NASA

Ultra-Rare exceptional Type 1 photograph (printed from the original negative within the period) displays the rare NASA blue-number identifier “S-61-1250” at the top margin—an authentication hallmark prized by elite space-memorabilia collectors. Printed on contemporaneous “A KODAK PAPER” stock, the photo retains its full vintage character, tone, and presence.

In April 1959, NASA introduced seven young test pilots who would become global icons:

Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, and Deke Slayton.

Together, they embodied America’s earliest dreams of manned spaceflight—the heroes who paved the way for Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and ultimately the Moon landing.

This photograph, dated 1961, captures the Mercury 7 standing proudly beside a U.S. Air Force jet used during their high-altitude and aerospace-physiology training. Their grinning faces, flight suits, and mission helmets reflect the courage and optimism of the era—just months before Shepard and Grissom flew America’s first manned missions.

Images of all seven astronauts together in the field—especially in full gear—are scarce. Period NASA color prints with blue-number markings are among the most sought-after. Original NASA photographs from Project Mercury—especially those depicting the full Mercury 7—are disappearing into major institutional and private collections. This is an extremely rare chance to acquire a true period original, not a later reproduction.

A centerpiece for historians, collectors, educators, and anyone inspired by America’s first steps into space.