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Author
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Topic: WTB: Flight director Gene Kranz vest replica
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Dooku1996
Member Posts: 69
From: Terre Haute, IN 47805
Registered: Jun 2013
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posted 08-15-2014 05:50 PM
   
Does anyone know where I can get a replica of any of the famous vests that Gene Kranz wore? My email is Tylerknierim@yahoo.com. Thank you so much! |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1074
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-17-2014 10:11 PM
Interesting you mention your interest in a replica vest. I handle all of Gene's personal artifacts and memorabilia through my site, Farthest Reaches. I've actually sold two of Gene's original vests and at the time mentioned the idea of Marta making faithful reproductions that Gene could hand sign for sale to interested collectors. It was just one of those creative ideas that didn't get developed as I wasn't sure how much of a demand there would be for such an item. It's not out of the question that I could push this project forward but would need to ascertain the level of interest first. You're the first person to actually ask about the availability of such an item in all this time. I wonder what the rest of you think... |
Dooku1996
Member Posts: 69
From: Terre Haute, IN 47805
Registered: Jun 2013
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posted 08-18-2014 09:23 AM
Well I can't speak for other collectors on here but I know you would for sure have my money if his wife were to do that! It really would be a conversation starter hanging on the wall in someone's house! Thanks for your reply and if this does ever happen please let me know! |
calcheyup
Member Posts: 125
From:
Registered: May 2014
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posted 08-18-2014 01:10 PM
This thread just reminds me how fortunate we are to have some of these great men and women still with us to even be able to make this request to. A good portion of our space heroes are no longer around and will never be able to bequeath us not only with personalized or custom items, but even a simple handshake or the privilege of meeting them in person.To even have the possibility of a vest made by Gene Kranz' wife as a piece of history reminds me of how lucky we are that these individuals are still around and down-to-earth enough to do these types of things for relatively nominal fees. Let's enjoy it while it lasts. |
p51
Member Posts: 1642
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 08-18-2014 05:21 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Dooku1996:
Well I can't speak for other collectors on here but I know you would for sure have my money if his wife were to do that! It really would be a conversation starter hanging on the wall in someone's house! Thanks for your reply and if this does ever happen please let me know!
Yeah, what he said! |
Dooku1996
Member Posts: 69
From: Terre Haute, IN 47805
Registered: Jun 2013
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posted 08-18-2014 05:28 PM
quote:
Originally posted by p51:
Yeah, what he said!
Well that makes two of us. Haha! |
Guy DuMont
Member Posts: 109
From: Aurora IL USA
Registered: Feb 2004
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posted 08-19-2014 09:49 AM
Three of us. |
cfreeze79
Member Posts: 455
From: Herndon, VA, USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 08-19-2014 06:22 PM
I'd want to see cost numbers, and see the finished product but as long as the product is of good quality, and is a fair value, I'd be in. Heck, one for me and one to give to a favorite museum... Just don't get overpriced like some of the other recent replica makers. Make it accessible to the everyman, please.
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farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1074
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-25-2014 01:38 PM
What do you think might be a fair price? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42987
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 08-25-2014 02:02 PM
Steve, to clarify, are you suggesting a vest handcrafted by Marta Kranz that follows her original pattern for one she made for Gene (as you noted above), or a third-party produced replica vest based on Marta's designs (as others have proposed)?I would think the "fair price" would differ greatly between the two. |
Dooku1996
Member Posts: 69
From: Terre Haute, IN 47805
Registered: Jun 2013
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posted 08-25-2014 02:17 PM
Obviously Robert is correct that the cost would differ greatly between the two items he described, and I too would like to know what kind of price we would be talking. I Would love to own one! |
farthestreaches
Member Posts: 1074
From: Redondo Beach, Ca
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 08-26-2014 01:02 PM
Rob, was thinking about something reproduced by Marta herself. This is what we discussed some time ago but haven't pursued it since. At this point, I'm not sure she'd be interested in taking such a project on but if seemed compelling, might be willing to broach it with her again. What do you think? |
JasonB
Member Posts: 1091
From:
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 08-26-2014 02:19 PM
Honestly I think a third party replica using her specifications (with her approval) would be far more feasible. Both economically and practically.I think it would be an interesting idea if it were in the right price range and limited to say 50 or so of each. Maybe more for 13 and a little less for other missions Kranz directed. Not having a clue as to the costs of making a vest, it would certainly interest me if it were in the $200-$250 range. Just a thought. |
p51
Member Posts: 1642
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 08-26-2014 03:38 PM
I Like Jason's thinking in the post above this.It'd be a niche item, even among space fans, though... |
lunardreamer
Member Posts: 86
From: Royal Oak, Michigan USA
Registered: Nov 2013
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posted 08-26-2014 03:44 PM
I'd be interested too. Would be a fantastic item to add to my space collection. How about the choice of Gene and Marta signing the vests too? |
schnappsicle
Member Posts: 396
From: Houston, TX, USA
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted 08-26-2014 09:45 PM
It would be kind of cool to have them kid sized like to fit on a one year old or something. What a photo that would make.And yes, I'd also like to have one, preferably signed by both Gene and Marta. |
cfreeze79
Member Posts: 455
From: Herndon, VA, USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 08-26-2014 10:46 PM
Not to be a "Negative Nelly", but — in my mind — it is only worth a premium if handcrafted by the 'Grand Dame' herself. Otherwise, it is just a relatively nondescript vest, with a mission button on it. My two cents. The real deal, or bust!  |
JasonB
Member Posts: 1091
From:
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted 08-27-2014 08:12 AM
A vest made by his wife would be great but asking a presumably 80 year old woman to make vests is not in the same galaxy as asking someone to autograph some items. I'm sure she's a perfectly nice lady who may have no problem doing it but can you imagine saying "Hey Buzz, sew me a vest?"There's also the simple logistics of her being able to only make a few vests which would cost a lot of money. Or they could just make nice replicas based off her design for Kranz to sign and give her a nice cut of the money for a whole lot less work. Also the vests would be far cheaper than handmade ones so they'd sell easier. |
cfreeze79
Member Posts: 455
From: Herndon, VA, USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 08-27-2014 11:02 PM
I think I am at a "agree to disagree" juncture with you, Jason. Frankly, I can get a vest, cut to whatever I want, for as much or as little as I want, any time I want. A handmade original, however, is not so easy or available. And far more special and rare... And worth it — just for the story. The marketplace will ultimately decide. I mean, how are the 'Still the Right Stuff' replica jackets selling?! |
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