A beautiful and highly evocative original Soviet Space Age desk souvenir commemorating Yuri Gagarin's historic Vostok 1 mission, the first human spaceflight in history. The object celebrates one of the defining moments of the 20th century. On 12 April 1961, Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin was launched aboard Vostok 1, completed one orbit around the Earth and became the first human to travel into outer space. The historic date is permanently incorporated into the design of this souvenir: 12-IV-1961 CCCP Vostok 1 and Yuri Gagarin The centrepiece of the composition is a stylised gold-tone Vostok rocket, dramatically positioned above a representation of the Earth. The rocket carries the red Cyrillic inscription: ВОСТОК - VOSTOK while the opposite side is marked: СССР - USSR These details make the subject of the souvenir immediately identifiable. On 12 April 1961, Gagarin's Vostok 1 completed its historic mission in approximately 108 minutes, opening an entirely new chapter in human exploration. The MIR symbol Connecting the Earth and the spacecraft is the highly distinctive polished metal inscription: МИР - MIR The Russian word "Mir" can be translated as "peace" and also carries the meaning of "world". This gives the composition an especially characteristic Soviet Space Age symbolism: the Earth, the concept of peace and the Vostok spacecraft rising above it. Striking Space Age design The souvenir is a wonderful example of Soviet mid-century design. Its composition combines: gold-tone hemispherical Earth, embossed geographical outlines, historic 12-IV-1961 CCCP inscription, stylised Vostok spacecraft, red ВОСТОК lettering, USSR / CCCP markings, polished silver-tone МИР element, black circular base. The contrast between the gold, silver, red and black elements gives the piece a particularly strong Space Age / Atomic Age aesthetic. Despite its small dimensions, it has considerable visual presence and looks excellent displayed alongside watches, scientific instruments, aviation memorabilia or other Cold War and space exploration objects. Period The date shown on the souvenir commemorates the actual Vostok 1 mission of 12 April 1961. The object itself was most likely manufactured during the 1960s, when the Soviet Union produced a wide range of commemorative objects celebrating Gagarin, Sputnik and the achievements of its rapidly developing space programme. It should therefore be described as: Period: 1960s Commemorated event: 12 April 1961 rather than stating that the souvenir itself was necessarily manufactured on the day of the flight. Condition The object is preserved in very attractive vintage condition. The gold-tone globe remains bright and highly decorative, with the embossed geographical detail and historic date clearly visible. The polished MIR element is complete and presents beautifully. The Vostok spacecraft retains its distinctive shape as well as the important red ВОСТОК lettering. There are minor traces of age and handling appropriate for an authentic vintage object more than half a century old. These do not detract from its overall appearance and contribute to its genuine period character. The delicate projecting elements have survived remarkably well. Collector's appeal This is an especially attractive object for collectors interested in: Yuri Gagarin, Vostok 1, Soviet space exploration, USSR memorabilia, Cold War history, Space Age and Atomic Age design, aviation and aerospace history, mid-century decorative objects. Unlike a generic Soviet space souvenir, this piece carries a direct visual reference to Vostok and the exact date of mankind's first flight into space. The inscriptions ВОСТОК, МИР, СССР and 12-IV-1961 create a wonderful combination of historical importance and quintessential Soviet design. It is a small object representing an enormous moment in human history. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important and integral part of the description. You will receive exactly the object shown in the photographs. Due to the delicate projecting spacecraft and metal elements, the souvenir will be exceptionally carefully packed and individually protected before shipment. It will be sent with tracking and appropriate insurance. Offered by an experienced and highly rated Catawiki seller with excellent buyer feedback. Our auctions feature carefully selected collectible objects, accurate descriptions, professional photography and exceptionally secure packaging. You can bid with confidence.