Gordon Cooper's FCC Authorization for operating
radiotelephone equipment on aircraft. 

The FCC Badge authorized Gordon Cooper to operate radiotelephone equipment on aircraft.  It was issued on June 1, 1949 well before Gordo's NASA days.  It states,

"This authorization is temporary but unless qualified or countermanded by the Commission within 90 days becomes valid for a period of 5 years from date.".  It is hand signed by Cooper in black ballpoint as you can see in the scan. 

The reverse side labeled "Warning" indicates the rules and parameters required in to maintain this authorization in good standing and the front side by Gordo's signature indicates that he has read and agrees to the "Warning" terms.

It's clear that this wallet sized card was hand carried for some time given it's wear.  It's an amazing, piece of early aviation history from the life of a young aviator whose future radio communications would be from a Mercury spacecraft to men on earth. 

#Cooper - FCC Authorization
$500

Gordon Cooper's USAF Instrument Certificate
 with Expiration date of March 6th, 1956

This card measuring 2.25" x 3" indicates that Captain Leroy G. Cooper has met the requirements for an instrument certificate.  His pilot rating is given as 3.2 with total hours of 1492:25. This certificate qualified aviator Cooper for Ground Controlled Approach.  These certificates were issued yearly.  In great condition.

#Cooper - FCC Authorization 1956
$200

Gordon Cooper's USAF Instrument Certificate
 with Expiration date of March 6th, 1957

This card measuring 2.25" x 3" indicates that Captain Leroy G. Cooper has met the requirements for an instrument certificate.  His pilot rating is given as 3.2 with total hours of 1789:30. This certificate qualified aviator Cooper for Ground Controlled Approach.  These certificates were issued yearly.  In great condition.

#Cooper - FCC Authorization 1957
$200

Gordon Cooper's USAF Instrument Certificate
 with Expiration date of March 6th, 1958

This card measuring 2.25" x 3" indicates that Captain Leroy G. Cooper has met the requirements for an instrument certificate.  His pilot rating indicates total hours of 1967:30. This certificate qualified aviator Cooper for Ground Controlled Approach.  These certificates were issued yearly.  In great condition.

#Cooper - FCC Authorization 1958
$200

Gordon Cooper's USAF Instrument Certificate
 with Expiration date of March 6th, 1959

This card measuring 2.25" x 3" indicates that Captain Leroy G. Cooper has met the requirements for an instrument certificate.  His Senior Plt. rating indicates total hours of 2142. This certificate qualified aviator Cooper for Ground Controlled Approach.  These certificates were issued yearly. In great condition.

#Cooper - FCC Authorization 1959
$225

The Triumph Of Astronaut L. Gordon Cooper, Jr. and the Faith 7: May 15-16 1963
NASA, Washington, DC, 1963, 48 pgs.

The last manned flight in the Mercury Series of missions. This flight of the Faith 7 was notable for Cooper taking control of the capsule during re-entry. Previous flights had been entirely controlled by autopilot. The flight consisted of 22 orbits of Earth and was the first time that television images were broadcast from space to earth. Cooper received a hero's welcome- much of which is shown here. This scarce publication is 11.5 by 9 inches and 48 pages long- full of photographs of the mission, training for the mission and his celebrated return. Whereas this type of material is fairly common for the Apollo missions these earlier missions had smaller print runs for most publications. This copy comes from Gordon Cooper's personal collection and is hand signed accordingly on it's cover.

 #Cooper - Triumph
$150

Gordon Cooper's USAF Instrument Certificate
 with Expiration date of March 6th, 1962

This card measuring 2.25" x 3" indicates that Captain Leroy G. Cooper has met the requirements for an instrument certificate.  His pilot rating of 2.1 indicates total hours of 2519. This certificate qualified aviator Cooper for Ground Controlled Approach.  These certificates were issued yearly. This card was issued to Captain Cooper during his assignment to NASA. In great condition.

#Cooper - FCC Authorization 1962
$350

Gordon Cooper's USAF Instrument Certificate
 with Expiration date of March 6th, 1963

This card measuring 2.25" x 3" indicates that Captain Leroy G. Cooper has met the requirements for an instrument certificate.  His pilot rating of 1.1 indicates total hours of 2299. This certificate qualified aviator Cooper for Ground Controlled Approach.  These certificates were issued yearly. This card was issued to Captain Cooper during his assignment to NASA. In great condition.

#Cooper - FCC Authorization 1963
$375

Gordon Cooper's FAA Medical Certificate - Second Class
Issued on March 4, 1960

This certificate issued on March 4th, 1960 deems Gordon Cooper physically air worthy.  It is hand signed by the Air Force Medical Examiner AND hand signed by Cooper himself.  The reverse of this certificate requires that this certificate be in the personal possession of the "Airman" at ALL TIMES. This certificate was issued to Captain Cooper during his assignment to NASA. In great condition.

#Cooper - Medical Certificate 1960
$325

Gordon Cooper's State of Texas Drivers License - Exp. 4/4/68

This State of Texas Drivers License was carried with Gordo every day as you can imagine.  It was issued while Gordo was still with NASA (he retired on July 31, 1970).  Though his signature is somewhat smeared, there's no denying that nothing is more personal and carried more regularly a drivers license, making this a highly desirable memento from the "best pilot you've ever seen!" 

#Cooper - Texas Drivers License
$350

Gemini Summary Conference

NASA, SP-138, February 1-2, 1967, 345 pages.

Proceedings of the NASA summary conference for the Gemini Program.  Printed on coated paper in b/w and color, the conference consisted of 21 technical papers and appendices.  Illustrated with fraphs, tables and photos.  The papers were grouped into five categaories: Space Orbital Maneuvering, Man's Activities in Space, Operational Experience, Gemini Onboaqrd Experiments and Gemini Summarization.  A very difficult to come by publication and this one belonging to Gordon Cooper makes it even more desirable. 

Cooper - Gemini Summary Conference
$425

Letter to Gordon Cooper from the
Commanding Officer of USS Lake Champlain
Dated 3 August 1965

This letter sent from James C. Longino, Jr., Commanding Officer of the USS Lake Champlain welcomes Gordo in advance of his anticipated GT-5 splashdown and recovery at which time he would be that ship's latest guest.  Longino goes on to ask Gordo if there is anything he'd like to have onbarrd ship during his stay, such as a favorite meal or piece of music.  He closes by wishing Gordo, "a very good ride."

This one of a kind letter is hand signed by CO Longino includes original envelope.  It is in great condition as you can see by the scan.    

#Cooper - "Champlain Letter 
$250

Gordon Cooper hand signed Gemini cover cancelled on splashdown day of 8/29/65 at Cape Canaveral, FL.  Beautiful cachet.

#Cooper Mem - Gemini Cvr. 1

$95

Gordon Cooper hand signed Gemini cover cancelled on launch of 8/21/65 at Cape Canaveral, FL.

#Cooper Mem - Gemini Cvr. 2

85

Gordon Cooper hand signed Gemini cover cancelled on launch day of 8/21/65 at Cape Canaveral, FL.

#Cooper Mem - Cvr. 3

$85

Gordon Cooper hand signed Gemini recovery force cover cancelled on recovery date of 8/29/65 onboard USS Lake Champlain (GT-V Prime Recovery Ship) 

#Cooper Mem - Cvr. 6 

$85

Crystalline Rocks From Mare Tranquillitatis: Preliminary
Petrologic Inferences by P.D. Lowman, Jr.
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, December 1969, 18 pgs,
 

This publication details the preliminary rock petrographic studies of two crystalline rock samples returned from the Apollo 11 mission to Mare Tranquillitatis.  Contains text, charts, statistics and photos.  This is the copy issued to Astronaut Gordon Cooper who has printed his name at the top right corner as well as having hand signed it on it's cover as you can see in the scan.  This vintage document represents one of the early studies of samples brought back from man's first landing on the moon and from a pioneer astronaut's personal files.  Excellent condition. 

#Cooper - Crystalline Rocks
$250

This check made is hand signed by Gordon Cooper. This is an unquestionably authentic signature and comes from the Cooper Family's personal files. The one pictured here IS a representive sample of what you will receive.  Several are available if interested but please do NOT ask for scans of multiple checks for review.  It's dealers choice.

#Cooper - Hand Signed Cancelled Check 
$125

“Leap of Faith"

by Gordon Cooper with Bruce Henderson
Uncorrected Proof
Harper Collins, New York, August 2000, First Ed, First Printing, HC, 227 pages

This autobiography of Astronaut Gordon Cooper is an unread uncorrected proof of the hardcover.  It comes from Col. Cooper's personal library.  We have a few of these available.  These are UNSIGNED but quite hard to find in this state.

#Cooper - Leap of Faith Uncorrected Proof
$225

"For Spacious Skies"

by Scott Carpenter and Kris Stoever
Uncorrected Proof Harcourt, NY, 2002, 1st Ed, 1st. Printing, Proof, 370 pgs.
 

This is the "Uncorrected Proof" of  "For Spacious Skies" by Scott Carpenter. Gordon Cooper's personal proof of friend Scott Carpenter's upcoming bio.  Comes with card as shown stating that this is coming, "With compliments of Scott Carpenter and Kris Stoever. UNSIGNED

#Spacious Skies Proof
$95

"Honest John"
by Walker "Bud" Mahurin

Putnam, NY, 1962, 1st. Ed., 313 pgs.
 

An extremely rare title.  This copy dedicated to Gordo by Bud Mahurin who inscribes, "Dear Gordy, Hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed doing some of it.  It was a good war but I think I'd rather be doing what you're doing.  Cheers, Bud Mahurin".

Book is in fine condition with dust jacket that shows some wear, a few tears, and some wrinkling.  Still an exceptionally rare book with a unique dedication to on of the original Mercury 7.    

#Cooper : Honest John
$795
 

"Pioneers of Aviation: A Photo Biography"

by D.D. Hatfield

Greenwood, Press, Inglewood, CA, 1st Ed., 1976, Trade Paperback, 204 pgs.
 

One of a series highlighting the biography of Aviation Pioneers.  Dedicated by the author to Gordon Cooper who writes, "To Gordon Cooper, Best Wishes, D.D. Hatfield...3/17/80.      

#Cooper: "Pioneers of Aviation"
$65
 

"Voice In The Mirror:
Will The Final Apocalypse Be Averted?"
by Lee Shargel

Inner Eye Books, Ca, 1st. Ed., 1st Printing, HC, 230 pgs.

 This is the first book of the Guardian Chronicles, a science fiction title that is hand inscribed to Gordon Cooper by it's author as you can see in the scan. 
  

#Cooper: Voice In The Mirror 
$45
 

Mercury Astronaut passports are seldom available.  This one comes directl from the Gordon Cooper Family collection. Given it's nature this passport is unquestionably authentic.  It's the only Cooper passport I've ever handled let alone seen for sale.  It was issued in 1985 thru 1995 and is hand signed by Gordon Cooper as would be expected in a passport.  Comes with a COA from Farthest Reaches attesting to it's chain of ownership and history. 

#Cooper Passport

$895

 G. Cooper NASA McDonnell photo badge

from the Gordon Cooper Family Collection

This photo ID badge from NASA-McDonnell was issued to and worn by Astronaut Gordon Cooper.  The photo of Gordo is a quite early one and though I can't date the badge exactly, it was issued prior to McDonnell;s merger with Douglas Aircraft so I put this squarly in the Mercury/Gemini period making it HIGHLY desirable and rare.  It does have a corner bend at lower right as you can see in the scan but considering its age and repeated use, consider it in otherwise fine condition.

This badge comes from the Cooper Family Collection. It was given to Farthest Reaches LLC by the Cooper family for the express purpose of it's sale and had remained with them following Gordo's passing.

An image of the reverse side can be provided upon request.  This item will come with a COA from a member of the Cooper family attesting to its chain of ownership. 

#Cooper - NASA McDonnell Badge
$850

 Someone played a "Gotcha" on Gordo !!!

from the Gordon Cooper Family Collection

Well folks, it doesn't get any better than this!  As I was sifting thru Gordo's archives I came across this long overlooked "Gotcha".  Upon close examination, what appeared to be an FAA Medical Certificate for flight readiness turned out to be this hilarious "Gotcha" that Gordo had saved for many years.

If you read carefully, you'll see exactly what I did. I'm not sure who was behind this but I could take a few guesses and would probably not be far off. 

"Gotchas" were often played and many written about in books or discussed in interviews but this is one of those that went untold as far as I can ascertain. 

This "FAA Medical Certificate" is dated March 4, 1964 and signed by "I'M. Quack MD (witness) ....."Patient unable to write".

Its very rare that an early "Gotcha" let alone an untold one becomes available for collectors to aquire.  Having a sense of humor kept morale high in what was an otherwise extremely dangerous profession and this is a prime example. 

An image of the reverse side can be provided upon request.  This item will come with a COA from a member of the Cooper family attesting to its chain of ownership. 

#Cooper - Gotcha
$425

 Capt. Gordon Cooper USAF leather name plate

from the Gordon Cooper Family Collection

This leather name plate was owned by Astronaut Gordon Cooper.  It comes from the Cooper Family Collection.  I have no specific history on this item.  This is an origional leather name plate and NOT a reproduction.  It was given to Farthest Reaches LLC by the Cooper family for the express purpose of it's sale and had remained with them following Gordo's passing.

Although there's not much to see, an image of the reverse side can be provided upon request.  This item will come with a COA from a member of the Cooper family attesting to its chain of ownership. 

#Cooper - Leather Name Plate
$250

As you may knnow, Gordo was empolyed by Disney for a period post his NASA career and lived in Encino, Ca with his family.  This phone per his daughter was one of the main houshold phones at that home.  It was kept in the family room and used by the family for sometime until the Coopers moved to Ventura in 1999.  Colleen's rememberance is that it was gifted to them by Disney and mentioned that it is their Encino phone # that written on the affixed card 

Cordon Cooper was quite a fan of all things Mickey Mouse and had strong Disney connections during that period. 

This 1976 Disney touchtone phone comes with a letter of authenticity from Colleen Cooper.  THough well used it appears to be in worknig order.

.

#Cooper - Mickey Mouse Phone
$325

THREE Gordon Cooper Membership Cards

by from Gordon Cooper Family Collection

Included are the following three items:

1. Masonic Temple card that origionally accompanited a Masonic Coin (coin not available).  This was awarded for "Meritoriius Service to Freemasonry".

2. "Brotherhood of Bucket Bitchers" (similar to the Turtles Club) issued to Cooper on March 1958, Gordo's very early years.  I've NEVER seen such a card before in other Astronaut collections though in my research found a digital copy of the same card issued to Chuck Yeager.  VERY RARE!.

3, "International Order of Old Bastards" membership card.  

A veterans social club founded by Australians and allied forces active during the Sercond World War.  Google for additional info. 

Images of the reverse sides are available upon request via text or email.  These impossible to find official vintage cards come directly from the Cooper Family Collection and come with a COA from Farthest Reaches LLC attesting to their origion and chain of ownership. 

#Cooper - Membership Cards "A"
$265

THREE Gordon Cooper wallet Membership Cards 

from the Gordon Cooper Family Collection

Included are the following three items:

1.  Photo membership card for Crested Butte Ski Resort (1967 - 68) hand signed by Gordon Cooper

2.  Honorary Membership as an auxiliary member of the Civil Air Patrol as issued by USAF

3.  Aricraft Owners & Pilots Association membership card with expiration date of 12/31/79.

Images of the reverse sides are available upon request via text or email.  These impossible to find official vintage cards come directly from the Cooper Family Collection and come with a COA from Farthest Reaches LLC attesting to their origion and chain of ownership. 

#Cooper - Membership Cards "B"
$265