  • A World War 2 USAF C47 that took part in D Day

With many more exciting projects in the pipeline! 

We’ve also entered several of our products into Gift of the Year 2021 (see www.giftoftheyear.co.uk ) – so stay tuned as we eagerly await the results! 

All with original, authenticated material and all lovingly designed and made here in the UK. Our jewellerys create everything handmade with meticulous attention to detail to provide you with a beautiful and unique product that you will cherish for a lifetime. 

Here at Icarus, we are Wishing you a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2021.

New Products

New and Exclusive GR1 ZA326 Bracelets

Tornado GR1 ZA326 Bracelets: Military Gifts for Men and Women

Looking for the perfect military gift, suitable for both men and women? 

Icarus Originals is proud to present our brand new and exclusive Tornado GR1 ZA326 Bracelets. 

Created in partnership with the Panavia Tornado Preservation Group (PTPG), Icarus Originals has designed a truly unique aviation cord bracelet featuring a stylised Tornado secured upon a ZA326 ‘raspberry ripple’ paracord strap. 

True to our form, this piece of jewellery holds a much greater piece of history. This striking design is made from the genuine airframe aluminum recovered from ZA326 during her renovation by the PTPG, and is “the perfect high-flying accessory” for those aviation enthusiasts out there. It is truly a bespoke and unique product that will double up as the perfect sentimental or military gift for both men and women! 

The history of the ZA326 

What is the Panavia Tornado? 

The Panavia Tornado is a family of twin-engine, variable-sweep wing multirole combat aircraft, jointly developed and manufactured by Italy, the United Kingdom, and West Germany. 

This aircraft has had a significant impact in a range of modern wars, most notably the gulf war 1991; where its role was integral in conducting many low-altitude penetrating strike missions.

On March 14th, 2019, we said goodbye to the last official flight by the Tornado in British service. 

The Royal Air force has marked the end of an era and formally retired the very last of the Panavia Tornado combat jets. After 40 incredible years in service, this aircraft is giving way to the next generation of aviation models – but its memory as a pivotal part of British air combat capabilities lives on, through the medium of education, preservation, and now as a special and sentimental gift. 

About the Panavia Tornado Preservation Group 

The Panavia Tornado Preservation Group is the only organisation in the world dedicated to preserving the Panavia Tornado. This charity comprises volunteers who are product owners of a unique Tornado GR.1P aircraft. 

Their work involves two main areas: education and preservation. Their goal is to save as much of the Tornado story as possible, to educate future generations about its magnificence for them to ultimately enjoy. The PTPG all maintain a genuine passion for STEM education, utilising this aircraft to inspire the next engineers and aviators of the future. Their work is particularly close to our hearts here at Icarus Originals, with both Alan and John’s engineering background and ties to the aviation industry. 

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New Products

The English Electric Lightning: Cufflink Edition

Introducing “The English Electric Lightning”, which carries the distinction of being the only all British supersonic fighter to have served with the Royal Air Force. Primarily designed as a rapid interceptor against the threat of enemy bombers during the Cold War, powered by twin Rolls Royce Avon turbojet engines, this aircraft still holds one of the fastest climb to altitude rates of any military aircraft – with an initial climb rate of 50,000 ft per minute. This type first flew on 4th August 1954 and went into service with the RAF in 1959.

While it may no longer be an object of the skies, at Icarus Originals, we pride ourselves on blending the very latest technical innovations with the highest quality British craftsmanship in order to create a superb selection of unique, bespoke, premium products. Hence our need to recreate this magnificent aircraft into a beautifully and carefully designed pair of cufflinks! The sheer time and integrity it takes to produce these items is a drawn out process, but we believe it is worth every second, as the final product holds extreme sentimental and historic value. Not only do you get to own a piece of aviation history, but you also get to honour the engineering prowess that revolutionised the British aviation world as we know it – setting a precedent for new models in production to this day!

How do we make the English Electric Lightning into a sentimental piece of Jewellery?

We wanted to highlight just how challenging the design and manufacturing process can be for something seemingly so small and simple. Take 1 project we have in the pipeline – the English Electric Lightning XR740. This is a famous aircraft of its type as it intercepted an American U2 spy plane.
First we need to find the material and ensure authenticity. In this case we work with our friends at Jet Art Aviation, based in Selby, who own the original tail fin
This material needs to be cut, stripped and processed into small chunks of aluminium that can be melted in a crucible to form ingots of XR749 aluminium – our “raw material”. Concurrently, we need to do a huge amount of design work which entails a combination of high resolution 3D scanning of models, and countless iterations of adapting the scan to a viable CAD design.This design then needs to be printed in resin, before an initial casting is taken. Usually this is cast in silver and then manually worked on by a jeweller to achieve a precision finish. We can then move to a test production run in normal aluminium. Once cast, and then hand finished/polished we can test the item.
With the lightning, the thin wings and narrow fuselage made it incredibly difficult to gauge the correct wing thickness. Too thin, the wings break, too thick it just looks wrong and too chunky. However, once finalised, we can go into production and cast cufflinks in genuine aluminium from this iconic aircraft. This process can literally take months as we need to fit into the schedule of the craftsmen we work with. But the end result should be something very special!

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New Products

Back to The Future: DeLorean Cufflinks

DeLorean Cufflinks and Gifts

Delorean Car: The Tesla of its day? 

The DMC DeLorean, commonly referred to as the “DeLorean”, is an iconic sports car specifically engineered by John DeLorean’s DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) between 1981-198; the first and last car of its kind. 

The inception of this unique and innovative automotive design stemmed from DeLorean’s passion to create an “ethical” sports car: safe, fuel-efficient and long-lasting. It was the Tesla of its day, according to Stephen Wynne, who acquired the DeLorean inventory in 1997 and is CEO of the now-resurrected DeLorean Motor Company.

“DeLorean was a maverick who wanted to break away from the industry and do things his own way,” Wynne said in a phone interview. “At that time, the auto industry was in a slump. There was nothing exciting going on. So John DeLorean had the pick of the litter, as far as who he wanted to work for him — and he had the best of the best.”

The distinctive features of this automobile are what truly makes it stand out in an overcrowded and highly competitive marketplace. Carefully crafted by an Italian engineer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, who had previously worked on various Alfa Romeo and Maserati automobile designs, the Delorean’s notable and iconic features can be expressed through its gull-wing doors and brushed stainless-steel outer body panels. 

However, the DeLorean’s journey has not always been the smoothest of rides. After financial difficulties and bankruptcy by the DMC, paired with some legal debacles with the FBI, John’s innovative auto design slowly started to decline in the early 1980s. Until it expectantly rose again…

BACK TO THE FUTURE

The DeLorean truly fermented its way into the memories and hearts of consumers, with its iconic and memorable appearances as the time machine in the Back to the Future’s media franchise. 

In 1981, filmmakers Robert Emeckis and Bob Gale were writing a script which followed a teenagers time-travelling journey using a time-travelling machine made from a refrigerator – the refrigerator being the DeLorean, Throughout production, the car kept its basic styling, although minor revisions were made to the hood and wheels. 

40 years later and the DeLorean continues to have a cult following driven in part by the popularity of the Back to the Future movies. An estimated 6,500 DeLoreans are still on the road. Three cars were built for filming, and the “hero,” or lead vehicle, is today on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

Own Your Piece of Automotive History…

Widely considered to be the gold standard of family adventure movies, Back to the Future is one of those rare gems that is loved by all. Whether you’re into science fiction or not, there’s something extremely likable about Marty McFly and it’s hard not to rate the onscreen dynamic between him and Doc.

For young fans, the movie provides a heartwarming insight into what life was like in the 80s. For those who grew up when the film was released, it supplies a little bit of nostalgia to reminiscence about the ‘good old times’ and what was considered modern back then (something we probably need desperately now more than ever). While the inception of hoverboards has not yet come to fruition, the film surprisingly provides a few accurate predictions of the future. Whether it be the introduction of fingerprint recognition, personal drones, OH, and Marty’s advice to not go back to 2020 – don’t you wish we would’ve listened!!!!

With the number of Delorean models limited on the marketplace, chances of owning a DeLorean may feel that bit more difficult to come by, particularly when their market value is anything between £36-37,000. 

But all is not lost…

You can now own your own piece of automotive and blockbuster history. With the help of our incredible jewellers here in the UK, we have a selection of 1,500 special commemorative models made from the aluminium of a genuine DeLorean car. 

  • DMC DeLorean Back to the Future Model
    DeLorean Time Machine Model
    £59.99
  • DMC DeLorean Model
    DeLorean Model
    £59.99
  • DMC Back to the Future DeLorean Cufflinks
    DeLorean Cufflinks
    £139.99
  • DMC Back to the Future DeLorean Cufflinks
    DeLorean Time Machine Cufflinks
    £139.99

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New Products

All About The Jaguar E-Type

JAguar E-Type

Since the Jaguar E-type came to fruition in 1961, it has regularly topped lists compiled by designers and car enthusiasts alike as an extraordinary object of desire. Innovative and streamlined, with its immensely long bonnet, aluminium body and monocoque – The jaguar E-Type was a trailblazing automobile that set a precedent for motorsporting design for years to come. Famously depicted as the ‘the most beautiful car in the world’ by Enzo Ferrari, the original Coupe and Roadster models are a clear symbolism of the glamour and excitement of the swinging 60s, with racing drivers and celebrities eager for their own slice of breathtakingly beautiful British engineering.   Indeed, the E-type is amongst Britain’s most celebrated cars – and with good reason. When 70mph was rapid for the average family runabout, this car could reach a staggering 150mph. With its 3.8-litre straight-six engine sourced from the XK, and a new independent rear suspension design that went on to be a hallmark of Jaguar models for four decades – it’s no surprise that its considered to be of, if not the greatest, sports car of all time.  In motor sports, the Jaguar E-Type was best known for its tremendous success in SCCA Production sports races with Group44, taking the B-Production championship in 1975. This car even managed to defeat the Nissan Z-car team in 1980 to become the national C-Production SCCA champions!   Nearly 60 years on, the Jaguar E-type Reborn programme will see Series 1 E-types restored to their original specification for future generations of enthusiasts and collectors to buy directly from Jaguar Classic. Its legacy still carries on, seen in the F-type models and E-type reloaded; a hefty price tag attached to such an iconic automobile. As the creators of the E-type, Jaguar Classic’s craftsmen are more than just technicians and engineers. They’re passionate custodians of one of Britain’s greatest ever brands and automobiles. This love and enthusiasm is exemplified in their quality craftsmanship and design, proudly portraying the genuine icon of the twentieth century.

It’s history lives on…

Jaguar E-Type Cufflinks… We are delighted to announce that we have partnered with classic motor cars, to showcase the best of engineering and design from around the globe. We started with aircraft and the iconic Tornado GR4, and have launched cufflinks made from the famous HST (Intercity 125) and shortly, the bullet train. Now, we are set to release the first of what we hope will be a range of automotive products, in the form of the legendary E Type.  Made from the original engine components of a 1961 series 1 fixed head coupe, these are a small, loving rendered piece of British automotive history. The classic motor cars have provided the designed material, graphics and packaging for these iconic products – facilitating the production of one of the most iconic automobiles that Britain has ever seen!

  • E-Type Pin Badge
    1961 Series 1 E-Type Pin Badge
    £79.99
  • 1961 Series 1 Jaguar E-type Cufflinks made from reclaimed EType Aluminium
    1961 Series 1 E-Type Cufflinks
    £189.99

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New Products

Introducing our Aviation Mini Models

Introducing our Exclusive New Mini Model Products….

“A souvenir memento, keepsake, or a token of remembrance…All our range of aviation mini models are a tangible representation of an iconic design that has defined history.” 

As you try to come up with a thoughtful gift, you should consider all the things that define the receiver. Naturally that is going to include hobbies. A truly thoughtful gift often transcends what is clearly visible on the outside, showing the recipient that their inner qualities are recognised and appreciated. 

With this being said, we are delighted to announce the introduction of our range of mini models, complementing our existing range of bespoke and sentimental one-of-a-kind products in store. Handmade and crafted by master jewellers here in the UK, these mini profiles are created from an assortment of aviation designs that were the first of their lineage and defied air travel as we know it! 

Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or shopping for someone who has an affiliation with any of our unique airplane designs, these gifts provide the perfect opportunity to own a piece of aviation history. Whether it’s the Concorde G-AXDN mini model, representing the fastest plane to grace the skies, or the Vulcan XH558, a plane that has been instrumental in British warfare, each piece has its own backstory that the owner will truly appreciate. 

Thanks to our partnership with the UK ministry of Defence, we were able to produce five truly unique and beautiful mini models cast from melted down parts reclaimed for their historic aircraft. By combining our skill in the field of design and production, together with the unparalleled expertise and knowledge of the ministry of defence, we were able to create finely crafted renderings of each design. We believe these products are a great way to support these aircrafts and is an ideal gift or memoriam of a lost love-one or a treasured memento of some of the most iconic designs ever produced here in the UK. These include; 

Official Red Arrows Mini Model

  • Officially licensed by the UK Ministry of Defence, this striking mini model commemorates the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows. Made using aluminium reclaimed from the airframe of a Hawk T1 that formerly flew as part of the famous squad, every piece of this mini model has been crafted in the UK. 
  • Mounted on a serialised laser etched stand in the red, white and blue of the team and supplied with a certificate of authenticity, this is the ultimate high-flying desk accessory.

Concorde G-AXDN Mini Model 

  • This Concorde mini model is made from the genuine air intake assembly of Concorde 101 (G-AXDN). Produced in collaboration with Duxford Aviation Society (DAS), this mini model comes mounted on a serialised, laser etched base and is supplied with a certificate of authenticity.

Key product details

  • 100% designed, made and finished in the UK.
  • Cast from the genuine Hiduminium aluminium alloy of Concorde G-AXDN (Concorde 101 – the fastest ever Concorde).
  • Hand polished by jewellery finishers to a mirror shine.
  • Presented in a high-quality box with gold foil embossed certificate of authenticity,
  • Limited to a worldwide production of 4,500.
  • Product dimensions (unboxed) 85mm x 60mm x 35mmm.

Tornado GR1 ZA326 Mini Model

  • Created in partnership with the Panavia Tornado Preservation Group (PTPG), this ‘mini model’ captures a beautiful rendering of Tornado ZA326 atop a serialised laser etched base.  Made from genuine airframe aluminium recovered from the aircraft, this model allows you to own a small piece of aviation history.
  • Icarus Originals are proud to support both the Panavia Tornado Preservation Group and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.  For every ZA326 mini model sold, we will donate £5 of the purchase price to each organisation to help them continue their vital work.
  • Tornado GR4 ZG750 Mini Model in reclaimed aluminium
    Tornado GR4 “Pinky” Mini Model
    £59.99
  • Avro Vulcan XH558 Mini Model in reclaimed aluminium
    Vulcan XH558 Mini Model
    £59.99