|
|
|
|
Author
|
Topic: Researching history of Apollo 12 (LM-6) spoon set
|
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
|
posted 12-21-2012 09:24 PM
   
I was hoping, while I am conducting research with current/former NASA employees, that I too can get the opinion from the members on cS. I am not looking to start any kind of argument. Also, I am not claiming these are flown pieces. I am just trying to gain an opinion on what to make of this unique set. Based upon the below photos, the facts are: - The outer, sealed plastic bag contains two spoon packs, one for Mr. Bean and one for Mr. Conrad. Each spoon package is identical to what would have been used for flight, including the color-coordinating velco tabs.
- The part number band that surrounds both spoon pouches matches that of what is on the stowage list for Apollo 12/LM-6.
- The "Cleaned for Service" decal is dated 2/12/70, approximately 2+ months post launch and is adhered to Mr. Bean's spoon pack.
- On the back of each spoon there is a hand-inscribed "x".
Hopefully this initiates some thought-provoking ideas that lead to some type of provenance that I can follow up on. Again, I am not claiming these spoons are flown, so any comments surrounding me claiming this are not appreciated. I just want to track the history for my family and I.  
|
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
|
posted 12-25-2012 09:37 PM
I just wanted to bump this one time. I definitely thought you guys would have some theories of it's history or have a better idea than I on how to research them. |
David Carey
Member Posts: 782
From:
Registered: Mar 2009
|
posted 12-26-2012 10:20 AM
Purely a guess: The spoons were used in training pre-flight and were cleaned/re-sealed after the training and mission were over, perhaps for the express purpose of providing your relative with an appropriate memento from the mission. The 'x' may signify the training and/or post-mission nature of the utensils. As I understand it, the part numbers would certainly be expected to match to the Stowage List but this does not imply a flown status. Setting aside the ideal of an astronaut's certification, a unique serial number (often undocumented in the SL and in this case absent altogether) can ultimately distinguish flown versus unflown items sharing a common part number. I should add that other supporting documents with part number agreements (Parts Removal Tags, ASHUR forms, Deaccessions, Loan Agreements, GSA Lists, etc.) are helpful in evaluating flown status of an object. Sometimes it's the overall mosaic of information that tells the story when there isn't a 'smoking gun' to clarify. | |
Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts
Copyright 2020 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a
|
|
|
 advertisement
|
