William E. Thornton, M.D. — Astronaut Signed Autograph Card, STS-8 & STS-51-B View Watchlist >
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Lot # Nasa61H
System ID # 29295701
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William E. Thornton, M.D. — NASA Astronaut Signed Autograph Card, STS-8 & STS-51-B
Ink-signed autograph card bearing the signature of William E. Thornton, M.D., the NASA astronaut and physician who flew aboard Space Shuttle missions STS-8 (1983) and STS-51-B / Spacelab-3 (1985). The signature reads "W. E. Thornton, M.D." in black ink across a cream card pre-printed "Autograph of" above an engraved illustration of the U.S. Capitol dome in sepia. The verso carries a period pencil notation identifying the signer: "Captain William Thornton — Astronaut."
Thornton, a Texas-born flight surgeon, was instrumental in early space-medicine research — designing the first in-flight treadmill and conducting foundational studies on space adaptation syndrome and the physiological effects of microgravity on the human body. His combination of physician credentials and operational spaceflight experience makes signed material in the "M.D." form particularly tied to his medical legacy. This is a clean, display-ready piece of NASA astronaut ephemera.
Provenance
This card comes directly from the collection of the individual who personally acquired the autograph from William E. Thornton. A Certificate of Authenticity issued by Mesilla Valley Estate Sales accompanies the lot, along with a signed letter from the consignor attesting to the circumstances of acquisition.
CONDITION
Very Good. Cream card stock is clean and bright with a bold, legible ink signature on the recto and a soft pencil identification on the verso. Minor handling only; no tears, stains, or significant edge wear.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- Card: 3" × 5"
- Signature: Black ink, recto
- Verso: Pencil notation — "Captain William Thornton — Astronaut"
- Printed motif: U.S. Capitol dome, sepia engraving
- Accompanies: Certificate of Authenticity (Mesilla Valley Estate Sales) and signed consignor letter of acquisition
