ASAHI SPACE CAPSULE CAROUSEL

Here we have an amazing, very scarce, original vintage Space Capsule Carousel by Asahi (ATC), Japan, circa 1964. A terrific addition to your collection. 

Asahi went way over the top with the Space Capsule Carousel, as they modified a standard amusement carousel toy to include three miniature Gemini space capsules, each decorated with the name of a Gemini Astronaut, including John Glenn, Walter (Wally) Schirra, and Alan Shepherd.

 Tin litho, wind up, lever action amusement ride toy carousel spins and causes the space capsules to centrifugally fly outward and the propellers to spin. It measures approx. 6-1/2" tall. It is in Very Good condition, with minimal wear and scratches to the litho, professionally restored propellers, capsules spin as expected, propellers will spin but not in flight, bell does not stike but appears to be complete, box is not included. As seen on page 98 of Vintage Toys: Robots and Space Toys, (1999) by Jim Bunte, Dave Hallman and Heinz Mueller. A wonderful example of a very collectible vintage toy, offered to you with no reserve.

Interestingly, Alan Shepherd was designated as the command pilot for the first Gemini mission, but was diagnosed with Ménière's disease, a condition in which fluid pressure builds up in the inner ear and causes disorientation, dizziness, and nausea. The condition caused him to be removed from flight status for most of the 1960s. Shepherd did not fly on any of Gemini's 10 missions.