posted 10-23-2006 03:38 PM               

R&R to offer historic 1959 Alan Shepard letter on "plans for putting a man in space sometime in 1961"

The crown jewel of the space-related items in R&R Enterprises' November auction is a superlative 1959 letter from Alan Shepard to his parents, anticipating his participation in the historic Mercury program that would earn him a place in history as the first American in space.

At the time Shepard penned the letter, the space race with the Soviets was shifting into high gear. With America's pride severely wounded by the Soviets' successful launch of the Sputnik 1 satellite in October 1957, putting a man into space became NASA's top priority.

In the handwritten letter, addressed to "Dear Mother and Daddy" and dated January 29, 1959, then-test pilot Shepard reveals to his parents that he is among the select group of hopefuls who have been called to Washington to be briefed on the ambitious program. "We are to be given a chance to volunteer for or reject the opportunity after the briefing," Shepard writes. "Thereafter, all volunteers will go through a rigorous elimination process until a handful are selected." At the end of that elimination process, so vividly recalled in Tom Wolfe's classic account (and subsequent film) The Right Stuff, Shepard emerged as one of the seven Mercury astronauts introduced to the world in the following April.

That Shepard indeed had "the right stuff" is clear from his enthusiasm: "The entire program of space travel is a fascinating subject and I'm very pleased to be associated with it!... There is no reason for expression of fear but merely gratitude to be considered for this very important contribution to science and the country." Though the Soviets would prevail yet again when Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space on April 12, 1961, America's response was quick and decisive. Less than a month later, Shepard finally realized the American dream of manned space flight, paving the way for missions that would ultimately place men on the moon-including Shepard himself, during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971.

The early date, close personal association, outstanding content, and impeccable condition grant the letter unusual status among the hobby's blue-chip rarities. Scott Cornish, internationally recognized as a leading expert in the field of space-related autographs, singles out the letter as "the most historically significant astronaut-signed letter ever to be offered on the market." Though many collectors focus on specific fields or formats within the galaxy of space memorabilia -- moonwalkers, philatelic items, photos, flown relics -- all will instantly recognize the unique niche occupied by this historic item, which so strikingly encapsulates the dreams and hopes of one man that came to be shared by a nation.

posted 10-26-2006 09:48 AM               

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Originally posted by Outerspace:
Any guesses what the final bid would be for this letter? I wouldn't be surprised to see an estimate in the $10,000 range.

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It's a tough one to guess, as it's no ordinary autographed letter. My hunch is $15,000-$20,000...but that could be WAY off.

posted 10-30-2006 07:11 PM               

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Originally posted by Richard:
However, although it is a neat item, I still believe it is not worth much more than 6000.

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posted 10-30-2006 08:37 PM               

I remember when someone tried to sell me a map section from Duke collection used on the Apollo mission. I was assured that these few maps were the only ones in existence and that they were a great investment. I agreed that they definitely had great historic significance, but I just didn't think that the price asked were what they were worth and I felt that sooner or later other maps would soon surface because of the price these maps were obtaining. In this instance I was correct and I have seen the value decrease greatly.

Again, I would love to own this letter. However, I just feel that the price is inflated. I could definitely be wrong.

posted 11-12-2006 02:40 AM               

Those who collect are also those who are in-the-know about these programs. Numbers of collectors may fluctuate, but look at the lesser-known 19th century presidents. They aren't discussed by many today (certainly nobody from that time survives today with any memory of that era) and may seem like footnotes from history books. Yet their autographs command excellent prices at auction for their role in history.

Astronauts of the early programs have secured their place in history as well. Sure, most of the masses will only remember Armstrong. But anyone with any enthusiasm towards space travel (and anyone with an eye towards collecting) will likely educate themselves about the other pioneer astronauts as well.

posted 11-16-2006 04:12 PM               

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Originally posted by divemaster:
$24,350 plus the buyers premium.

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posted 03-07-2007 03:45 PM               

Here is the text of the Time account, which appeared under the heading "SPACE." I thought it fascinating to see this bit of contemporaneous reporting, especially in view of Shepard's charming filial account at precisely the same moment in history.

One wonders if Shepard pondered the import of the penultimate sentence in the story: "Finally . . . the first space-bound Mercury Astronaut will be named."

Mercury Astronauts

"As soon as the U.S. decided to go ahead with Project Mercury, the first missile-borne man-in-space capsule (Time, January 26), the Pentagon's IBM machines began sorting through Air Force and Navy records for pilots with certain specifications."

The account then lists the seven criteria.

"Last week Keith Glennan, boss of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, announced that NASA had found 110 to fill the bill, that from their ranks would be chosen the first American to be shot into orbit.

"Glennan dubbed the 110 men Mercury Astronauts, said that beginning this month they will go to Washington in groups of about 30 for full briefings on Project Mercury. After that, the candidates will be asked if they want to volunteer. From the volunteers, 36 will be chosen to be tested on their ability to cope with the strange stresses of spaceflight.