This is a new, unworn pair of ceremonial gloves. A member of the Barksdale Air Force Base honor guard wore gloves like these while on duty with the caskets bearing remains of the seven astronauts who perished in the STS-107 Columbia tragedy. The honor guard handled flags for the caskets and carried the caskets to the aircraft for transport elsewhere. The young enlisted man who donated his worn gloves, stained by the flags he handled, also sent a pair of unsoiled new gloves for comparison. He offered his gloves and other honor guard accessories to the Museum as a tribute to the Columbia crew.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Handwear
Manufacturer
Vanguard Co.
Dimensions
3-D (Package): 15.2 x 10.8cm (6 x 4 1/4 in.)
Overall (Gloves): 24.1 × 21.6 × 1cm (9 1/2 × 8 1/2 × 3/8 in.)
Storage: 29.2 × 26.7 × 5.7cm (11 1/2 × 10 1/2 × 2 1/4 in.)
Materials
Natural Fabric
Synthetic Fabric
Steel
Enamel
Plastic
Inventory Number
A20040254000
Credit Line
Gift of Scott A. Stesney.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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