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“First Man in Space”. An original black-and-white press photograph of the Russian cosmonaut, major Yuri Gagarin (1934–1968). Taken after his successful space voyage on April 12th 1961. Photo size 24.5×18 cm. Frame size 43×33 cm.

Apart from the fact that Yuri Gagarin was skilled and well-educated, he also had another quality, namely his very modest height. He measured only 1.57 metres and this made him fit into the narrow cabin of Vostok 1. He was killed during a MiG-15 flying exercise near Moscow in 1968.

Condition

This is an original black-and-white press photograph from 1961, which shows normal signs of age and handling, including tiny surface bulges. Telegram and crediting seen on the back.

Auction

Art, antiques & collector's items, 21 November 2019