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Space Dogs: The Story of the Celebrated Canine Cosmonauts
Fascinating account of the Soviet dogs who conquered space
A 1960’s wood-mounted clock/barometer, a desk calendar from 1957 with rotary dial for changing the days and months, and commemoratory plate

UNLIKE the US space-flight pioneers — monkeys who couldn’t handle the pressure and were nervous wrecks on their return — Soviet scientists found that Moscow’s stray dogs were far more amenable and relaxed about the whole extra-planetary  experience.

Street-wise ruffians, they displayed intelligence, enterprise and solidarity. Each candidate was observed for weeks before snatch squads stepped in and scooped them up and then they were put through rigorous training.

Hand-painted Gzhel porcelain figurines of Belka and Strelka wearing cosmonaut suits and breathing apparatus
Set of five handmade and handpainted wooden nesting Matryoshka dolls. The largest is 15cm (6in) high.
The 95th Anniversary Appeal
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