Lot 23
MR-3, 1961, Randall Knife Lucite Display (2.25") This small handleless knife is embedded in a clear lucite cylinder (4x1") with two descriptive plaques. One reads: "1st Knife in Space" and the other reads: "Carried by Cmdr. Shepard May 5, 1961 / Randall Made Knives, Orlando, Florida".
The Mercury astronauts were all supplied Randall Made knives to carry on their flights. These are currently in museums. They were also given similar desk displays of Randall Made handleless knives in rectangular lucite blocks as momentos of these knives (see prior lot).
This lucite display was distributed by Randall Knives to sporting goods companies to take advantage of the extensive publicity generated by the Mercury flights and the use of Randall Knives by the astronauts. While extensively distributed, only a few examples of this display appear to have been saved. An identical lot (Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection) was sold in our April 2008 sale where it realized in excess of $2750). Internal flaws in the lucite pour on front and back should not detract. A great Mercury Program commercial piece of memorabilia.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
Ex. the Virgil "Gus" Grissom Family collection.
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| Realized $1,668 |
