Soviet Air force major, Gagarin was the first human to fly in space and orbit the earth in April 1961. Wonderful pearl-finish 3.75 x 5.75 famous postcard portrait of the young and smiling Gagarin in uniform, holding a dove. Gagarin has signed in blue ink. The photographer, P. Barashev, presented the photo to the Russian ambassador in Canada during Gagarin's world tour. The famous photo was taken within several months of Gagarin's flight. The writing on the reverse is in the photographer's hand and reads, 'To Andrey Andronovich Fomin from the author, with pleasure and respect, P. Barashev, August 6, 1961.' The photo is signed by an unidentified second person, perhaps the interpreter, as the autograph is in English. A must for the serious collector. In fine condition, with crease to lower right corner and adhesive residue on the reverse from a previous mounting. RRAuction COA.
