Details:

Mercury-Redstone 4 “Liberty Bell 7” vintage NASA file photograph, depicting Gus Grissom undergoing pre-flight biomedical preparation as electrodes are affixed to his torso prior to launch. These sensors were used to monitor Grissom’s vital signs during his historic July 21, 1961 suborbital flight, the second American human spaceflight of Project Mercury.

This original black-and-white glossy photograph measures 8 x 10 inches and is mounted to its original 9.25 x 11 inch NASA Public Affairs cardstock, bearing the printed designation “NASA FILE PHOTO”, along with the official image number 61-MR4-56 and title information along the margin. The format strongly suggests use within NASA Public Affairs offices, where such mounted file photos were handled, reviewed, and selected prior to ordering reproductions for press or internal distribution.

The photograph originates from the personal archive of Bill Taub, the legendary NASA photographer responsible for documenting America’s first astronauts and the Mercury program at its inception. Taub’s work forms one of the most important visual records of early human spaceflight.

The photograph itself remains excellent, with strong contrast and clarity. The surrounding cardstock mount exhibits light toning and minor edge bumps, consistent with handling and age. Overall presentation is very strong and well preserved for an internal NASA file example.

Images from the Bill Taub archive served as the foundation for the acclaimed volume “Photographing America’s First Astronauts: Project Mercury Through the Lens of Bill Taub” by J. L. Pickering and John Bisney (Purdue University Press). This photograph comes from the collection of J. L. Pickering, co-author of that work, further strengthening its provenance and scholarly relevance.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11674 1413406-1