You are bidding on:

Vintage Dietzgen Commander Drafting Set Drawing Tools Owned By NASA Engineer

Description

Condition: In vintage condition. Metal Protractors have surface rust, some of the tools have surface rust, and the case is broken and taped of the bend on the top flap. 

PLEASE READ:
You are buying the Slide Rule & Case only! The retirement letter is for reference purposes only! The retirement letter is not included!


This is a 12-piece Dietzgen Commander Drafting Drawing Tools Set. It includes 3 additional metal protractors.
This folding cardboard and wood case is covered with black leather and lined with blue velvet. 
The inside of the top flap is marked: DIETZGEN / COMMANDER / TRADE MARK / MADE IN U.S.A. 
The front flap folds open to reveal a leather pocket that held the following instruments. The case 
measures 10" x 6" when the case is closed. The 3 metal protractors are made in the U.S.A. 
This was owned and used by James K. Davidson (NASA Engineer) during his career at the 
Cape Air Force Base and Kennedy Space Center/NASA. I don't know the age of this kit but he 
started using it in the 1940s. 


This came from a prominent employee that helped with the development for Kennedy Space Center. James “Jim” K. Davidson was born in 1927 in Vicksburg, MS. He attended St. Aloysius Boys School where he graduated in 1945. He went on to attend Mississippi State University and graduated with an Engineering Degree in 1949. He briefly worked for the Army Corps of Engineers in Hattiesburg, MS, where he was one of five young men personally recruited by Dr. Werner Von Braun for his Missile Ballistics Program at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL. After launching Explorer I from Cape Canaveral in 1958, Mr. Davidson was then asked to help with the development of what would eventually become John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 1960's, Mr. Davidson began his career at John F. Kennedy Space Center where his achievements soared far beyond his greatest dreams. As a pioneer of both unmanned and manned space flight, he was a member of the select "100 Missile Club" and the original Redstone team, as well as programming missions for Alan Sheppard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom. After countless launches during the Redstone, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and the Space Shuttle programs, Mr. Davidson retired from NASA with 32 years of service in 1982. 


His retirement letter that is pictured helps show proof of provenance. The letter IS NOT included. It the second paragraph, Richard “Dick” Smith writes, “Your involvement in the space program dates back to the early Redstone launches and marks you as a true space pioneer. Your excellent work with Saturn/Apollo flight and ground support electrical systems contributed significantly to the success of those programs and the historic lunar landing series”. Also included are a few articles that can be found on google to help show the provenance once again.  

********************************************************************************************************

PLEASE READ: I buy mostly estates, close outs, shelf pulls, and auction items. As the history of the item is not always known. I will describe all of my items listed to the best of my ability, if there are any flaws to the item it will be noted in the listing and photos of the flaw shown. At times I may miss a flaw, as I am only human. Please contact me and I will make it right and make sure that you are happy with you interaction and purchase from Big Man Tim.
See photos for details and ask all questions before purchasing.

"FREE SHIPPING"
Thank you for shopping in my store.
Check out the other items in my Ebay Store!
HAPPY BIDDING
061622/TM warehouse