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An impressive "Universal Cutter" machete-style knife and leather sheath presented to Guenter Wendt by ALT crew members Fred Haise and Gordon Fullerton, measuring 17.5˝ long, etched on the blade, "Campana, No. 127." The handsome leather sheath is inscribed on one side in black ballpoint, "To our slick, smooth, expedient 'close-out' crew—a tool that fits the axiom—'Use a bigger Cutter!' Fred Haise" and "Gordon Fullerton." Also signed later along the bottom in black felt tip by the recipient, "Presented to: Guenter F. Wendt, Pad Leader." The opposing side is hand-notated on the leather band, "Haise, F. W.," and bears an affixed Rockwell International Space Division tag, identifying the piece as "Universal Cutter, STK No. G.W.-101-CA1A, Model: Cutter, Contr. Sharp, Serial 1." In very good condition, with some staining to the sheath and tarnishing to the metal blade.
Haise and Fullerton comprised the first crew for the Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests, and piloted the Space Shuttle Enterprise in free flight to three successful landings after being released from the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft—an important step in proving the viability of the spacecraft. An interesting multi-signed piece with nice associations.
