Mercury 7 signed photograph achieves $5,400 in online sale

A signed photograph of the first US astronauts, the Mercury 7, sold as top lot among important space collectibles in an online sale which closed July 18.

Mercury 7 signed photograph
The Holy Grail of Mercury 7 signed items


Following a rigorous selection process, the first seven astronauts to fly in space were chosen from more than 500 applications, with each described as a "superb physical specimen" with a genius-level IQ. Also known as the Original Seven and Astronaut Group 1, they are the only astronaut group with members who have flown on all classes of NASA manned orbital spacecraft, including Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and the Space Shuttle.

The photograph has been described as "the Holy Grail of Mercury 7 signed items" and is a highly desirable collector's piece. It features the early signatures of Alan Shepard, Gus Grisson, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper and Deke Slayton, holding a miniature model of the rocket that would later take them beyond the Earth's atmosphere. It sold for $5,400, against a minimum bid of just $500.

Following this was a signed photograph of Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin which was made out to Cliff Charlesworth in thanks for his work as NASA flight director of their historic moon landing. Inscribed: "To Cliff Charlesworth - with our sincere appreciation for your friendship and your professional performance as our 'flight'", it brought $4,145.

Paul Fraser Collectibles is offering the signed training suit worn by Buzz Aldrin in preparation for the Apollo 11 mission - a must-have item for discerning space collectors.

Among the aviation collectibles on offer, a signed oversized photograph of Charles Lindbergh posing with the Spirit of St Louis sold for $2,244. An identical price was achieved by a stunning signed photo of Amelia Earhart with "Old Bessie". Memorabilia connected with the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic is receiving fresh interest after the search for her wrecked airplane was reignited earlier this month.

We are currently offering a Charles Lindbergh signed commemorative menu, which originates from one of the dinners hosted in honour of his non-stop solo flight from New York to Paris, in 1927. 

See all of our fantastic space and aviation memorabilia here.

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