Featured Spaceman on Award given to Saturn S-II workers, 1960's, Any ID?

I am trying to identify the source/identity of this figure on an award/trophy given to workers at North American Aviation during the early to mid 1960's. We have several of the awards in different sizes. One configured as trophy plus two with smaller but identical figure configured as pen holder with marble base. The award one has a 1964 date while the pen holders have 1968 and 1969 dates. We also have a picture showing a room full of 25+ men in suits, with identical pen holders in front of them, with a 1968 date.

So, my question is, who is the guy with the jet pack, guns at his side, and goofy helmet? I'm thinking sci-fi character from 50's or early 60's, but haven't identified yet. Seems very iconic. I am trying to determine if these have enough value to offer separately as unique relics of the early years of the space program. ... Dave

 

He IS goofy! I showed him to my husband, his Dad was with Rocketdyne for about 35 years, unfortunately he didn't recognize him. I'm going to be seeing a friend who's in his late 80's and was with atomics international & Rocketdyne for almost 40 years. I'll show this to him. I feel for you! It's hard to believe there isn't more documentation of the aerospace industry.

 

Looks a bit like early Buck Rogers.

 

I'm thinking Buck Rogers is a good possibility -- it makes sense for the time and application. Quick image search wasn't positive, there is so much Buck Rogers material over many years that it is hard to filter, so will take some time.

 

It's Bucky. The original, though. Pulp era.

Try this: http://rateyourmusic.com/release/co...n_the_25th_century__original_radio_broadcast/

And scroll down this blog: https://top50sf.wordpress.com/tag/buck-rogers-in-the-25th-century/

And.... http://io9.gizmodo.com/5084241/leave-buck-rogers-in-the-past-please

Not the appalling Glen Larson version, but the original!

 

I'm hearing the song from that funky 70s version of Flash Gordon, even though it's not him. Your statue looks more nekkid, though.

 

Thanks all! Buck went up on eBay last night as item 371992052029. The original docs also turned up, and we now know that the award was the "Buc Trimmer" award that was given at North American Aviation for efforts to cut costs. I've only found a couple of other examples of the award. One uses a smaller Buck, mounted to a marble base and with pen holder. It came up on Worthpoint for a 2008 sale, but we haven't gotten the sales price yet. It was awarded to a NAA employee in 1967. The other reference to the award comes from a blog entry by the daughter of a NAA internal auditor. She wrote about it in 2011 and included a picture in her blog - the one she has might be even bigger, but it is hard to tell from the picture. You can find it if you google "buc trimmer award". We've concluded that Buck (style and features) is the original that first appeared in 1929, and had the same look through most of the 1930's, so he is original pulp era version.

 

Hi - just bought this trophy...where can I find smaller trophies or pencil holder variety...trying to reach Gimbler-Dave member

 

Welcome to the Forum, Windynight! @gimbler-dave.
Has been alerted. You just type @, then start typing the name, and double click the one you want.

 

Hello Windynight. I will follow up with you directly, but have to report that the other ones sold last October from what I can see in my records. I think you have the largest and most unique, however - quite a special piece from what I learned, especially with the documented provenance. Direct reply will follow shortly, before I sign off on this US holiday. Dave