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VTG WR CASE SONS 1966 M-1 ASTRONAUT'S KNIFE DISPLAY APOLLO GEMINI NASA SPACE M1
$ 448.8
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VINTAGE ORIGINAL M-1 MODEL 1966 W.R. CASE & SONS CUTLERY COMPANY BRADFORD PENNSYLVANIA IN CONJUNCTION WITH NASA FOR THE MANNED SPACECRAFT PROJECTS, GEMINI AND APOLLO. SERIAL #1371
I bought this at the family's estate auction. This was owned by
Carl E. Lehman
who was an employee of Goodyear Zeppelin Corporation (Aerospace/Aircraft) from 1929 through 1966. It is believed this was a retirement gift to him in 1966. From my research online, Mr. Lehman worked on and was chief production superintendent during the years the USS Akron (and USS Macon) airship was built and launched and overall he worked for Goodyear for 37 years. It includes the Case tri-fold pamphlet and rarely seen instruction sheet (has browning) on how to assemble the display case. The plexi glass has light scratches but intact with no chips or cracks. You could easily replace with new plexi or glass to more stunningly display this rare piece. The display case background scenery is clean and in excellent condition but has pulled away from the back slightly at the bottom left corner (may have been glued against back or side originally but has popped away in the corner just a bit). The knife appears to have never been used or out of it's case-and it's sharp! Watch your fingers while inside the case! The wood could use a little refinishing oil as it has some fading and light scratches, but I've left it as found. The markings stamped on the blade are good and crisp and intact but I could not get a good photo to show well (see 2 pics below). The wood case measures 20.75" x 8.5" and is 2.5" deep. The knife is 17" with handle and blade is 11.5". There are 27 pictures to look through.
For provenance sake, the last 2 pictures show the knife next to two other items owned by Mr Lehman, found at his same family's estate, and one is up for sale in separate auctions currently(they are not included here); 2 lighters (already sold) including a zippo slim Goodyear Aircraft (dedicated to "Mr Airship Production") and a piece of Duralumin Airship frame (believed to be from the USS Akron) made into a trench art style ashtray. Again, the lighters and Duralumin ashtray are not included in this auction and shown only for authenticity & provenance. This item is also up for sale locally. Selling as is. Thanks!
GREAT ITEM, GREAT COLLECTIBLE!