Project Mercury
Initiated in 1958, completed in 1963, Project Mercury was the United States' first man-in-space program. The objectives of the program, which made six manned flights from 1961 to 1963, were specific:
To orbit a manned spacecraft around Earth;
To investigate man's ability to function in space;
To Recover both man and spacecraft safely.
Project Mercury Non Mission Specific Memorabilia
 |
This is an original period transcript of the historic April 9, 1959 press conference in Washington DC announcing the selection of the Mercury 7 Astronauts. This press conference and these men changed the face of history and this original document captures it all, word for word. It lists all those in attendance and captures the entire press conference from start to finish.
This is not a latter day digital reproduction but rather the very same publication released by NASA following this momentous event for all who couldn't be there. It is 34 pages and is excellent condition.
#Mercury Mem NS - First Press Conference $195
|
 |
Very Vintage
Mercury Era NASA Ashtray
This ashtray was produced to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of NASA. It is NOT a reproduction but rather was produced in 1963. Neil was never a smoker and consequently this ashtray is in "as new" condition. A very rare memento coming from the collection of Neil Hutchinson, "Silver Flight"
#Mercury Mem NS -
NASA Ashtray |
3 Volume Set: "Results of....."
from the personal library of Flight Director, Neil Hutchinson
 |
Offered here is a three volume set of "Results of....." that includes:
1. "Results of the Second US Manned Orbital Space Flight" (NASA SP-6) 2. "Results of the Third US Manned Orbital Space Flight" (NASA SP-12) 3. "Mercury Project Summary & Results of Fourth Orbital Flight" (NASA SP-45)
Each of the three volumes are hand signed by Neil Hutchinson, "From the library of NASA Flight Director Neil Hutchinson, "Silver Flight". A wonderful set in excellent condition coming from a Flight Director's personal library.
#Mercury Mem NS -
Hutchinson: "NASA Results
of...." |
Alan Shepard : Freedom 7 Memorabilia
 |
 |
United Space Manned Space Flight - 30th Anniversary of the Mercury Astronauts hand signed by Alan Shepard
This impressive poster print commemorates the 30th Anniversary of Manned Spaceflight. It measures 34"x22" and is in very good condition and suitable for framing though one could first add John Glenn if desired. Shepard signs in bold blue sharpie as you can see clearly in the scan. A beautifully produced poster.
#Mercury Mem - Shepard 30th Anniversary Poster $225 |
|
click thumbnail to enlarge |
click thumbnail to enlarge
|
|
The "Lucky Bag" is the Naval Academy's Yearbook and this one is their 100 year (1845 - 1945) anniversary edition, complete with future Astronaut Alan Shepard and future President Jimmy Carter. This massive yearbook is in outstanding condition, measures 14.5" x 11.5" and weighs in at an impressive 10.75 pounds!. Loads of content, lots of great reading and with a great space & political association as well. This item is for the collector who appreciates those items on the more unusual side.
|
|
Virgil I. Grissom - Liberty Bell 7 Memoribilia
|
|
Offered here is a component from the Mercury spacecraft LB-7, flown on Mercury - Redstone 4. It is a 1/2 inch long bolt encased in a Lucite block.
Having splashed down in the Atlantic, Gus Grissom was rescued shortly before his Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft sank. The spacecraft was recovered from the seabed in 1999 and restored at the Kansas Cosmosphere which used corroded components such as the present example to raise money. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Cosmosphere.
#Mercury Mem -
Liberty Bell 7 Bolt |
|
|
Offered here is a component from the Mercury spacecraft LB-7, flown on Mercury - Redstone 4. It is a 1/2 inch long bolt encased in a Lucite block.
Having splashed down in the Atlantic, Gus Grissom was rescued shortly before his Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft sank. The spacecraft was recovered from the seabed in 1999 and restored at the Kansas Cosmosphere which used corroded components such as the present example to raise money. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Cosmosphere.
#Mercury Mem -
Liberty Bell 7 Bolt |
From the personal collection of Eugene F. Kranz
|
click thumbnail to enlarge |
click thumbnail to enlarge
|
|
This Project Mercury: Liberty Bell 7: 50th Anniversary patch measures 4" in diameter. It comes from the personal space collection of NASA Flight Director Eugene F. Kranz. Gene has hand signed this patch on it's reverse as you can see in the scan. Comes with a COA from Farthest Reaches LLC.
|
|
"Moment of
Discovery" print with accompanying
FLOWN "Sealing Tape"
with hand signed COA from LB7
Expedition Leader, Curt Newport
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offered here is a high quality print faithfully recreating the "Moment of Discovery" of Liberty Bell 7 after being lost at sea for 38 years. This was following it's splashdown and attempted recovery by USMC pilot James Lewis (autographs found on "Support" page) Never has so much controversy surrounded a mission as did Gus Grissom's Mercury - Liberty 7 flight.
This print shows the scene with both historical and technical accuracy as the Magellan 725 Remotely Operated Vehicle first observed the sunken spacecraft during leader Curt Newport's amazing 1999 recovery expedition. Newport (see "Support" page) commissioned Boston artist Alfred Mira who produced the original of this image in oil.
Curt Newport has hand signed each print as you can see in the scan. In addition however, for a small number of prints, Newport also included a piece of "Sealing Tape" actually recovered from the sunken spacecraft during restoration. This FLOWN tape is nearly impossible to find today, except in small Lucite displays produced with much smaller fragments, cut for resale.
The small number of prints being offered here included the fully INTACT larger pieces of FLOWN "Sealing Tape", coming directly to Farthest Reaches from their source, Curt Newport in June, 2005. Each piece is substantial measuring approximately 1" x 2.5". As you can see, each print with FLOWN "Sealing Tape" comes with a letter of authenticity HAND SIGNED by Curt Newport AND a letter composed by Curt that summarizes the history of the print, the flight and loss of the Liberty Bell and circumstances surrounding it's ultimate recovery.
Only a very few of these are available so suggest you don't delay if interested because when they're gone....they're gone!
#Mercury
Mem - Liberty Bell 7
Print w/FLOWN Tape |
|||
Liberty Bell 7 Desktop Model
Authentically hand signed by
Curt Newport, Guenter Wendt &
Jim Lewis
|
|
This beautifully 1/48th scale desktop model of the Liberty Bell 7 is custom produced for Farthest Reaches LLC by model maker Nick Proach. The image here simply doesn't do this model justice, though Nick's reputation for quality is well known throughout the industry.
As nice as it is, Farthest Reaches has not left well enough alone and has taken this scale model to an even higher level. We have had each one authentically hand signed on it's powder blue base by:
1. Curt Newport - Responsible for Liberty Bell 7's recovery and author of the definitive book on the subject, "Lost Spacecraft - Search For Liberty Bell 7".
2. Guenter Wendt - The Mercury Padleader and one of the LAST men to see and touch Liberty Bell prior to it's lift-off on July 21, 1961.
3. Jim Lewis - Marine Pilot of Hunt Club 1, who lost a valiant struggle to prevent Liberty Bell from sinking to the bottom of the sea on that fateful day. Jim was the LAST man to have contact with the capsule before it disappeared from site in 16,000 feet of water until being found some 38 years later.
#Mercury Mem -
Liberty Bell Signed
Model |
|
|
 |
MR-4 (Liberty Bell
7) Umbilical Head
Wire
These fragments are actual segments of electrical wire removed from the umbilical head that provided external power to Gus Grissom's Liberty Bell 7 just prior to it's historic liftoff on July 21, 1961.
Each artifact measures between 3/4" - 7/8" long and is similar to the scan although color or exact size may vary. As you can see, the wire is presented in a transparent gel box so that it can be safely viewed or handled but can also be easily removed should you wish to do so.
The signed letter of authenticity from noted Aerospace Writer, Lecturer, and Historian Rick Boos explains the purpose and role of the umbilical head to MR-4's most historic mission as well as the chain of ownership that lets you know you're getting an authentic piece of space program history.
#Mercury Mem - LB7 Umbilical Wire $125 |
The Recovery of Liberty Bell 7
Authentically hand signed/inscribed by Curt Newport, Guenter Wendt & Jim Lewis
|
|
Not only were Guenter Wendt & Jim Lewis a part of this grand adventure as it unfolded in 1961 but were onboard the MV Ocean Project as LB7 was raised from the deep some 38 years later.
The signatures and inscriptions read as follows:
Curt Newport (Recovery Expedition Leader signs & adds, "Found! 5/1/99" Guenter Wendt signs with "Padleader" & adds, "Off to space! 7/21/61" Jim Lewis signs with "Pilot, Hunt Club 1" & adds, "Claimed by the deep"
This stunning image is uncropped (full frame) in order to preserve it's full scope. It was custom produced by Farthest Reaches by special arrangement on high quality Agfa Prestige paper.
#Mercury Mem - Triple Signed LB7 $195 |
|
|
This vintage NASA Space Task Group publication has been hand signed in pencil on it's cover by Mercury Astronaut Scott Carpenter. In fact, this comes from his personal collection. This book is approximately 32 pages of text and photographs detailing the flight of Liberty Bell 7. In outstanding condition.
#Mercury Mem - LB7 NASA Booklet signed by Scott Carpenter $135 |
|
|
This tough to find associational item was distributed at the dedication of the Virgil I. Grissom School No. 7 in Rochester, New York on September 15, 1968. This capsule shaped program opens and is full of information inside as well as the back which contains a biography of Grissom who had perished in the Apollo 1 fire a year before. In pristine conditon and something you'll probably never see again given the limited number produced. Perfect for the LB7 collector who enjoys the items leaning toward the unusual. The only one I've ever come across.
#Mercury Mem - LB7 Grissom School Dedication $45 |
John Glenn - Friendship 7 Memorabilia
|
|
|
"The Flight of Friendship 7 * The Astronaut" Wing: A Phillips Records Product - 1964
This long playing record produced in the UK by Phillips in 1964 is in what appears to be unplayed condition. The slip case is hand signed boldly in black sharpie by John Glenn. This is quite a rare find and I've never handled one that was hand signed before this.
#Mercury Mem - Glenn hand signed LP $325
 |
 |
Project Mercury -
John H. Glenn, Jr.: America's
First Man to Orbit -
This 4 page publication was produced by NASA in 1962 and several photos along with text that summarize John Glenn's first orbital mission. Very vintage, very nice condition with only a few minor soft bends.
#Mercury Mem -
Glenn Project Mercury Booklet
|
 |
Space Task Group, Friendship 7, February 20, 1962
A vintage 40 page NASA release with a descriptive summary and numerous captioned photos throughout, associated with various aspects of this mission.
#Mercury Mem - Glenn Task Group
|
 |
Results Of The First United States Manned Orbital Space Flight - Feb. 20, 1962 NASA, 1962, 204 pages
This is the quintessential summary of the Mercury mission of John Glenn. In outstanding condition.
#Mercury Mem - Glenn First
Manned Results |
 |
Vintage Time Magazine dated August 17, 1998 showing John Glenn who is about to fly Shuttle as the oldest man in space. This is the entire intact magazine and is hand signed on the cover by Glenn in bold black sharpie. JSA Authenticated. Great for framing.
#Mercury Mem - Glenn Time
Magazine |
Scott Carpenter - Aurora 7 Memorabilia
 |
This vintage
Nasa Project Mercury lapel
pin on card produced by
General Dynamics
Astronautics is
authentically hand signed on
reverse (also shown) by
Mercury Astronaut Scott
Carpenter. Card measures
2"x3"
#Mercury Mem - Carpenter Project
Mercury Pin |
 |
Scott Carpenter,
Astronaut: Rescue At Sea
This 8mm film
details Carpenter's "Orbit to
Rescue". It does not
appear to have every been
played. Scott has signed
the cover art as you can see in
the scan, with bold black
sharpie. A fabulous
associational item.
#Mercury Mem - Carpenter Rescue
At Sea |
 |
Astronaut M.
Scott Carpenter: Aurora 7, May
24, 1962
This vintage booklet measures 10" x 8" and tells the story of Scott Carpenter's Mercury mission in photos and text. Scott has hand signed its cover in bold black sharpie.
#Mercury Mem -
Carpenter NASA Booklet (a) |
 |
Vintage 6 page NASA booklet hand signed by Scott Carpenter. Excellent condition.
#Mercury Mem -
Carpenter NASA Booklet (b) |
 |
Vintage Life Magazine dated May 18, 1962 showing Scott and Rene Carpenter. It's cover has been hand signed by both. Very unique and not easily found with both signatures. Great for framing.
#Mercury Mem - Carpenter Life
Scott/Rene (a) |
 |
Vintage Life Magazine dated June 1, 1962 showing wife Rene watching Scott liftoff in Aurora 7. Rene has hand signed in sharpie. Must unique. Great for framing.
#Mercury Mem -
Carpenter Life Rene Carpenter
(b) |
 |
Vintage Newsweek Magazine dated June 4, 1962 showing Astronaut Carpenter in spacesuit and holding helmet. Fully intact and in excellent condition though smells a bit musty as is typical for old magazines. Great for framing.
#Mercury Mem -
Carpenter Time |
Wally Schirra : Sigma 7 Memorabilia
|
"Would YOU like to be a Turtle? Well would you????" (so what's a Turtle? Hmmm....click on the Turtle's Club Crest for more information)
Well you've come to the right place, if your answer is: "You bet your sweet ass I would!"
Ok
then, if you really want to
become a "Turtle", here's how:
So what will happen next ??:
|
n
 MA-8 Flight Plan |
 Kraft & Schirra with MA-8 Flight Plan |
This is the actual 32 page MA-8 Flight Plan used by Eugene Kranz at his console during that 6 orbit mission. on October 3, 1962. At some point the staples were removed so that this document could be put in a binder. Also note that 8 pages contain Gene's vintage penned hand annotations. Rare, important and mission utilized as Gene's tool for referring in detail, what was to be done during each orbit. Comes with a COA hand signed by Eugene Kranz on his personal stationary. This investment quality museum piece is by anyone's standards, a unique and significant slice of Mercury "Control" history.
#Mercury Mem
- Sigma 7 Kranz Flight Plan
|
 |
This vintage
NASA Project Mercury lapel pin
on card produced by General
Dynamics Astronautics is
authentically hand signed on
reverse (also shown) by Mercury
Astronaut Wally Schirra. Card
measures 2"x3".
#Mercury Mem - Schirra: Project
Mercury Pin |
|
|
Results Of The Third United States Manned Orbital Flight NASA,1962 (120 pgs.)
This copy is in VG+ condition and hand signed by Wally Schirra who adds mission information.
#Mercury Mem -
Third Orbital Flight |
 |
The Six Orbits Of Sigma 7 - Walter M. Schirra's Space Flight - October 3, 1962 NASA, 1962, 48 pages
Text, photographs and maps relative to this historic Mercury flight. Vintage and in wonderful condition. Measures 8" x 11".
#Mercury Mem - Six Orbits of
Mercury 7 |
Gordon Cooper - Faith 7 Memorabilia
 |
This vintage 33 1/3 rpm record was issued as a promotion by the American Bank of Commerce of Phoenix, Az. It was produced in 1974 at which time Gordo was a member of this institution's Board of Directors. This one came from Gordon Cooper's personal collection and he has hand signed and inscribed on it's sleeve, "From my personal collection, Gordon Cooper. It is in pristine condition and has never been played. Very unique and from the collection of the astronaut himself!!,
|
|
|
Gordon Cooper - 22 Orbits (4") Vintage Pin back
#Mercury Mem -
Cooper Pin Back |
|
|
Mercury Project
Summary Including Results Of The
Fourth Manned Orbital Flight
Owner name and Aerospace Corporation Library Stamp on cover. Very nice condition.
#Mercury Mem -
Cooper Results Of Fourth Manned
Flight |
