April 2013 Auction Ends Tuesday, April 2nd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/2/2013
The Atlas 107D's engine start button. Scott Carpenter's depression of this button on 24 May 1962 launched the spacecraft carrying him on his 3-orbit mission. Button is encased in a lucite block. A plaque mounted to the front wooden base is engraved, ''To / LEO / With Continuing Gratitude / From / One of His Boys / SCOTT CARPENTER''. Each of the 4 sides of the base bear plaques, one labeled NASA in Cape Canaveral, another identifying the item, a third reading, ''MA-7 Second Mercury / Manned Orbital Flight / 24 May 1962''. The fourth is the logo of General Dynamics Astronautics, the manufacturer. Presentation measures 9.25'' in height and 4'' square. Minor scratching and slight separation from base, else near fine. With an LOA from Robert DeOrsey, son of Leo DeOrsey, the well-known attorney for the Mercury 7 astronauts and to whom Scott Carpenter gave this start button. Also accompanied by a ''Parade'' magazine containing an article written by Leo DeOrsey in which he mentions this gift from Carpenter.
Engine Start Button From the Mercury-Atlas 7 Spacecraft -- From the Estate of Scott Carpenter's Attorney, to Whom Carpenter Gave the Button
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