9" long mostly tin litho toy comes in original box w/nicely illustrated lid. 1962 by Horikowa, Japan. Rare box variety w/John Glenn image on lid side panel. Box has some lt. edge creases/corner tip wear and box bottom has three punctures from toy's wheels. Fine/VF. Toy is marked "Friendship 7" and based on the John Glenn mission launched Feb. 20, 1962 in which Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. Visible through the clear plastic windows is a fully dimensional tin litho astronaut w/detailed control panel behind him. This is much rarer yellow variety, also produced in red. Has working friction mechanism and as the capsule travels forward, the astronaut rotates 360° as if weightless in space. Also produces an engine noise, but no longer sparks. Complete w/original cardboard inserts protecting ends of toy. Body shows tiny scattered paint wear, mostly along rim but is o/w Exc. Old store stock. Great design.