F-4 Phantom II Ejection Seat
The Boeing Store had me sold on their McDonnell F-4 Phantom II Ejection Seat until the very end: "NOTE: This artifact is sold as is with no guarantee that parts maintain original function." So an ejection seat that doesn't eject? Pshhh. Never. Mind. What fun is that on a Saturday night?
Blue Angels and Thunderbirds fans might know that the respective Navy and Air Force pilots flew F-4 Phantom II fighter jets in their shows and demonstrations from 1969 to 1973. Of more importance to the military, the plane served faithfully as a versatile twinjet able to hit top speeds of more than twice the speed of sound; at one time the F-4 was the US Navy's fastest, highest flying, and longest range fighter.
This authentic ejection seat comes straight from an equally authentic F-4 Phantom II. Based on Boeing's disclaimer, it may have even been reclaimed and cleaned up for resale after performing its namesake duties.
The seat is Mk.7 rocket-assisted, and built by British manufacturer Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Ltd. It has been cleaned, refurbished, and riveted to a 3/16" rolled-steel base, and finished with a hand-applied blackened metal. A Certificate of Authenticity is included with ejection seat purchases and, as you might guess, no two former F-4 Phantom II furnishings are alike.
For a less expensive - though still not cheap - way to make believe you're a fighter pilot, check out Air Combat USA's air combat school experiences.