mercury 7 astronaut autographed lithograph limited edition 87/125

Description

This is a Project Mercury 7 colored lithograph that has been carefully and delicately constructed by artist George Bishop.
The Mercury 7 lithograph is an artists attempt to capture, represent and celebrate America's seven first space pioneers! Numbered 87 of only 125!
This is a very rare and excellent example of American history in a signed limited edition collector's piece!
At that point in time, no person had even attempted to reach space. Even though there was no guarantee that the Mercury project would work; these men had still volunteered to put their lives on the line for their country and science. The seven astronauts selected to be on Project Mercury 7 were: Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Deke Slayton, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper.
This lithograph vividly and accurately depicts the historic rocket at its moment of lift off. Located at the bottom, in the plume of the rocket's exhaust, are the portraits of the courageous astronauts. With their corresponding signatures.
These lithographs were created to raise the  seed money needed for the Mercury Foundation. This is hand signed in pencil by the astronauts. All except, Gus Grissom. He did not have the opportunity to participate in the signing. Gus succumbed to his injuries in 1967, from the fire that consumed Apollo 1 team during a preflight simulation. His wife, Betty Grissom took this opportunity to sign the lithograph over his mission patch in his memory and for the benefit of the Mercury Foundation.
This poster was issued in 1988, in two limited editions: 125 or 1500 lithographs. The item represented  for purchase is a much rarer of the two prints, an edition of only 125 prints. The poster is signed "AP 87/125", making this the 87th print in the edition.
The condition of this lithograph is excellent. It has never been displayed and only removed from orignal packaging to take photos for this ad.
Includes certification of authenticity.
This would make a great collectors piece for anyone with a love for space exploration!
Ships insured for final purchase price.