Farthest Reaches is both honored and appreciative for the opportunity to have known Wally Schirra both personally and professionally over the years. He was everything you've every read or heard about him....and more. Wally is and always will be missed by everyone who ever came to know him and for those of you who did have that pleasure, I'm sure you would all agree.
We are very pleased that we continue our close relationship with Wally's family and that end are offering quite a number of items this pioneer astronaut's personal archives. Keep checking back as this page will update periodically. Keep in mind that these are for the most part, unique one of a kind items, so don't delay if interested because when they are gone....they're gone! Happy browsing or as Wally would have said, "Happy Landings"
Home State Flag of New Jersey - Flown Onboard Apollo 7
This 6"x4" flag was flown onboard Apollo 7 by that mission's CDR, Walter M. Schirra. Schirra has inscribed the flag accordingly, "Flown on Apollo 7, Wally Schirra". In addition, it is accompanied by the letter of authenticity you see shown here which is ALSO hand signed by Wally Schirra. PLEASE NOTE: The flag as shown IS NOT attached to the letter and can easily be displayed as seen or seperate should you so choose.
As he says in the letter, "I was born and attended school in New Jersey. I felt is was appropriate to carry the flag of my home state on my final space flight."
New Jersey was near and dear to Wally's heart and this is just another example of that connection giving this artifact an even greater appeal. Directly from a 3 time astronaut's personal collection with ironclad provenance and in pristine, never before displayed conditon.
#Schirra Collection: Apollo 7 FLOWN Flag $2195 |
National Aviation Hall of Fame Medal
from the Schirra Family Collection
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On July 14, 1964 the National Aviation
Hall of Fame was chartered nationally by
an act of the U.S. 88th Congress, public
law 88-372 signed by President Lyndon B.
Johnson. The organization continues today
as a public foundation reporting annually
to Congress. The primary support for this
foundation comes from private,
tax-deductible membership dues and
contributions from individuals and
organizations. Offered here is the NAHOF Medal with plaque presented to Astronaut Wally Schirra on July 20, 1986 on the occasion of his induction into the ranks of this prestigious organization.
#Schirra Collection: National Aviation Hall of Fame Medal $SOLD
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This US Government Passport was issued to Wally Schirra on October 22, 1987 and cancelled on October 21, 1997. It carries his photo and is hand signed as you can see in the images to the left. It is loaded with stamps reflecting his extensive travel schedule. Highly desirable.
#Schirra Collection: Passport 87-97 $SOLD |
This US Government Passport was issued to Wally Schirra on July 22, 1997 and cancelled on July 21, 2007. It carries his photo and is hand signed as you can see in the images to the left. It is lightly used (two entries) which reflected his out of the country traveling schedule during that period. Passports issued to astronauts are highly sought after and those shown on this site are all that remain belonging to Wally Schirra.
#Schirra Collection: Passport 97-2007 $SOLD |
Elton John was known for his flamboyant eyewear, Gene Kranz had his trademark vests and Wally Schirra will always be associated with his iconic Hawaiian shirts.
During his NASA days it was Ban-Lon but for years after, Astronaut Wally Schirra loved and lived in his Hawaiian shirts. The Schirra's owned a vacation home in Kauai and spent time there whenever they were able, so it's no wonder he felt so comfortable in these shirts. Any of you fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of meeting Wally publicly over the years can attest to this.
In fact, following Wally's passing in 2007 at the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's yearly event, Scott Carpenter honored his fallen brother (along with several celebrity guests and attendees) by wearing their Hawaiian shirts to the traditionally more formal Saturday evening banquet.
Offered here is the actual shirt worn by Wally as shown in the image (modeled by Space Historian Francis French). This one is a Tori Richard, 100% cotton, size XL and comes with a COA from Farthest Reaches LLC.
FYI: Unfortunately I do not have specific photos of Wally wearing these shirts but there are many on the web and with some luck you you may be able to find one. Incidently, one of Wally's shirts sold recently at auction for $773 with buyers premium I'm just sayin......
#Schirra Collection: Hawaiian Shirt (g)
$565 |
Get Well Card for Wally Schirra
signed by Neil Armstrong, Ed White,
Alan Shepard, Deke Slayton and others....
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Letter (dated March 22, 1997) is closely associated with the HBO Mini Series, "From The Earth To The Moon". Wally Schirra was portrayed by actor Mark Harmon in that production. Wally enjoyed that film and was quite happy that Mark portrayed him, even joking about Mark's great looks (in typical Wally style) as it was only befitting such an actor would be hired to "play" him.
A close friendship between the actor and the astronaut sprung from this film and is reflected in this very personal hand written letter from Harmon. Harmon speaks about wanting to, "do it right" with regard to the effort that went into the accuracy of the film and for his depiction of Wally, states his intention "to do justice to you the man". There's even a joke about the Banlon shirts that Wally was well known for wearing. Harmon goes on to say, "...what a treat this role was for me". This letter also includes a production photo of Harmon and Krista Adair as Wally and Jo Schirra from the film set.
This is a wonderful letter with exceptional personal content, hand written on Harmon's own production company's stationary (Wings Productions).
#Schirra Collection: "Earth To Moon" Harmon Letter
$SOLD |
This original CBS Memorandum from Executive Robert Wussler dated July 1, 1969 details their complete personnel list for television coverage of the Apollo 11 Launch Day Phase" and "Lunar Day Phase".
Coverage at a variety of locations is covered in this document, including KSC, Houston, New York, Bethpage, Coco Beach, Downey, Flagstaff, Kennedy Airport, Smithsonian Institution, Disneyland and even the astronauts homes. CBS Radio News personnel assignments are also detailed.
This facinating internal document is 12 pages long in total. Six pages for the "Launch Day Phase" and six pages for the Lunar Day Phase". This comes from the personal collection of Astronaut Wally Schirra who was a "Special Consultant" for CBS Broadcasting for this historic event.
Comes with a COA from Farthest Reaches LLC. I seriously doubt that you'll find another one like it that has survived the years.
#Schirra Collection: CBS Apollo 11 Personnel List
$150 |
These two pages from Wally Schirra's Gemini file detail his schedule of activities from August 22, 1965 to Launch of Gemini 6. It's most interesting and though is not annotated, comes directly from the Schirra archives. I have placed a white piece of paper between the pages to make them more legible for our purposes while scanning.
Priced to give anyone a chance to obtain an origional vintage piece of space program history without having to take out a second mortgage on the house !!....
#Schirra Collection: Gemini 6 Activities List
$SOLD |
Congratulations from President of B.F. Goodrich for selection as one of the Mercury 7
Wally Schirra's U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Medal
Farthest Reaches is pleased to offer this most unusual display presented to Astronaut Wally Schirra while attending the 18th Reunion of the Mercury Astronauts on May 27 - 29, 1977. This reunion coincided with the May 27th, 1977 dedication of the quintessential space themed ride, Space Mountain at Disneyland, California.
This beautiful display measures 13.5" x 6.25". The right side is a replica of Space Mountain and the left side is a plaque honoring the Mercury Astronauts on the occasion of their 18th reunion. This display is designed to stand on it's own either on a shelf or desktop.
This a wonderful item for those who are interested in both space history and historic Disney memorabilia. It doesn't get any better than this. Comes with a COA from Farthest Reaches LLC.
#Schirra Collection: Space Mountain
$450 |
This plaque was issued to Wally Schirra and reads:
"To Eternal Friendship, Honor, Integrity, Henri" 15 Year Reunion - May 17th, 1974"
This plaque was presented to Wally Schirra (and one to each of the Mercury 7) on the occasion of their 15 year reunion. It was produced by their very close friend, Henri Landwirth a South Florida hotelier and philanthropist.
Henri had a story as exciting (if not more so) than the Astronauts themselves and through a turn of events forever became a member their inner circle. For some fascinating reading, click here for that story and I promise you'll understand why this plaque meant so much to Wally and his Mercury brothers. This memento of their reunion was displayed on the wall in Captain Schirra's den for many years until being offered for sale through Farthest Reaches by the Schirra Family. It measures, 10" x 14".
#Schirra Collection - 15th Reunion $425 |
This plaque was issued to Wally Schirra by the Naval Weapons Center - China Lake, California and reads:
"Capt. Wally Schirra, USN, RET. - 26-27 June 1982"
I am not sure of the specific occasion for which this plaque was presented but had been displayed in Captain Schirra's den for many years until being offered for sale through Farthest Reaches by the Schirra Family. Measures 8" x 6.5".
#Schirra Collection - China Lake Plaque $275 |
This plaque was issued to Wally Schirra and reads:
"Paratus Ferrire"
It is a hand painted emblem. My research indicates that these words were used as a part of the U.S. Army's 411th Regiment's Unit Crest though the design doesn't match the design of the images of the crest I was able to find. This plaque was displayed on the wall of Captain Schirra's den for many years until being offered for sale through Farthest Reaches by the Schirra Family.
#Schirra Collection - Paratus Plaque $250 |
This plaque was issued to Wally Schirra and reads:
"Fighting One Twenty Four"
This crest is a hand painted emblem. My research indicates that this is the emblem for the U.S. Navy's VF-24 Squadron also known as the "Fighting One Twenty Four". This plaque was presented to Captain Schirra and proudly displayed on the wall of his den for many years until being offered for sale through Farthest Reaches by the Schirra Family.
#Schirra Collection - Fighting One Twenty Four Plaque $250 |
Hand signed memento from Charles A.
Lindbergh Fund
This special patch is mounted on a white (toned) presentation board that has been signed by Mercury astronauts Scott Carpenter (and wife), Gordon Cooper (and wife), John Glenn (and wife), Wally Schirra (and wife), Alan Shepard (and wife), Deke Slayton (and wife) and James Doolittle himself. Also signing is Anne Morrow Lindbergh (wife of Charles).
The patch was provided to attendees of the dinner held on Houston, TX in 1984. It was provided courtesy of A-B Emblems. Some fading to selected signatures but a very historic collection of unquestionably authentic autographs originating from the personal archives of Wally Schirra via the Schirra Family Collection. Overall dimensions are 12.75" x 15.25". Signed mat measures 8.5" x 11". Comes with a COA from Suzanne Schirra.
#Schirra Collection - Lindbergh Dinner 1984 $SOLD |
Vintage NASA Photos and
Lithos from the personal archives of Wally Schirra
offered through the Schirra family collection
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This vintage NASA red stamped press release glossy showing Gemini helicopter pick-up training is annotated on it's reverse by Wally who writes, "Helicopter pick up training ....Helo pick up training". This image was intended for use in a book though I'm not sure which, hence the annotation by Wally.
#Schirra-Photo 1 |
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This vintage NASA red stamped press release glossy showing the well known Mercury 7 Monument is one of Wally's favorites. It has a corner ding upper left it is otherwise in great shape. Wally has hand annotated on the reverse as you can see in the scan, "Mercury Seven Monument @ Cape Canaveral."
#Schirra-Photo 2 |
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This vintage NASA red stamped press release glossy showing a warm greeting for Astronaut's Schirra and Stafford as they were brought on board the recovery ship USS WASP. Wally has hand annotated on the reverse, accordingly "Gemini 6 recovery, Dec 16, 1965...WASP.".
#Schirra-Photo 4 |
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This vintage NASA litho was used in "Schirra's Space" and is referenced so on it's reverse. Wally also writes in his own hand, "Early mission control @ Cape Canaveral used through Gemini 4 (GT-4). Very nice!
#Schirra-Photo 5 |
Navy Seamanship Qualification Certificates from Wally's EARLY Naval Career
Books and other Documents
"Farewell to the Mockingbirds" by James
McEachin
Hand signed and dedicated to Wally Schirra by James McEachin.
#WS
Collection- Mockingbirds |
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"Escape from Corregidor" by Edgar Whitcomb
Hand signed and dedicated to Wally Schirra by Ed Whitcomb who was Governor of Indiana in 1971.
#WS
Collection- Escape |
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"Salvation for a Doomed Zoomie" by John
Galvin
Hand signed and dedicated to Wally Schirra by John Galvin
#WS
Collection- Salvation |
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"Cheers and Tears: A Marine's Story of
Combat In Peace and War" by Lieutenant
Gen. Charles G. Cooper
Hand signed and dedicated to Wally Schirra by Charles Cooper
#WS
Collection- Cheers and Tears |
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"America At The Threshold: America's Space
Exploration Initiative" by Synthesis Group
This Synthesis Group report discusses the America's space initiative during that period. Though it's cover is slightly damaged (lower right corner), this IS Wally Schirra's personal copy and accompanying this report is a letter to Wally, hand signed by Tom Stafford. Tom was the Chair of the Synthesis Group at that time and signs "Tom". Please Note: Wally's address has been removed from the scan but IS not altered on actual letter. A very nice item from Wally personal files forwarded to him by a friend and well known Astronaut.
#WS
Collection- Space Initiative |
16"x20" on photo paper hand signed by
Wally Schirra
Special: Galaxy
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Mission Badges