These bells are part of the harmonica and bell set carried by astronauts Walter "Wally" Schirra and Tom Stafford aboard Gemini 6 in December of 1965. The mission was to test the docking and maneuvering capability of the Gemini spacecraft.
Approximately five hours after the successful maneuvering of the the two spacecraft to within six inches of each other, astronauts Schirra and Stafford played "Jingle Bells" with these instruments and pretended to see a UFO called Santa Claus.
Astronaut Tom Stafford gave the bells and his harmonica to the National Collection in 1967.
Display Status
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Personal Items
Astronaut
Thomas P. Stafford
Walter M. Schirra, Jr.
Dimensions
3-D: 8 × 8.5 × 1cm (3 1/8 × 3 3/8 × 3/8 in.)
Materials
Steel
Nickel Plating
Nylon
Velcro
Inventory Number
A19670148001
Credit Line
Donated by Thomas P. Stafford
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
