^Lot 112 Mercury

Three piece wooden model of the single-seated Mercury capsule that carried astronaut Alan Shepard on a sub-orbital flight in 1961 as the first American in space. Model has a total height of 23.5? with a maximum diameter at the base of approximately 14?. Model separates into three pieces, and is made primarily of wood with metal discs between the three sections and a gold colored resin nose. Inside is hollowed out and blue nylon parachutes with white woven cords are included in their respective sections. In fine condition. The Mercury capsule was designed by John F. Yardley, who also oversaw the two-seat Gemini flights, and was an integral part of the early shuttle program. This model reportedly originates from Yardley’s St. Louis office.