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Author
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Topic: Apollo 11 Guest Center direction sign
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David Carey Member Posts: 782 From: Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 10-02-2013 02:58 PM
I've come across a sign used to guide VIPs during the Apollo 11 launch. There are no signatures but it is otherwise the same as that sold in the May 2013 RR Space auction. Does anyone know how many such signs were made/used or by chance have a photo showing this signage on Apollo 11's launch day? I'm on the fence for adding selected, Apollo 11-pertinent, signatures at the upcoming Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's Astronaut Autograph and Memorabilia Show. Any thoughts on whether this would enhance or detract? |
Rocketman! Member Posts: 121 From: Redmond, Washington, USA Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 10-02-2013 05:03 PM
My personal bias is toward leaving historical vintage items as unchanged from their original condition as possible. So, in my opinion, having this item signed would detract from its authenticity. If, on the other hand, an item such as this were to have been signed on the day of the launch by, say, some of the guests in attendance, then it would enhance its interest and value. The "energy" of the moment, if you will, would be represented by the vintage signatures. |
ea757grrl Member Posts: 729 From: South Carolina Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 10-02-2013 06:22 PM
Don't get it signed. The story it tells in its current state is eloquent enough. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 10-02-2013 06:45 PM
As an alternate to having it signed, you could mount it on a matte, or a backdrop photo or even perhaps something like a piece of vinyl siding (to make it look like the sign is attached to the side of a building) and then have that border signed. If you can find a photo of the sign as it was used on the day of the Apollo 11 launch, you could recreate its setting, which would result in a unique display that enhances and preserves the original sign. |
MCroft04 Member Posts: 1634 From: Smithfield, Me, USA Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 10-02-2013 08:29 PM
While this is a nice artifact, it is never going to be a center piece at a museum. I'd get it signed in a heartbeat. |
Ken Havekotte Member Posts: 2914 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 10-02-2013 09:48 PM
So there is a second "Apollo 11 Guest Center" sign "out there," as mine is not the only one.It had been acquired from a scrap yard of KSC-NASA government surplus signs no longer in use or needed by the Kennedy Space Center. Mine had been autographed in my own home and office on Merritt Island by visiting noted/ key participates of Apollo 11's first manned lunar landing mission; Fred Haise, backup LMP, Charlie Duke, Apollo 11 Capcom, Bill Pogue, support crew for Apollo 11, Guenter Wendt, AS-506 pad leader, Ron Woods, suit tech for Aldrin, and Jack King, the "voice of Apollo 11 launch control." |
David Carey Member Posts: 782 From: Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 10-03-2013 08:08 PM
Thanks all for your comments and perspectives.The back is blank aluminum so that's one alternative location but what's the point. Perhaps I'll go with the matt or other separate placard but stay preservationist with the sign proper. Pictures would still be appreciated, in part to contemplate Robert's idea. Interesting to know you had another (the other?) Ken - that's a very special context for the signatures. | |
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