Description:

Yuri Gagarin
n.p., n.d.
Yuri Gagarin (2) Items With Riga Connection, Including Signed Card
DS

Two items relating to Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968), including a vintage Russian-language greeting card signed by Gagarin in Cyrillic. N.d., n.p. Both items appear to have connections to Riga, Latvia, and may relate to Gagarin's emergency detour to Riga in October 1963 en route to an aeronautical conference in Mexico City. Accompanied by an unsigned photograph of Gagarin with Riga officials, ca. October 8, 1963. Expected surface wear, else near fine. The card measures 5.125" x 3.75."

The lot includes:

1. A Russian-language card whose front cover translates to: "Hello Riga." Within the card, Gagarin has signed his name at top in Cyrillic; an unidentified second signer has signed below Gagarin's name. Gentle toning and scattered minor discoloration. Mounting traces verso. 5.125" x 3.75."

2. A black and white glossy photograph showing Gagarin meeting with Riga officials at the airport, copiously annotated in Russian verso and dated October 8, 1963. One of the figures identified verso in the collector's notes is Voldemar Petrovich Lein, who served as secretary of the Central Committee of the Latvian Communist Party between 1961-1970. Gentle curling, else near fine. 6.25" x 3.875."

Gagarin had agreed, along with "cosmonette" and first woman in space Valentina Tereshkova, to attend the 56th International Aviation Federation Conference in Mexico City in October 1963. On October 9th, Gagarin's Ilyushin airplane experienced mechanical difficulties and diverted to Riga, Latvia. There, Gagarin experienced a delay of more than 24 hours because their request to refuel at Prestwick Airport in Scotland was being discussed by British officials. Eventually Gagarin's plane received clearance, and the flight continued westward. Gagarin and Tereshkova were back in Europe less than two weeks later in order to receive the Order of Karl Marx from East German officials.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: card: 5.125" x 3.75"
  • Medium: DS

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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