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Topic: [RR Auction] Space Exploration Sale (April 2015)
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 03-23-2015 08:42 AM
RR Auction has published a preview of its April 16-23, 2015 Space Exploration sale (an e-version of the print catalog is also now available).The 333 lot sale includes a portion of the Leon Ford collection. RR has scheduled June 25, 2015 for a dedicated Leon Ford NASA collection sale. |
cycleroadie Member Posts: 452 From: Apalachin, NY USA Registered: May 2011
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posted 03-23-2015 03:16 PM
A lot of good items there. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-16-2015 12:42 PM
Bidding opened today (April 16) on RR Auction's latest space auction, which runs through next Thursday (April 23). |
rjurek349 Member Posts: 1190 From: Northwest Indiana Registered: Jan 2002
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posted 04-17-2015 10:00 AM
There are some absolutely amazing items in this auction. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2476 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 04-17-2015 02:17 PM
The DSKY has gone orbital already at $17K |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 04-17-2015 06:22 PM
Personally, I find the leg pocket from Dave Scott (lot 258) interesting in as much as it was supposedly worn on the surface for three days... but looks remarkably clean considering.I've handled surface beta cloth items and they all have an ingrained colour from the lunar regolith that is missing from this piece. The serial number will probably shed more light on its use. I do wonder how would Scott have used the scissors while on the surface? I wouldn't have thought the pressurised EVA glove would have afforded him the dexterity to use them. There are some great pieces up for grabs; I suspect the DSKY has a long way to go yet. I had better buy a lottery ticket tomorrow! |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-17-2015 07:56 PM
I agree that the pocket looks very clean. This photo of Scott from the third EVA shows the two pockets he is wearing covered in lunar dust.I know on Apollo 16 they flew a backup that remained in the lunar module. I know because I owned it for a brief time. It was initially mistaken as an unflown backup and then as the worn-on-the-surface pocket. Maybe something similar is happening here? Or maybe it was cleaned post-flight (it certainly wouldn't be the first time such has happened). |
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 4437 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-17-2015 09:33 PM
The lot description and LOA stipulates the pocket was onboard the LM, and used during the mission, and was available for lunar surface EVA. Having been lunar landed and worn during the return EVA (while retrieving the SIM bay film) it is still an important artifact. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-17-2015 09:46 PM
Sure enough, it does and is. Scott's inscription is the point of confusion (or at least it was for me on the quick look that preceded my earlier reply). |
datkatz Member Posts: 176 From: New York, NY Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 04-18-2015 12:20 AM
It's worse than a point of confusion. Scott's inscriptions are letters of authenticity in their own right, and — unlike the typewritten letter — can never become separated from the artifacts themselves. Without the typewritten letter's explanation, anyone reading Scott's inscription would certainly believe the pockets were worn during his EVAs. |
spaced out Member Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 04-18-2015 03:49 AM
For me it was clear from the description that these are not EVA pockets but this thread has prompted me to do a bit more research on the issue of checklist pockets worn on EVAs.Although I haven't had time to investigate in detail it seems clear that the pockets worn on the lunar EVAs were distinct from the standard sets that I cover on my site. As far as I can see the EVA pockets did not have scissor pockets attached and they are easily differentiated from the normal pockets by the fact that they had velcro strips on the outside of the pocket flaps which were used to secure the open flap to matching velcro strips on the EVA suit upper leg. At a quick glance I don't think any EVA pockets have been sold at auction so it may be that they were considered part of the suits and retained by NASA. Below are some close-ups from the Apollo 15 walkout showing Scott (left), and Scott and Irwin (right), wearing both sets of pockets. The standard sets (including those Scott is selling at RR) are attached to the lower leg and the EVA pockets (with extra velcro) around the upper leg. When I have more time I'll try to update my site to clarify this issue. |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 04-18-2015 04:08 AM
There is some ambiguity about the LOA I agree but it clearly states "This pocket was worn on the lunar surface for 3 days, Apollo 15. Dave Scott, Apollo 15 CDR" and "This sheath carried scissors for 3 days on the lunar surface during Apollo 15. Dave Scott, Apollo 15 CDR." ...before distancing Scott from that claim by stating it was carried in the LM for the duration of his stay on the moon. I concur with Robert. In all likelihood the lot in question was carried in the LM... but not used on the surface. Yes, suit items were cleaned post-flight but I don't recall seeing anything that dirty come up that clean. Unfortunately, the loss of PPKs belonging to Scott and Irwin when inadvertently jettisoned along with the LM Falcon has tainted the provenance of some Apollo 15 surface flown items. From memory this is not the first time the provenance of Apollo 15 items has been questioned. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-18-2015 08:56 AM
The pockets have part and serial numbers that can be used to independently verify their flight status. In that sense, Scott's letter of authenticity and inscriptions on the pocket and sheath are superfluous.When I earlier wrote that the inscriptions were a point of confusion, I was referring to the lot description. I think it could have been made clearer for potential bidders by emphasizing that Scott's inscription — at least on the pocket — was incorrect. That particular artifact was not "worn on the lunar surface for 3 days." |
usafspace Member Posts: 88 From: Los Angeles, CA USA Registered: May 2006
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posted 04-18-2015 09:42 AM
quote: Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn: Unfortunately, the loss of PPKs belonging to Scott and Irwin when inadvertently jettisoned along with the LM Falcon has tainted the provenance of some Apollo 15 surface flown items.
If their PPKs were lost, how is it that I have purchased lunar surface flown items from Apollo 15? |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 04-18-2015 09:46 AM
A number of items are known to have been flown to the surface in the leg pockets of their suits ( ie. LRV "licence" plates and flags) and items not carried in the PPKs ie. charts and hardware |
usafspace Member Posts: 88 From: Los Angeles, CA USA Registered: May 2006
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posted 04-18-2015 10:07 AM
I must admit that I was not aware that the Apollo 15 moonwalkers' PPKs had been lost. They must have had a lot of patches, flags, etc. stuffed in their pockets. |
datkatz Member Posts: 176 From: New York, NY Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 04-18-2015 01:21 PM
quote: Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: The pockets have part and serial numbers that can be used to independently verify their flight status. In that sense, Scott's letter of authenticity and inscriptions on the pocket and sheath are superfluous.
Scott's inscription is not "superfluous." The serial numbers will confirm the items were carried in the LM. They will offer no information whatever as to how the items were used. Scott's inscription does that, but, as you have stated, his assertion is wrong. They were not "worn on the lunar surface for 3 days." |
spaced out Member Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 04-19-2015 02:43 AM
I have to say that personally I don't like seeing inscriptions on the fronts of items like these pockets and Schweickart's.I understand the appeal of having a descriptive inscription and signature directly on the item (although you could argue the serial numbers alone should be enough to identify such items) but personally I would much rather this was done discretely on the reverse or interior. To my mind important historical items like these should be kept as close as possible to their original appearance and this kind of bold inscription permanently, and dramatically, alters their appearance. Just to be clear they're still both great items that I'd be glad to own but if I had a choice I'd much prefer them to have been inscribed and signed discretely. |
space1 Member Posts: 853 From: Danville, Ohio Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 04-19-2015 11:44 AM
Regarding markings on artifacts, I agree with you 100%. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2476 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 04-19-2015 12:38 PM
I'm in the other camp, I have no issue with it what so ever. |
cycleroadie Member Posts: 452 From: Apalachin, NY USA Registered: May 2011
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posted 04-19-2015 12:58 PM
I agree, having a flown item unmarked is preferable to me also, but I would not refuse to buy one because it was marked. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-19-2015 01:04 PM
From a curatorial viewpoint, adding any writing or modifying the original artifact in any way (other than restoration and preservation efforts) is a form of defacement. Flown flags, patches and the like are not artifacts, they are memorabilia, and so inscriptions are less of a concern. But if the desire is to preserve history, than it is probably best to leave any certification to accompanying letters and photographs. At the very least, it protects against irreversible errors such as in the case of Scott's pocket and the previously auctioned Bean backpack strap. |
Larry McGlynn Member Posts: 1255 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 04-19-2015 05:40 PM
I agree with both parties. I like an inscription on the artifact. I just would prefer that it be done in an innocuous location where it doesn't interfere with the piece. It's one thing to sign a flag, but I prefer any provenance on a flown artifact to be made on the reverse side of the piece in an medium that won't penetrate the surface of the object. As as example, the reverse of an LRV map is the best place to state the map was on the Moon. The provenance is key when one is spending $30,000 or more and having it on the artifact in a non-invasive way is best for the collector. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-19-2015 05:57 PM
Inscriptions can also be made in a way such that they can later be removed without damaging the artifact. On the given example of a traverse map, the astronaut can use a pencil rather than a pen. (As an added benefit, graphite doesn't bleed or fade.) For something like the pocket, it might be better to inscribe a label that can be affixed to the artifact (maybe inside the pocket) using an adhesive that is safe to the fabric (if such exists). This not only protects the artifact, but also the collector's investment. While provenance may be key today, we have no way of knowing what the future might hold. It may someday be more important to the market that the artifact is preserved as it was originally used. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-21-2015 12:49 AM
quote: Originally posted by GACspaceguy: The DSKY has gone orbital already at $17K
The DSKY (Lot 74) attracted the attention of The Boston Globe. In the 1960s, Massachusetts Institute of Technology computer scientist Margaret Hamilton was in charge of developing the Apollo flight software. Now, technology that used the software — the Block II Apollo Guidance computer display and keyboard unit — is up for auction until Thursday. The device, one of about 75 manufactured, was obtained by RR Auction from a New Jersey collector who purchased it from a government surplus sale 25 years ago. |
mode1charlie Member Posts: 1169 From: Honolulu, HI Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 04-21-2015 02:57 PM
quote: Originally posted by spaced out: ...personally I would much rather this was done discretely on the reverse or interior.
Agree 100%. If I could afford it, I'd pick up the Scott or Bean artifact in a second, but it would always seem a little like a beautiful woman with a face tattoo. |
Larry McGlynn Member Posts: 1255 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 04-22-2015 09:04 AM
It would depend on the tattoo, but a beautiful woman is still a beautiful woman. |
Docdrew Member Posts: 25 From: Scottsdale, AZ Registered: Aug 2013
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posted 04-23-2015 09:58 PM
I wanted that memory module really bad but I couldn't believe how the price shot up. I gave up when it was around $8000. It went for over $12000! I wonder how much it originally cost to make it. |
holcombeyates Member Posts: 243 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 04-24-2015 03:39 AM
The Apollo Spot Meter - Lot #246 was an interesting piece. I was tempted but my research into flight manifests and photography papers specific to Apollo 14 couldn't identify it. I couldn't lay may hands on the old auction catalogues either.Anyone had more luck - and if the winner wants to contact me I have some info I can share - but nothing conclusive. |
Spacehardware Member Posts: 125 From: Durley Registered: Jan 2008
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posted 04-24-2015 06:09 AM
The spot meter was last sold as lot 317 under the Gemini GT-10 section of Superior's October 1999 sale as flown, based on the red stencil SC10. Listing also states that as it has the serial number 1, it may have flown on other flights too. No other paperwork accompanied the lot. Hope this helps! |
space1 Member Posts: 853 From: Danville, Ohio Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 04-24-2015 11:19 AM
What I have noted regarding Gemini equipment is that they usually have a NASA designation starting with "CF." For example, the 16mm sequence camera is CF55008. On the other hand, Apollo equipment usually begins with thee letters, often "SED" or "SEB." For example, a Hasselblad camera carried on Apollo 7 is SEB33100029-205. The spot meter in the auction is SEB33100028-203. Based just on the similarity of the numbers I would associate the spot meter with Apollo. And yet at least some Gemini flights had equipment with Apollo-like numbers. It could very well be that this spot meter was used on Gemini 10, especially given the S/C 10 stamp. More data would be needed to confirm that.------------------ John Fongheiser Historic Space Systems |
Larry McGlynn Member Posts: 1255 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 04-24-2015 02:36 PM
I have the stowage lists for GT-5 through GT-12. John is right about the CF numbering used on Gemini. I will check to see if a spot meter is listed in the GT-10 stowage list this weekend.Those lists are on my desk, because I recently picked up a Gemini machete and wanted to check the part number. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-24-2015 06:21 PM
RR Auction release Backpack strap used by Moonwalker Edgar Mitchell sold for more than $41k at auctionUsed for a cumulative time of 9 hours and 23 minutes on the lunar surface A backpack strap used on the lunar surface by Edgar Mitchell during the Apollo 14 mission sold for $41,806, according to Massachusetts- based RR Auction. The fabric strap, made of beta cloth and has a metal hook at one end — its primary function to securely hold in place the primary life support backpack worn by Mitchell as he walked on the moon. The Primary Life Support System (PLSS) was a critical component that enabled astronauts to conduct extra-vehicular activities without being tethered to the life support systems of the spacecraft, allowing for complete freedom of movement. To save weight and accommodate for the return of moon rocks, the PLSS backpacks were left behind on the moon, the straps were brought back by astronauts as souvenirs of their missions. The suit worn by Mitchell is currently on display at The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. Apollo 14 was the first lunar landing devoted primarily to scientific exploration, and completed two periods of surface exploration, each exceeding four and one-half hours. The first was devoted to setting up and activating a telemetry station. The second period of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) was devoted to collecting documented soil and rock samples from nearby Cone Crater. During the mission Mitchell would spend a cumulative time of 9 hours and 23 minutes on the lunar surface. "It's extremely gratifying to know that the early history of space exploration continues to be recognized and honored in this way, so that future generations can appreciate the courage and sacrifice of these brave men and women who risked everything to expand the technological boundaries of science and engineering," Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction. "This event far exceeded our expectations and we are thrilled at the results." Highlights from the sale include, but are not limited by: - Gene Cernan's Apollo 17 Flown EVA/EXP Checklist, sold for $48,644.
- Jim McDivitt's Apollo 9 Flown Crew Log Book, sold for $36,546.
- An Apollo Command Module rotation hand controller, sold for $74,357.
- A Block II Apollo Command Module Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), sold for $65,362.
- An original Block II Apollo Guidance computer display and keyboard (DSKY), sold for $65,189.
Online bidding for the Space Exploration Sale from RR Auction began on April 16 and concluded on April 23. More details, including results can be found online. |
Jurvetson Member Posts: 93 From: Los Altos an SF, CA, United States Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 04-26-2015 07:30 PM
Such a fine auction. I picked up some great items. If anyone has more information, especially about the IMU on the cover, I would be curious to learn more. I also picked up the Apollo CM Couch Mount and the Apollo 14 Docking Ring Flange; I am looking forward to reuniting this with the Apollo 14 docking ring in the office =) On the documents side, I got the Apollo 9 Crew Log Book (wow, it's full of stars!), Gemini 12 Flown Computer Failure Cue Cards, and the Apollo 13 Flown Lunar Surface Map. |
bunnkwio Member Posts: 113 From: Naperville, IL USA Registered: Jul 2008
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posted 04-27-2015 06:30 AM
Steve, if I'm ever in the area, do you give tours of your office lobby? Your Flickr page is a mini-Smithsonian. |
Larry McGlynn Member Posts: 1255 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 04-27-2015 06:37 AM
Steve, very nice pickup. If you ever get back to Boston, I can arrange a tour of the IMU cutaway in the MIT Museum. |
Jurvetson Member Posts: 93 From: Los Altos an SF, CA, United States Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 04-28-2015 11:55 AM
Thanks... and yes, the collection is open for viewing every work day. If I am there, I would be happy to show you around. I only have about 40% of the collection posted there (I need to catch up). One of the coolest new additions is John Young's EVA1 cuff checklist (which he was wearing during the jump salute shot). |
bunnkwio Member Posts: 113 From: Naperville, IL USA Registered: Jul 2008
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posted 04-28-2015 03:40 PM
That is truly an amazing piece to have!! Such an iconic photograph to be able to point to and say "you see that? I have that over here..." (Although I do love showing my few items to my friends and family)It's times like these when I feel pretty honored to be part of this same message board. |
holcombeyates Member Posts: 243 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 04-30-2015 05:01 AM
EVA cuff checklists are fascinating items in their own right.Photos of artifacts that were used on the moons surface and returned are extremely rare pieces indeed. I love the contrast between all the cutting edge technology that was used to get to the moons surface and the hand drawn sketches (showing how to sample boulders for example) that appear on the checklist pages. Are there any jokes or pictures of centerfold ladies hidden in the checklist? |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4167 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 05-02-2015 06:41 AM
Apollo 12 famously did. I can't vouch for other missions. |