1960 U-2 Incident - Francis Gary Powers

1960 U-2 Incident - Francis Gary Powers - Historical Life Raft Artifact Display

The segment, measures approximately 1 x 1.5 inchs and has been affixed to an 8 x 10 inch print with custom graphics.

An authentic Cold War relic, this section of material from the life raft has quite the history and is believed to be from the original raft equipped within Gary Powers' U-2 jet on the day he was shot down over the Soviet Union on May 1st, 1960. This yellow life raft is made of thick inflatable plastic and contains a black flexible tube, with original teeth marks, used to inflate it. The raft has been patched up at the bottom. It measures 7 x 15" folded and is worn but acceptable condition. This raft was provided directly by Mr. Powers' son to Guernsey's Auction House. Francis Gary Powers Jr is an expert public speaker on the U-2 Incident and Cold War History.

This display is accompanied by a copy of the detailed Letter of Provenance from Francis Gary Powers, Jr, an image of which is shown with this lot.

Evidence strongly suggests that this raft, along with other surviving items from the U-2, was collected and displayed in a museum in the Russian Ural area. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, the museum was looted, and the raft then collected and used by locals as a fishing tool. Later, the KGB and other officials started inquiring about the items that were taken, and the raft was kept hidden. 

Powers'plane was in multiple chunks with the wings and tail section separate from the fuselage. Three years ago a man in the Ukraine finally came forward with the raft. It was then sent to Gary Powers Jr, Powers son.   

Provenance: Ex: University Archives, Ex: Guernsey's, Ex: Gary Powers Jr.