Apollo program prototype wind-up razor designed by Cunningham. A non-electric, transparent acrylic plastic razor with a large wind-up key on the back and a rotary cutter in the circular foil head. There is a small white knurled switch on the side and the razor is still fully functional. Reverse is marked "Brevet S.D.G.D. Made in Monaco.” The same model was used on some of the later Apollo missions to solve the problem of shaving in space. Housed in a small TWA flight bag along with the original brush. One side of the case is signed in black felt tip, “Walt Cunningham, Apollo 7.” Accompanied by a letter of authenticity signed by Cunningham, stating, “We did not have the luxury of a shave in the early years of the Apollo Program, which meant the crews were returning from mission with a two weeks growth of beard. Following Apollo 7, I took over the Skylab Branch of the Astronaut Office and began addressing the problems of living for as long as three months in space. I evaluated several different designs for a razor to be used on longer duration flights. A windup razor was one solution. It required no electrical power, worked in a weightless environment, and retained the whisker cuttings. I was able to get a flight model included on later Apollo missions, where it was used by both Ed Mitchell and Alan Shepard on the Apollo 14 mission. This razor is the prototype I originally evaluated and was allowed by NASA to retain. It has been in my personal collection since 1971.” Also accompanied by a photo of Cunningham with the razor. In fine condition, with scattered soiling to case. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.
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