posted 08-22-2016 04:00 PM            

This auction features the continuation of the incredible collection of Richard Stonely, space collector and autograph aficionado. Space art, memorabilia and of course, astronaut autographs are all part of the unrivaled collection from the man who not only was lucky enough to meet these brave pioneers, but forged friendships over the years with his heroes. Below are just a few items from the collection of Richard Stonely and other space collectors.

Starting with a truly distinctive item, a primarily nickel meteorite measuring roughly 6"x6"x6, weighing nearly 12 lbs attributed to Great Meteor Crater (Barringer) and surrounding Canyon Diablo. This particular specimen (likely museum quality) was once owned by Thomas Beard, a professional consulting geologist. A gorgeous item that you have to see to believe.

If Project Mercury is more your passion, there are nearly a dozen photos, first day covers and other items to choose from. Lot 37 is a color photo depicting the Mercury 7 group in flight gear standing in front of US Air Force jet. Photo bears bold signatures of Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton. A must have for any Mercury 7 or general Space enthusiast.

A highlight from the Apollo program is an official NASA KSC PAO Apollo A7L Spacesuit model mock-up (Lot 84). The suit features include blue helmet collar, NASA patch, American flag patch, connectors, checklist pockets, zipper pocket on chest, detachable utility and checklist pockets on legs, penlight pocket on left arm, two hoses and blue and red flanges. Suit was used for educational purposes, Space center lobby displays and KSC Spaceport USA. It makes for an incredible display at a Museum or other institution.

Lot 278 is a baseball signed and inscribed (to Richard) by Neil Armstrong. This piece is signed in blue ink on the side panel. Has minimal toning and is incredibly desirable.

The showstopper of Richard's collection has to be a dazzling signed original painting titled 'Cosmic Journey', an original painting (36½"x55", framed to 43½"x62") by Apollo astronaut Alan Bean (Lot 304). Before he began painting, Bean prepared his board with a special texturing compound that he created, containing, in part, dust from the charred heat shield and gold foil, from the Command Module of Apollo 12. Once the texturing compound began to dry, he worked it with his hammer and sharp edged bit from his double core tube (both flown) and an exact replica of his moon boots to achieve a rough and irregular painting surface. A commissioned piece by Bean this large would cost over $400,000. This item is a true bargain with bidding opening at $10,000.

The entire auction is now available online for viewing and bidding at RegencySuperior.com. Free color catalogs are available by calling toll-free 1-800-782-0066.

posted 08-23-2016 06:39 PM               

• Lot 134 - Lovell and Swigert
  
• Lots 135 and 145 - Don't like the Lovells
  
• Lot 163 - All autopens

posted 08-24-2016 08:01 AM               

Typically, he was more interested in quantity than quality and his many astronaut signed covers bear this out, as the majority are of poorer quality/type than a more dedicated collector would select, with many being Secondary Recovery Ship covers rather than the more popular Prime Recovery Ship covers. I suspect that many of his astronaut autographed covers were acquired through years of Superior and Regency-Superior auctions, with many selling for lower amounts because of many collectors wanting better quality material.

A number of his failures have been listed already and a careful screening of his second Regency auction will uncover more. I have spent some time going through the auction and will later list some lots I have concern about.

Of course, there is plenty of quality material, such as several Alan Bean art prints and several Michael Collins original paintings. Also two crew signed covers of special note are lots 97 (Apollo 7 crew) and 162 (Apollo 16 crew).

But now after two auctions, why hasn't more of his more spectacular material been listed? For example, when will his NASA Apollo patch litho be listed that is authentically signed by every flown MGA astronaut but three (Grissom, White and Anders), and his stash of at least 6-8 very desirable GT-8 (Armstrong/Scott) crew signed covers? And for someone believed to have several hundred Armstrong autographs - many obtained in person - not a lot have been seen.

This auction was heavy on autographed covers but Richard specialized in autographed NASA photos/lithos, which would have more collector interest.

posted 08-25-2016 05:09 AM               

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Originally posted by JasonIUP:
Richard sure got fooled on lots 120 to 122, two Apollo 11 crew-signed photos and a Neil Armstrong signed photo board!

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Regency seems to have been fooled too.

posted 08-26-2016 12:22 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by JasonIUP:
Richard sure got fooled on lots 120 to 122, two Apollo 11 crew-signed photos and a Neil Armstrong signed photo board!

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posted 08-26-2016 09:24 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by Dave_Johnson:
Lot 2 is highly doubtful as being a meteorite.

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posted 08-30-2016 01:26 PM               

I may not even bid on RS autographs anymore, let alone bid high - nor am I the only one from what friends tell me.

posted 08-31-2016 06:58 PM               

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Originally posted by moonnut:
Their specialty is stamps and I think they should stick to that...

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So to suggest that Alan is a newcomer to space is somewhat backwards. He's been doing this longer than many in the market today.

posted 08-31-2016 07:01 PM               

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Originally posted by moonnut:
That's 40% per item!

...since they have ventured into other realms they need to hire the proper personnel to maintain legitimacy.

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As a buyer I avoid auction houses that allow obvious forgeries, especially painful ones.

posted 09-02-2016 12:38 PM               

Lot 121, per the late consignor Richard Stonely, was signed by Neil Armstrong in person on a golf course in Houston, TX... as with many rushed signatures as pointed out by Florian, there are anomalies.

posted 09-02-2016 06:50 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by JasonIUP:
...but not by Neil.

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posted 09-25-2016 11:05 AM               

Besides myself, several others have noted additional lots that range from questionable, that bidders should avoid, to others fairly obviously bad.

• As noted above, Lot 23, with several X-15 signed covers, contains very suspect Thompson and Knight signatures, with the key autograph, Walker's, also suspect.

• Lot 119, Apollo 10 cover, is suspect, with at least a bad Stafford.

• Lot 146, Apollo 14 cover, with at least a bad Shepard.

• Lot 255, a very questionable Armstrong stamp sheet.

• And lot 97, Apollo 7 cover, previously judged okay, has been questioned because of the Eisele signature that compares closely to known Eisele German fakes.