FLOWN Gemini 8 heatshield. Encased in a lucite block approx. 3 in. long, 1.5 in. high, and 1.25. in wide mounted on an approx. 5 x 9 in. wood dual pen holder. The top 1/4 inch of the heat shield has turned black from the intense frictional heat of reentry into the earth's atmosphere. A metal plaque in front of the heatshield reads: "Heat Shield of Gemini #8, First Docking in Space, Neil Armstrong, David Scott, 16 March 1966".