Space News
space history and artifacts articles

Messages
space history discussion forums

Sightings
worldwide astronaut appearances

Resources
selected space history documents

  collectSPACE: Messages
  Opinions & Advice
  Apollo 11 Guest Center direction sign

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
profile | register | preferences | faq | search

next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Apollo 11 Guest Center direction sign
David Carey
Member

Posts: 782
From:
Registered: Mar 2009

posted 10-02-2013 02:58 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for David Carey   Click Here to Email David Carey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 10-02-2013 05:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rocketman!   Click Here to Email Rocketman!     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 10-02-2013 06:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ea757grrl   Click Here to Email ea757grrl     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 10-02-2013 06:45 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 10-02-2013 08:29 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for MCroft04   Click Here to Email MCroft04     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 10-02-2013 09:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ken Havekotte   Click Here to Email Ken Havekotte     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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

posted 10-03-2013 08:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for David Carey   Click Here to Email David Carey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
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.

All times are CT (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts

Copyright 2020 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a





advertisement