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Gene Cernan's flown Gemini 9A spacecraft identification plate, 4˝ x 1.5˝, removed from the inside hatch for presentation by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation. The plate is engraved: "Gemini Spacecraft No. 9, Part No. 52-00001-9, Cmd. Pilot Lt. Col. Thomas P. Stafford, Pilot Lt. Cmdr. Eugene A. Cernan, Mission Date June 3–June 6, 1966, Mfg. by McDonnell Aircraft Corp. for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration." Mounted on a walnut base with a wooden model of the Gemini spacecraft and an arch representing McDonnell's roots in St. Louis, with a faded caption below: "Identification plate removed from Gemini 9 after its record-breaking EVA and rendezvous successes." The presentation measures 8.24˝ x 10˝ x 8.5˝, and is signed on the felt-lined bottom in black felt tip, "From my personal space collection, Gene Cernan"; also subsequently signed in black felt tip by his Gemini 9A crewmate, "Tom Stafford." In fine condition.
Accompanied by a letter of provenance signed by Gene Cernan, in part: "This is to certify that the accompanying Gemini 9A flown spacecraft plate presentation from the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation does, indeed, contain the flown vehicle ID plate from the Gemini 9A space capsule. The metal plate was removed post-flight by McDonnell personnel, who engraved the mission dates, affixed the plate to the wooden presentation plaque, and presented it to me. It is one of only two such plates flown aboard the craft." Also includes an original circa 1972 wirephoto showing Cernan's wife and daughter anxiously waiting at home as the Apollo 17 spacecraft went around the dark side of the moon—this presentation seen in the background—signed in black felt tip by both subjects, "Barbara Cernan" and "Tracy Cernan." Further accompanying printouts show an image of the Gemini 9 hatch open after splashdown—the ID plate clearly visible on the frame—as well as a close-up image of the door frame as it appears today (taken at KSC in 2016), showing where the plate is missing.
