Lot 1050
Mercury Program, 1962, "The Collier Trophy" (about 28 lbs, 8.5x8.5x14") This solid bronze trophy is the highest aeronautical/astronautical award you can get. A plaque on one side reads: "Awarded annually by the National Aeronautical Association sponsored by Look magazine, for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America. The value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year". The matching plaque on the other side of the trophy reads: "The Collier Trophy founded 1911 by Robert J. Collier / 1962 / Lt. Cmdr. Malcolm S. Carpenter, USN; Maj. Gordon Cooper, USAF; Lt. Col. John H. Glenn, Jr, USMC; Maj. Virgil I. Grissom, USAF; Cmdr. Walter M. Schirra, Jr. USN; Cmdr, Alan B. Shepard, Jr, USAF; Major Donald K. Slayton, USAF / For pioneering manned space flight in the United States".
To this writer's knowledge, only one other Collier Trophy associated with the space program has come on the market and that was sold in about 2001. While there are six similar trophies as were given to the other members of the Mercury 7, it could be said that this trophy is the ultimate, and most historic, US piece of space memorabilia a collector could aspire to. Pristine condition and an honor just for this writer to have a chance to hold it. ALSO included is a color photo (professionally matted and framed to 12.5x10.5") showing The Mercury 7 astronauts standing behind President Kennedy and VP Johnson while Deke is receiving this trophy. The full size trophy (as opposed to the recipient's trophy) is standing to their left.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 25,000.
Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection.
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| Realized $15,000 |
