Soviet philatelic postcard with portrait and signature of Yuri Gagarin, 1966

This Soviet-issued philatelic postcard, measuring 3.75 by 5.75 inches, features a vintage black and white satin-finish photographic portrait of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

In the portrait, Gagarin is depicted in his military uniform adorned with multiple decorations, including the Hero of the Soviet Union medal and various service ribbons. The postcard is further enhanced by an affixed 3-kopek commemorative postage stamp that also bears Gagarin's portrait. A notable feature of this collectible is the autograph of Yuri Gagarin written in Cyrillic script along the lower border of the card.

The verso contains a purple commemorative handstamp from the Leningrad City Society of Collectors and other technical printing details. The postcard is postmarked 1966, representing an official 1964 state-issued portrait commemorating the first human in space. It serves as a significant example of mid-20th-century Soviet space-themed memorabilia, blending traditional postcard format with philatelic elements and personal provenance through the cosmonaut's signature.