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Author
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Topic: FS/EB: Rita Rapp's NASA memorabilia collection
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streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-05-2012 07:19 PM
   
I have been watching the forum for a little while now. Anyway, I am a close relative of Rita Rapp. She worked at NASA from '62-89 and has compiled quite a collection. Instead of it sitting in boxes I felt appropriate to start sorting everything out so my family and I can appreciate the history of her and NASA's work. There is more than what we can appreciate so I wanted to thin our collection so others can benefit from it. I look forward to learning from your expertise as I begin my research. As I understand it, there are former and current NASA employees, so if anyone happened to know Rita, I'd love to hear from you. Below is a brief description. The Rita Rapp - National Aeronautics and Space Administration CollectionA Brief History in Honor of my Relative Rita Rapp, born in Piqua, Ohio, graduated from the University of Dayton and the St. Louis University Graduate School. She began her aerospace medical career in 1956 at the U.S. Air Force Resource Laboratory at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base as a research psychologist. She joined the NASA Space Task Group at Langley Field in 1961, and was among the early pioneers of the space program, transferring to the NASA Manned Space Craft Center in Houston, Texas, in 1962. She participated in manned launches dating from the first Mercury missions through the Space Shuttle program. Rita was responsible for the design and development of food and packaging systems that evolved through basic and applied research into a unique food system, used on many NASA missions. Her experience with food and packaging systems for individual astronauts was gained in the course of the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab programs. She received many awards for her work - among them the Bauer Award, given annually for the most significant contribution in space medicine; the United States Civil Service Commission of the Federal Women's Award; the University of Dayton Distinguished Alumni Award; two NASA Exceptional Service Medals; and numerous commendations and achievement awards, as well as testimonials from NASA astronauts. She authored and co-authored over twenty scientific papers and reports. Rita Rapp died on July 12, 1989, following a lengthy illness. Over the years, Rita's NASA collection grew to be very large and well diversified. Without the ability to appreciate it all, I thought it best to pass along some items to other individuals to appreciate. Some items in her collection include: pins, patches, autographs, photos, spoons/cutlery, space food, covers, stamps, etc. I truly appreciate you viewing this part of her collection. |
spaceman1953
Member Posts: 953
From: South Bend, IN
Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 11-05-2012 08:31 PM
Another of the many "unsung heros" from our fantastic days in space before the first manned landing on the Moon. You should be, and are no doubt, undoubtedly proud of her contributions!Thanks for sharing her memory with us. We really look forward to any pictures you may be able to post. Thanks for sharing! — Gene |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-05-2012 08:45 PM
Did you happen to know Rita? |
tnperri
Member Posts: 452
From: Malvern, Ohio
Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 11-05-2012 09:32 PM
If you are researching, here is a start, at least for any medallions you may have. There are links from that for some pics. |
Jerry Brouillette
Member Posts: 147
From: Louviers, CO
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 11-05-2012 11:19 PM
She would have been a great interview, I'll bet she had some good stories! Great collection worth keeping intact. |
spaced out
Member Posts: 3110
From: Paris, France
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 11-06-2012 01:41 AM
Ben contacted me via my Space Flown Artifacts site and I've been giving him advice on approximate values, best ways to sell different types of items should he choose to do so, and so on.As with any owner of a collection of space memorabilia my first piece of advice to him was not to sell anything direct to anyone until he has a clear idea of value from multiple sources. I know for a fact there are unscrupulous collectors out there who get in touch with families with space collections then offer them way below market value (but still tempting for those who don't know the true value) prices for the best items. My first aim is always to protect them from these individuals so as to allow them to get the best possible price for any items they should choose to sell. Anyway, Ben has some great stuff in his collection and I'm sure he'll be happy to get more opinions from more people. |
rgarner
Member Posts: 1193
From: Shepperton, United Kingdom
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 11-06-2012 04:51 AM
I look forward to seeing the for sale posts on here! |
Glint
Member Posts: 1040
From: New Windsor, Maryland USA
Registered: Jan 2004
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posted 11-06-2012 03:04 PM
I did not know Rita Rapp, but found a caption here containing a link to a photograph of her. S72-19887 shows Apollo dietician Rita Rapp posing with some of the Apollo 16 food packages. The package in the center foreground is labeled 'Day 4, Meal A' |
kr4mula
Member Posts: 642
From: Cinci, OH
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 11-07-2012 11:42 AM
Do you have anything remaining from her time at Wright-Patterson AFB? Also, there wasn't an "Air Force *Resource* Laboratory." As a research psychologist, she was likely part of the Aero Medical Laboratory, which eventually evolved into a part of the current Air Force *Research* Laboratory. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-07-2012 01:53 PM
quote:
Originally posted by kr4mula:
As a research psychologist, she was likely part of the Aero Medical Laboratory, which eventually evolved into a part of the current Air Force *Research* Laboratory.
Thank you for the correction. I have made note of that in her bio. I will let you know if I come across anything from WPAFB. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-07-2012 08:20 PM
Now on eBay: Apollo Era Astronaut Spoon |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-08-2012 07:19 PM
Now on eBay: |
golddog
Member Posts: 210
From: australia
Registered: Feb 2008
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posted 11-09-2012 12:39 AM
I was just reading Walt Cunningham's book. There is a good story about Apollo 7 and Ms Rapp in that - it demonstrates how dedicated to her job she was.
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streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-10-2012 09:44 PM
I have just recently updated the listing with some additional information about the spoon... interesting stuff. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-12-2012 05:55 PM
Added to eBay: |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-12-2012 06:10 PM
Information from Chris Spain's website. |
garyd2831
Member Posts: 640
From: Syracuse, New York, USA
Registered: Oct 2009
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posted 11-12-2012 07:11 PM
Very nice items, but a little heavy on the starter bid pricing. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-12-2012 08:02 PM
Revised starting bids.  |
lunarrv15
Member Posts: 1355
From: Cincinnati, Ohio, Hamilton
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 11-12-2012 09:23 PM
Those price are out-of-orbit for beginning bidding. Give us reason those bids are high?How about starting $10 on the back-up and 1978 class patch with a buy it now as the high price. |
Rick Mulheirn
Member Posts: 4167
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 11-13-2012 06:38 AM
If there is provenance proving that the back up patch was flown then it is starting at a very low price. With the right provenance it would be worth in the region of $2000 to $3000 in my opinion. |
bwhite1976
Member Posts: 281
From: Belleville, IL
Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 11-13-2012 06:04 PM
I would be cautious with the "Worn by crew?... Yes" and "Flown?... Yes" statements in your item description on the NASA vector patch. I don't think you are selling these as flown items that were actually attached to spacesuits of Gemini astronauts during their flights, but it might seem that way to the casual observer. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-13-2012 06:28 PM
Good point, I can understand why someone would think this... thank you for the thoughts. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-13-2012 07:35 PM
Now on eBay: |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-19-2012 08:04 PM
Apollo Era Commander (CDR) Spoon. This likely would have been used for training or during quarantine. A nice addition without buying an entire set like the previous post. First $300 takes it. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-20-2012 04:17 PM
Now on eBay: 11/20/12 |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-22-2012 08:09 AM
quote:
Originally posted by streetsnake:
Apollo Era Commander (CDR) Spoon. This likely would have been used for training or during quarantine.
SOLD!! Thanks |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-25-2012 06:52 PM
Apollo Beta Patches: I have a collection of Beta Patches ranging from Apollo 7 to Apollo 14. The prices I have seen on these vary greatly so I thought it best to put them on cS and see if anyone is interested. All are in excellent condition. Open to offers. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-27-2012 05:39 PM
Beta cloth patches, now on eBay: |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-27-2012 06:01 PM
Capt. Charles Conrad Prototype SpoonHopefully this will peak some interest on cS. This spoon is believed to be a prototype of what potentially would have been used on Apollo 12 (and beyond). Citing Chris' Cutlery site: You can see that the flown examples DO NOT use rank on the flown examples, rather their name, mission, and position. This would have been right in Rita's wheelhouse, thus providing credibility and provenance. I think this is a unique item outlining some of the many "tests" in NASA's history. I do not know a price that would be appropriate; to my knowledge nothing even similar has come up on the market. Thus, I am open to your thoughts on the spoon and offers.  
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streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 11-28-2012 08:57 PM
Anyone have thoughts on the spoon, good or bad? I'd love some feedback. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 12-01-2012 04:45 PM
I wanted to see if anyone else may be interested in the spoon before I list it on eBay.ALSO, A KODAK PHOTO red label pics will hopefully go up tomorrow.
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streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 12-01-2012 10:13 PM
Here is a partial preview of the Red and Black NASA photos. I made it from Mercury through Apollo 11 thus far. Let me know if you need better info or pics. Hopefully I'll get them loaded tomorrow or Tuesday on eBay. |
Mercurypgm
Member Posts: 292
From: Houston, Tx
Registered: Aug 2002
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posted 12-02-2012 07:04 AM
quote:
Originally posted by streetsnake:
Anyone have thoughts on the spoon, good or bad?
Since I own the two flown utensils from Pete Conrad with full documentation, the spoon you show is likely a prototype or used for training. On Chris Spain's' site he indicates the flown Conrad spoons were sold at an Odyssey auction, but the original buyer did not pay for them and I later obtained them. The Apollo spoons used during the missions come in a plastic packaging (starting with Apollo 12-STS135 are all made by Community). Also A-11 utensils made by Community were used by the Lunar Receiving Lab as per the Jan 2010 Regency-Superior auction) The A-12 spoons have a snap to open and close the packaging. They also have velco (Red in color---as mine are for Conrad and Red signified commander) so the spoons could be stuck to a surface. Bean's have blue Velco and are mounted in his house on a wall with some flown spagetti as that is his favorite food and was glad to have been the first man to eat spagetti on the Moon. I also have Charlie Duke's set of spoons and they are identical in nature. I acquired them directly from him and again have full documentation. I also have numerous other Flown Apollo/SL/ASTP and shuttle utensils and have been in touch with Chris to see about updating his list which only address the Apollo/SL era. I may ask Chris to add me as owner of the various flown utensils to his site. You will notice he gives me credit for my assistance on the flown utensils. My concern is that while Ben correctly identifies the A12 spoon (as shown) is unflown but after a few sales down the line someone will pass it off as flown, even though there are some differences in that one spoon. Ben provided me with a list of 20 or so other Apollo utensils he has, so I am even more concerned now that future buyers and sellers will be confused....You can see he has now listed a Lovell and Haise spoon. The inventory he provided me also listed a Mattingly Apollo 13 utensil. Perhaps it would help if he provided his list of utensils in order to avoid confusion in the future, but that is his choice...I am just trying to protect my investment and the integrity of the hobby for those who will be alive long after me.... |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 12-02-2012 04:40 PM
Mercury-Atlas through Apollo 15 eBay auctions go live at 6:00PM EST 12/2. The vast majority are either red or black numbered, all have "A KODAK PAPER" recurring watermark on the back. Instead of listing all auctions here, just go to eBay and look for yourselves. 74 Photos in total. I still have a few others.By the way, ALL Auctions are "No Reserve" and all start at $9.99. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 12-04-2012 07:31 AM
I am hopefully going to load the rest of the photos this afternoon. However I have a few that I cannot find descriptions for and I'm sure you guys can tell me. If you would please leave the mission/description in the comments section of flickr or back here. Thanks for all your help. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 12-04-2012 02:58 PM
Other photos uploaded to eBayApollo 16: Apollo 15 Miscellaneous: |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 12-04-2012 08:06 PM
Vector II Patch: Last time this one will go up on eBay... |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 12-09-2012 02:58 PM
For Sale: Best Offer Lunar Module 7 Flight-ready Cutlery Spares I have been working with a couple collectors on selling these but wanted to make sure the cS audience had a chance at owning these. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 12-10-2012 08:17 PM
I wanted to see if there was anymore interest on the set. Thanks. |
streetsnake
Member Posts: 180
From: Ohio
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 12-14-2012 10:06 AM
quote:
Originally posted by streetsnake:
Apollo Beta Patches
Sold... Thank you! |
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