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Author
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Topic: Silver Grumman LM presentations
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mensax
Member Posts: 861
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 04-03-2008 06:26 AM
   
I see that there is a rare Silver LM Grumman presentation up for auction at Astro-Auction, from the collection of Jim McDivitt.I was wondering if anyone knew any more about these models? I've only seen three others of these come onto the market, all from the collections of Apollo mission commanders. I believe it was Pete Conrad's that sold for $26k and then Al Shepard's, and finally Dave Scott's. Were these only presented to mission commanders that used the LM? ...meaning there are nine of these? Noah |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 04-03-2008 06:44 AM
Hi Noah,Good question. I recall the Apollo 11 astronauts each having one made by Cartier; Mike Collins' was sold at auction a couple of years ago; lot # 588 Aurora auction Novemebr 2003. Regards, Rick |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42982
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-03-2008 07:29 AM
I vaguely recall seeing a photograph of Edgar Mitchell holding a silver LM presentation, but checking my files for such an image, cannot find it. I'll continue to look. |
mensax
Member Posts: 861
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 04-03-2008 09:04 AM
Rick, I believe those are the gold ones that you are referring to. Tremendous pieces... only three were made. I believe Collin's LM was bought by Cartier, Neil's is the museum that bears his name, and Buzz's is up for sale at the next Superior auction.Robert, if you find that photo of Mitchell with a silver LM I'd be interested in seeing it. Do you remember where it sold? Noah |
dsenechal
Member Posts: 539
From:
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 04-03-2008 12:17 PM
I believe these chrome-plated LM models were made ONLY for the Apollo astronauts who flew the LM, and perhaps one very select V-V-VIP. Buzz Aldrin's silver LM model sold in the Fall 1993 Superior Auction for $577. The only "non-astronaut" silver LM model I've seen belonged to James Webb, and last I saw it, it was in the space museum in Durham, NC. These models appear to be based on the standard Topping/Precise model, but the plastic was chrome plated, and the markings were different than the standard decals. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42982
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-03-2008 12:35 PM
quote:
Originally posted by mensax:
Robert, if you find that photo of Mitchell with a silver LM I'd be interested in seeing it. Do you remember where it sold?
I found the photograph:   As you can see, it is an archival photo and not one taken for a sale. It does however, establish that the models were presented to more than just the commander. |
mensax
Member Posts: 861
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 04-03-2008 12:59 PM
Interesting information Dave. Thanks for sharing. $577 for Aldrin's silver LM? Oh, how I wish I could go back in time for those early Superior sales.What a great photo Robert. It appears that Mitchell is very pleased with the model. Noah |
Larry McGlynn
Member Posts: 1255
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 04-03-2008 02:52 PM
Noah, the silver LM that sold for $26,000 was Dick Gordon's presentation piece that sold at the 1999 Christie's auction. ------------------
Larry McGlynn
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