A General Dynamics contractor model of the SM-65 Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile developed for the United States Air Force by the Convair Division. The model stands 18? in height and is set on a metal 6? diameter base with plate that reads: “General Dynamics, Astronautics, Atlas, USAF, ICBM.” Bottom of base bears a Topping Inc. label. In fine condition, with wear to back decals, and a small part to bottom, ostensibly an exhaust duct, detached but present; the base bears some scuffing to rim and edge.
The SM-65 Atlas was the first operational intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by the United States and it was the first member of the Atlas rocket family. Before its ICBM use ended in 1965, Atlas had placed four Project Mercury astronauts in orbit and was becoming the foundation for a family of successful space launch vehicles, most notably Atlas Agena and Atlas Centaur.
