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Sell or Auction Your Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38″ Capsule Model for up to About $5,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions

ByNate D Sanders March 26, 2023December 1, 2023

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Do you have a high-value item that you would like to get the maximum price possible? If so, please call us at (310) 440-2982 or use the form below. A representative of Nate D. Sanders Auctions will contact you concerning your items.

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You can also email us at [email protected]

Consign With Us

Do you have a high-value item that you would like to get the maximum price possible? If so, please call us at (310) 440-2982 or use the form below. A representative of Nate D. Sanders Auctions will contact you concerning your items.

Attach up to 4 pictures in gif, jpg or png format not to exceed 4Mb.

There are two methods to select your images after you clicking “Choose Files”:

While holding the Shift Key down, select the first image and the last image. All images between will be highlighted.

While holding the CTrl Key down, select each image one click at a time. Only the selected images will be chosen. Then click “Open” and the selected files will be included in the form.

You can also email us at [email protected]

FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38″ Capsule model that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

Free Appraisal, Auction or Sell Your Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38″ Capsule Model

Below is a recent realized price for a Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38″ Capsule model. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38″ Capsule Model. Sold for About $5,000.

Here are some items from the Mercury missions we have sold:

John Glenn’s In-Flight Instructions Used & Flown Aboard Mercury 6

One-of-kind piece of space history flown with John Glenn aboard the Mercury-Atlas 6 “Friendship 7” – the first manned orbit of the earth by an American astronaut. These in-flight photo instructions were used by Glenn aboard the 20 February 1962 mission and feature both a chronological flight plan with detailed astrological markers (“+7′ CASSIOPIA/COUNT STARTS” and “+23′ ORION & MOON/UV PHOTOS COUNT STARS”), as well as fixed geographical landmarks (“LAKE VICTORIA/KENYA NAIROBI” AND “CHRISTMAS ISLANDS”). All data on the instructions was personally used by Glenn to confirm the capsule’s flight path during its 4 hour and 55 minute mission, instructing Glenn at which point to take photos in flight. Instructions also include an in-flight check list that covers such tasks as “Chng Film-Color Filter Out” and “STOW & R. SEQ CHK CET”. The document was attached to a bobbin at each end, forming a scroll that Glenn was able to move back and forth with his thumb during the mission. The long and narrow document measures 4.75″ x 42.5″, its ends trimmed to fit into the bobbin slits. The in-flight instructions were given by Glenn to Frogman Richard “Dick” Dunham of UDT-21 (Underwater Demolition Team) as a thank you memento for his work with Mercury 6; a precursor to Navy Seals, the UDT both trained astronauts for egress from the space capsule into the ocean and retrieved the astronauts after splashdown. The flight plan was then given to U.S. Navy veteran Justin C. Pollard by Dunham, who became a mentor during Pollard’s time in the Navy Bud/S School, Class 240. The document’s historical significance was confirmed by the John Glenn Archives at Ohio State University Libraries. Light creasing and wear, otherwise near fine. Additional provenance includes: (1) LOA from Justin Pollard; (2) 1959 photo of Dunham and Glenn together (Dunham is the blond gentleman, 4th from left in back row) and (3) screen-capture photo of the Mercury 6 cockpit, scroll visible in center of photo, in front of John Glenn. Sold for $66,993.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
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LOA. Click image to enlarge.

“We Seven” Book, With 40 Signatures by 32 of America’s Astronauts Including Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Mike Collins, Ed White, Gus Grissom, Roger Chaffee, Deke Slayton, Etc. — With Zarelli COAs

Incredible collection of 40 signatures by the pioneers of the NASA space program, with 38 signatures within a first printing of “We Seven” and two additional signatures of Deke Slayton and Walter Cunningham signed on their business cards taped inside the book. The original Mercury 7 sign on their photo within the book, and the other men sign the front free endpaper. In alphabetical order, signatures include: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Alan L. Bean, Frank Borman, Vance Brand, Scott Carpenter (signs twice), Roger B. Chaffee, Michael Collins, Charles Conrad Jr., Gordon Cooper (signs twice), Walter Cunningham (signs twice), Donn Eisele, Joe Engle, Ron Evans, John Glenn (signs twice), Dick Gordon, Gus Grissom (signs twice), Joe Kerwin, Don Lind, James Lovell, Ken Mattingly, Bill Pogue, Wally Schirra (signs twice), Rusty Schweickart, Dave Scott, Alan B. Shepard Jr. (signs twice), Deke Slayton (signs twice), Tom Stafford, Paul Weitz, Ed White, Al Worden and John Young. This copy of “We Seven” is a first printing, published in New York by Simon & Schuster, 1962 in its original dust jacket. Blind embossed private library stamp to title page, showing ownership of Wallace A. Johnson, a NASA Apollo test pilot, who acquired the autographs. Dust jacket is worn, overall in good condition. Book itself shows only minor shelf wear, in very good plus condition. With two COAs from Steve Zarelli Space Authentication, one for the Mercury 7 signed photo page, and one for the signature page including signed business cards. Sold for $21,000.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.
Click image to enlarge.

John Glenn Signed Mercury 6 Mission Space Flown Dollar Bill — Signed a Second Time on The Mat With M. Scott Carpenter — With NASA COA, JSA LOA & PSA/DNA COA

John Glenn signed dollar bill flown in space on the Mercury 6 mission with signed mat. The single dollar bill is signed “J H Glenn, Jr.” in ink. Launched 20 February 1962, Mercury 6 was the first mission to put an American (Glenn) in orbit. Flown bill is mounted to a COA also signed “J H Glenn, Jr.” and “M. Scott Carpenter”. The text of the COA reads: “This CERTIFIES / the following U.S. currency / Serial No. A31941854B / accompanied Lt. Col. John H. Glenn / on the first manned orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 Feb. 20, 1962″. Bill measures 6.25″ x 2.5″. Stapled to COA with two staples near the bottom edge to an overall size of 11.25″ x 8.5”. An additional signature on the bill reads: “Terry Thompson”. Some abrasions to upper right of bill and creasing, else near fine. toning to the mat, else near fine. With JSA LOA and PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $17,600.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
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JSA COA. Click image to enlarge.

Mercury 7 Signed 22” x 13” Photo Display, With Signatures by All 7 Astronauts — Very Scarce Pose — With Steve Zarelli COA

Fantastic Mercury 7 signed photo display, with the signatures of all 7 astronauts on the photographic mat. The photo is a very unusual pose, with the astronauts casually yet confidently posed next to a rocket model. Photo is copyrighted by the National Geographic Society, and the presentation is inscribed to Allan Fisher, a reporter for ”National Geographic”, who wrote a profile of the group in its July 1960 issue. A reprint of the issue accompanies the lot. Photo measures 18” x 8.25”, and mat measures 22” x 13”. Very good to near fine, with only a few spots of abrasion on the mat. With Steve Zarelli COA for all seven signatures; Mr. Zarelli stated that he has never seen this pose before. Sold for $9,688.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
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Steve Zarelli COA. Click image to enlarge.

Mercury 7 Signed 11” x 14” Photo — Signed by All 7 Posing in Front of the Mercury 7 Capsule

Mercury 7 signed photo, in a pose rarely seen with the seven astronauts standing in front of the Mercury 7 capsule. All seven astronauts sign this large 11” x 14” photo, with the inscription reading, ”To Betty Frick with all best wishes / From the Mercury Astronauts -”, signed ”Walter M Schirra Jr”, ”Leroy G Cooper, Jr”, ”John H. Glenn, Jr.”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Donald K. Slayton”, ”Virgil I. Grissom” and ”Alan B. Shepard”. Slayton writes his name again under his image, but the pen didn’t adhere well enough, likely causing him to then sign upon his image. Glossy photo measures 11” x 14”, with ”Life” magazine stamp on verso, crediting photographer Ralph Morse. Heavy creasing, mostly confined to perimeter, smudging to Cooper’s signature, and a few one-inch closed tears to margin. Overall good condition with strong visual appeal. Sold for $7,488.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.

Excellent 18” x 8.25” Mercury 7 Signed Photo Display — Signed By All 7 of the Astronauts — For a National Geographic Story in 1960

Mercury 7 signed photo display. NASA’s original 7-member crew poses here at the Space Task Group offices at Langley Field in Virginia in January of 1960. Photo was commissioned by the National Geographic Society and features a copyright beneath photo, as well as a National Geographic stamp to verso. Signatures from left to right include: ”John Glenn, Jr.”, ”Deke Slayton”, ”Scott Carpenter”, ”Gus Grissom”, ”Wally Schirra”, ”Alan B. Shepard, Jr.” and ”Gordon Cooper”, in black and blue ink. Photo measures 18” x 8.25” and is matted to an overall size of 21” x 11.75”. Very minor foxing to edge of mat, else fine condition. With provenance from Dean Conger, a National Geographic photographer who took this photo. Sold for $5,600.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.

Mercury 7 Signed 10” x 8” Photo, Signed by All Seven Astronauts — Uninscribed, With JSA COA

Uninscribed photo of the Original Seven, signed by all of the Mercury 7 astronauts on the photographic border: ”Alan B. Shepard Jr.”, ”Walter W. Schirra Jr.”, ”John H. Glenn Jr.”, ”Virgil I. Grissom”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Donald K. Slayton” and ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr”. Silver gelatin matte-finish photo measures 10” x 8”. Light creasing and wear, and mild smudging to Schirra and Carpenter’s signatures. Overall in very good condition. With JSA COA for all signatures. Sold for $4,991.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.
JSA COA. Click to enlarge.

Page Signed by the Original Mercury 7 Astronauts Next to Their Photos — John Glenn, Virgil Grissom, Alan Shepard, Leroy Cooper, M. Scott Carpenter, Walter Schirra & Donald K. Slayton

Mercury 7 signed page, taken from ”The Project Mercury Astronauts,” featuring each astronaut’s photo. All seven of the original group selected by NASA sign beside their images: ”John H. Glenn, Jr.”, ”Virgil I Grissom”, ”Alan B. Shepard Jr.”, ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr.”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Walter M. Schirra Jr.” and ”Donald K. Slayton”. Page is excised from ”The Project Mercury Astronauts,” published by E.P. Dutton: New York: 1960. Measures 5.25” x 8”. Bottom and right edges are trimmed with slight irregularity. Miniscule hole to the bottom of the ”G” in Grissom. Inch-long shallow chip to the bottom edge with an ink halo surrounding Schirra’s signature, else fine. Sold for $4,652.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.

Mercury 7 First Edition Signed Book — Signed by All Seven Astronauts — Scarce

Rare and fantastic signed book, “The Astronauts: The Story of Project Mercury, America’s Man-in-Space Program” by Martin Caiden. First edition, second printing published in 1960. Volume is boldly signed and inscribed on front free endpaper: “To Edward Miller / With Best Wishes from / the Mercury Astronauts”. Signed by all Mercury 7 astronauts in ink: “Virgil S. Grissom”, “M. Scott Carpenter”, “Leroy G. Cooper Jr.”, “John A. Glenn, Jr.”, “Walter M. Schirra, Jr.”, “Alan B. Shepard” and “Donald K. Slayton”. Accompanied by original dustjacket. Black cloth boards show minor rubbing to corners and spine ends; interior is fine. 5.5″ x 8″ volume is in near fine condition. Sold for $4,529.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.

Mercury 7 Signed Photo by All Astronauts — Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard & Deke Slayton

The celebrated Mercury 7 astronauts sign a semi-matte photograph of themselves posing in front of their aircraft. Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, Virgil Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton all sign as the first Americans in space. An inscription by an unknown hand dedicates the picture ”To Clark Boswell / with Best wishes”. Measures 10” x 8”. Cooper’s signature is faded; sunning and a minor crease. Very good condition. Sold for $4,468.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Mercury 7 Signed Photo by All Astronauts. Click to enlarge.

Original Mercury 7 Signed Photo — Signed by All 7 Astronauts — From the Gus Grissom Collection

Mercury 7 signed photo. NASA’s original 7-member crew poses here with a Mercury Atlas model at the Langley Research Center for a photo shoot in 1959. Each of the distinguished group members sign the lower margin in blue and black ink: “Alan B Shepard Jr.”, Walter M. Schirra Jr.”, “John H. Glenn, Jr.”, “Virgil I. Grissom”, “M. Scott Carpenter”, “Donald K. Slayton” and “Leroy G. Cooper, Jr”. 10″ x 8″ photo has a matte finish. Top right corner is slightly bent, else fine condition. With a COA from Mark Grissom. Sold for $4,153.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.

Mercury 7 Signed Photo by All 7 Astronauts — 10” x 8”

Photo of NASA’s original Mercury 7 astronauts, signed by all 7. Black and white photo of the astronauts in civilian blazers interacting with a model spacecraft is signed upon the lower border: ”Alan B. Shepard Jr.”, ”Walter W Schirra Jr”, ”John A. Glenn Jr.”, ”Virgil I. Grissom”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Donald K. Slayton” and ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr”. With a dedication, likely by Shepard, just under the image, ”To Roy Ira with warm regards”. Matte-finish photo measures 10” x 8”. Toning, else near fine. Sold for $4,063.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.

Mercury Seven Astronauts Signed Book, ”We Seven” — Signed By All Seven Astronauts, Twice by John Glenn — With Steve Zarelli COA for All Signatures

Mercury Seven astronauts signed first edition, first printing of ”We Seven”, signed by each of the seven astronauts including twice by John Glenn. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1962, published just after Scott Carpenter’s voyage on Aurora 7. Signed on the illustrated front free endpaper as follows: ”Best regards–/ J H Glenn, Jr”, ”Scott Carpenter”, ”Gus Grissom”, ”W M Schirra Jr”, ”J H Glenn, Jr”, ”Gordon Cooper”, ”D K Slayton”, and ”Alan B Shepard, Jr”. Hardbound in a Book Club dust jacket, book runs 375 pages and measures 5.75” x 8.5”. Previous owner’s name at top of signature page, otherwise near fine. A beautiful copy. With Steve Zarelli COA for all 8 signatures. Sold for $3,750.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.
Zarelli COA. Click image to enlarge.

Mercury 7 Signed 10” x 8” Photo, Signed by All Seven Astronauts — With JSA COA

Photo of the Original Seven, signed by all of the Mercury 7 astronauts on the photographic border: ”Alan B. Shepard Jr.”, ”Walter W. Schirra Jr.”, ”John H. Glenn Jr.”, ”Virgil I. Grissom”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Donald K. Slayton” and ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr”. Neat inscription at upper right reads ”With Best Wishes and Warm Regards to Mary from The Mercury Astronauts”. Silver gelatin matte-finish photo measures 10” x 8”. Light creasing at upper left and small area of previous tape adhesion in same area. Overall in very good to near fine condition. With JSA COA for all signatures. Sold for $3,750.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.
Steve Zarelli COA. Click image to enlarge.

Mercury 7 Signed 10” x 8” Photo — Signed by All 7 Astronauts

Excellent Mercury 7 signed photo. NASA’s original 7-member crew pose here in front of a U.S. Air Force plane, all in their NASA uniforms. Inscription, likely written by Alan Shepard, reads ”To Don Durya With Appreciation, The Astronauts”, under which the astronauts sign: ”Scott Carpenter”, ”Gordon Cooper”, ”JH Glenn Jr”, ”Gus Grissom”, ”WM Schirra”, ”Alan Shepard” and ”DK Slayton”. Signatures are in blue and black ink. Color photo measures 10” x 8”. One pinhole to upper left margin, overall very good to near fine condition. Sold for $3,691.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.

Mercury 7 Astronauts Page Signed Next to Their Photos — M. Scott Carpenter, Leroy Cooper, John Glenn, Virgil Grissom, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard & Donald K. Slayton

Mercury 7 signed page featuring each astronaut’s photo. All 7 of the original group selected by NASA sign beneath their image in blue ballpoint pen: ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Leroy G. Cooper, Jr.”, ”John H. Glenn, Jr.”, ”Virgil I. Grissom”, ”Walter M. Schirra, Jr.”, ”Alan B. Shepard, Jr.” and ”Donald K. Slayton”. Top of page reads ”MERCURY ASTRONAUTS” and measures 8” x 10”. Creasing and small tear to right edge, overall very good condition with clean signatures. Sold for $3,125.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Mercury 7 Astronauts Page Signed Next to Their Photos. Click to enlarge.

Liberty Bell 7 Space Flown Dime From Mercury-Redstone 4, the Second Manned Mission in NASA History — From the Estate of Astronaut Gus Grissom

Space flown dime from the Mercury-Redstone 4 mission. Dime was flown with Gus Grissom aboard the Liberty Bell 7, which launched from Cape Canaveral on 21 July of 1961. Flown dime, minted in 1961, comes with a sterling silver medallion engraved with the launch date and mission title. Both are affixed to a metal loop for hanging on a necklace chain. Paper tape affixed to the medallion reads, ”66-90-31”. Some tarnishing, else near fine. From the personal estate of Gus Grissom and with an LOA from his son. Sold for $3,049.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Liberty Bell 7 Space flown dime. Click to enlarge.
LOA. Click to enlarge.

NASA Bulletin Signed by All Mercury 7 Astronauts — With Steve Zarelli COA

”Project Mercury” NASA bulletin signed by all seven Mercury astronauts. Each man signs over his photo: Malcolm S. Carpenter, Leroy G. Cooper Jr., John H. Glenn Jr., Virgil I. Grissom, Walter M. Schirra Jr., Alan B. Shepard Jr., and D.K. Slayton. Four page bulletin is dated April 1959 on last page; measures 8” x 10.625”. Mounting remnants on last page, otherwise near fine. With Steve Zarelli Space Authentication COA. Sold for $3,025.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.
Steve Zarelli COA. Click image to enlarge.

Signatures of All Mercury 7 Astronauts on a Single Slip!

All of the original Mercury 7 astronauts here sign a slip in blue ink. The slip is inscribed by an unknown hand: ”Best wishes to Suzie / from the Mercury Astronauts”. Beneath, the autographs read: ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr / Walter M Schirra / John A Glenn, Jr / Virgil I. Grissom / Donald K. Slayton / M. Scott Carpenter / Alan B. Shepard Jr”. 2.75” x 3.75” slip comes mounted to a muted dark blue-green mat. Very good with uniform toning and light creasing. Beside the slip, an original newspaper photo from the 28 July 1961 issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is also mounted. It shows the 7 space heroes posing beside model spacecraft on their visit to that city. Framed neatly in brushed steel to an overall size of 11.75” x 10.25”. Crack to non-glare glass at the lower right corner, else near fine. Sold for $2,772.

Click image to enlarge.

Project Mercury “Capsule Flight Operations Manual” from February 1962

Project Mercury “Capsule Flight Operations Manual”, #SEDR 109 dated 1 February 1962 shortly before the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission. Manual is divided into three sections: Normal Procedures, Emergency Procedures and Trouble Shooting, with several fold-out schematics and specific instructions to aid for a successful launch, mission, re-entry, landing, and capsule egress. Housed in dark green custom binder measuring 6.25″ x 7.5″. Light wear, overall near fine condition. Sold for $1,700.

Click image to enlarge.

We also sold the following NASA models:

Apollo Spacecraft Model Signed by 22 Astronauts, Including 9 Moonwalkers & 3 From Project Mercury — Signatures Include Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Alan Shepard & 19 More — With Steve Zarelli COA

Very rare Apollo spacecraft model signed by 22 astronauts, including Neil Armstrong and eight other Moonwalkers, as well as three Project Mercury astronauts. This pre-Apollo I model is from the mid-1960s, made by North American Aviation, Inc., the company that merged with Rockwell-Standard in March 1967 to form North American Rockwell, whose models are much more common. All 22 signatures appear on the command module, and include: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Alan Shepard, Alan Bean, Charles Conrad Jr., Ed Mitchell, Jim Irwin, Dave Scott, John Young, Gordon Cooper, Wally Schirra, Donn Eisele, Rusty Schweickart, James McDivitt, Dick Gordon, James Lovell, Jack Swigert, Ken Mattingly, Ron Evans, Joe Engle, Joe Kerwin and Jerry Carr. Model measures 6.5″ in diameter and 21″ tall, upon a circular base that reads “North American Aviation, Inc. / APOLLO SPACECRAFT”. Some signatures have faded and subsequently been touched up or traced over, as indicated on the COA. Most signatures, including Armstrong and Aldrin, remain bold and instantly recognizable. Model is missing one metal rocket booster, otherwise complete and in very good condition. With a Steve Zarelli Space Authentication COA for all signatures. A rarely seen Apollo model signed by the astronauts. Sold for $7,535.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
Click image to enlarge.
Zarelli LOA. Click to enlarge.

Historic 1950’s Model of The Vanguard 1 Satellite From the Navy Research Laboratory — Large Scale Model of the Longest-Orbiting Man-Made Satellite Ever

Model Vanguard 1 satellite from the Navy Research Laboratory, the firm that built the satellites of Project Vanguard. Vanguard 1 was launched on 17 March 1958, shortly after the Soviet launch of Sputnik kicked off the Space Race. The United State’s first successful satellite launch after Explorer, Vanguard 1 remains in orbit today, holding the record for longest-orbiting satellite made by man. Model satellite features a spherical shell, with one half made of metal and the other half rendered in clear plastic to reveal the mechanics within. Secured at the center, a clear cylinder which contains seven numbered layers of colored sponges represents the hermetically sealed mercury cell battery container and radio transmitter machinery used in the space-bound version. Wires connect the payload to six terminals on the exterior that represent the six solar cell clusters by which the satellite was powered as the first ever satellite to employ solar power. With a 22” diameter, model satellite is much larger in scale than its counterpart in orbit, which was nicknamed by Kruschev the ”grapefruit satellite” for its petite size. Model is mounted to a 2” tall transparent base that contains a plaque reading in full, ”Full Scale Model / Scientific Earth Satellite / Designed and Built by Project Vanguard / US Naval Research Laboratory / Washington D.C.” An important piece of pre-NASA space history in near fine condition. With provenance from the family of Howard Tihila, Office of International Science Activities for the National Science Board, the government agency that backed Project Vanguard. Sold for $5,530.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule Model
1950’s Model of The Vanguard 1 Satellite. Click to enlarge.

Scarce Saturn C-5 Model Made by the Marshall Space Flight Center, Circa Early 1960s Before It Was Renamed Saturn V — In Original Box Shipped to Houston

Scarce Saturn C-5 model made by the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), circa early 1960s before NASA decided to use this rocket for the Apollo program and renamed it Saturn V. While Saturn V models are occasionally available at auction, Saturn C-5 models such as this one are virtually non-extant.

Model is housed in its original MSFC blue wooden case, with a partially torn NASA label addressed to a “Dr. Joseph” in Houston. As the model originates from an estate in Massachusetts, the recipient was possibly Joseph Shea, Deputy Director of the Office of Manned Space Flight, who joined NASA in late 1961 as a systems engineer and retired in Massachusetts.

Model is approximately 1/100 scale, measuring 42.75″ tall. Nearly all components are present: the S-IC with five F-1 engines, screwed to the wooden base and measuring 18.25″ tall and 4.25″ in diameter at top; piece connecting the S-IC and S-II measuring 3.125″ tall including transparent connecting rings; S-II measuring 12.75″ tall, featuring five silver and red J-2 rocket engines; S-IV B measuring 9.5″; slanted interstage measuring 3.75″ tall, missing the bottom connecting ring; service module measuring 2.5″ tall”; command module measuring 1.25″ tall; and finally, orange lunar excursion module landing stage with lunar legs, attached with tape underneath the launch stage, all measuring 3.25″ tall – this entire component is designed to fit into the slanted interstage. Set also includes two 2″ pins to fit pieces together. Wooden base measures 8.25″ x 8.5″ with metal plaque identifying the model as “SATURN C-5″ from the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center. Original blue wooden carrying case measures 23.75″ x 15.5″ x 9.75″ tall, with a 3.5″ x 4.5” photo affixed to interior showing the contents of model in box. Model is missing the launch escape system that tops the model, and the boost protective cover that fits over the command module. Part of the service module is missing, and one of the gray F-1 rocket engines is present but detached. Slanted interstage is starting to separate along seam. Additionally some isolated chipping to paint. Overall very good condition. An extraordinarily rare and early prototype for the Saturn V rocket, a historic memento from the early days of the Space Race. Sold for $4,500.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule model
Click image to enlarge.

Apollo 11 Crew Signed Model of the Command Module Spacecraft — Signatures of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, & Michael Collins

Model of the Apollo 11 Command Module signed by the crew: ”Neil Armstrong”, ”Michael Collins” and ”Buzz Aldrin”. The model was reportedly signed first by Armstrong in the 1980’s, then by Aldrin and Collins at the 2009 Spacefest convention in San Diego, CA. Engraved plaque affixed to the front reads: ”First Men on The Moon / Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins / Apollo 11 July 16 1969 A.D. / A Winning Combination”. Lightweight, handcrafted model measures 8.75” in height. Wooden triangular base measures 4.75” across and 7.25” deep. Near fine. Sold for $4,468.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule model
Apollo 11 Crew Signed Model of the Command Module Spacecraft. Click to enlarge.

Apollo Spacecraft Model by North American Aviation, Inc. — Pre-Apollo I Model

Very early mid-1960s Apollo spacecraft model, made by North American Aviation, Inc., the company that merged with Rockwell-Standard in March 1967 shortly after the Apollo I fire. Unlike more common models made by North American Rockwell after the merger, this is one of the earliest Apollo models ever produced. Saturn model spacecraft is comprised of the Escape Rocket, which sits atop the Command Module, housed in a circular base that reads ”North American Aviation, Inc. / APOLLO SPACECRAFT” with the NASA emblem. United States decals and flag are on both the Escape Rocket and Command Module. Affixed to the underside of the base is a label by The Walter J. Hyatt Co. Model measures 6.75” in diameter and 20.5” tall. Complete in its original foam-protected box from North American Aviation, Inc. that reads ”Apollo SPACECRAFT”. One small black piece missing that clips to side of rocket, else near fine condition. Sold for $3,994.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule model
Click image to enlarge.

Fred Haise Signed Apollo Saturn V Rocket Model

Fred Haise signed Saturn V rocket model, a 1:200 scale model of the rocket that transported Haise on the Apollo 13 mission. Base is signed “Fred Haise / Apollo 13″ in silver felt-tip. Measures approximately 22” tall. Near fine condition. Sold for $1,785.

Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38" Capsule model
Click image to enlarge.

FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38″ Capsule model that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).

We offer the following services for your Mercury-Atlas 6 Friendship 7 38″ Capsule model:

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  • Sell or Auction Your Toth Gyula Kylo Ren Stunt Helmet for up to About $50,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Do you have a high-value item that you would like to get the maximum price possible? If so, please call us at (310) 440-2982 or use the form below. A representative of Nate D. Sanders Auctions will contact you concerning your items.

Attach up to 4 pictures in gif, jpg or png format not to exceed 4Mb.

There are two methods to select your images after you clicking “Choose Files”:

While holding the Shift Key down, select the first image and the last image. All images between will be highlighted.

While holding the CTrl Key down, select each image one click at a time. Only the selected images will be chosen. Then click “Open” and the selected files will be included in the form.

You can also email us at [email protected]

Consign With Us

Do you have a high-value item that you would like to get the maximum price possible? If so, please call us at (310) 440-2982 or use the form below. A representative of Nate D. Sanders Auctions will contact you concerning your items.

Attach up to 4 pictures in gif, jpg or png format not to exceed 4Mb.

There are two methods to select your images after you clicking “Choose Files”:

While holding the Shift Key down, select the first image and the last image. All images between will be highlighted.

While holding the CTrl Key down, select each image one click at a time. Only the selected images will be chosen. Then click “Open” and the selected files will be included in the form.

You can also email us at [email protected]

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