Vintage Space Shuttle COLUMBIA Metal Model Patch Postcard Book NASA Space Force

Description

Presenting a vintage suite of items dedicated to the ill-fated space shuttle Columbia for the NASA, space shuttle, and Columbia enthusiast.
1) Enameled metal die cast space shuttle model with molded plastic fittings. (In the pictures - the white is the enameled metal, and the black underside is plastic.) Serial numbered.
Opening cargo bay with extending arm for a plastic satellite and retractable wheels.
2) An STS 1 mission patch (12 April 1981).
3) Book - “Into the Black”, the chronicle of Columbia’s first flight and the beginnings of the Space Shuttle program.
4) Original vintage postcard predating the shuttle program announcing the insignia (notice the white main booster).
All items are vintage and predate the shuttle disaster.
The model was purchased at NASA’s Cape Canaveral in 1989. A sheet of decals was enclosed allowing you to chose which shuttle to name it after. I randomly chose the Columbia - more than a decade before its destruction. (Decal sheet not included, it was lost long ago. I remember it included the Enterprise but not Endeavour, as that shuttle’s construction was in progress).
The patch I've had as long as I can remember, so if it is not an original 1981 issue (which it very well maybe), dates within a few years of it - the mid '80s. It is NOT a reproduction in wake of the Columbia tragedy.
CONDITION:
Patch: Never used, so the back is intact, sides a little frayed from age.
Model: enamel is chipped in front of engine housing on one side (see picture). Some scuffing from age and display. One the retractable wheels is fractured where it snaps into the undercarriage.
Satellite: glue where the two halves are joined is yellowed from age.
Book: 1st editon, 2nd printing, near mint except for red mark bottom near spine
Postcard: perfect, no markings.
DIMENSIONS:
Shuttle: 7” x 4” x 2-3/4” (wheels lowered)
Satellite: 2-3/4” x 2” x 1-3/4”
Patch: approx 3-1/2” x 3-1/2”
They haven’t made shuttle models in this quality for a long time. And who knows when our next major project to put Americans into space will be.
Trivia: the curved font spelling "Nasa" was called the "worm logo", in use from 1975 - 1992.