posted 04-18-2018 06:14 PM               

Oversized Flag, Alan Bean Painting Among Rarities in Heritage Auctions' Space Exploration Auction

Sale also includes rare gold medallion flown in Apollo 13

An irregularly large flag flown on Apollo 11 and a painting by one of the 12 astronauts to walk on the moon are expected to compete for top-lot honors in Heritage Auctions' Space Exploration Auction May 11 in Dallas, Texas.

The Apollo 11 Flown Large Size American Flag on a Crew-Signed Presentation Certificate, Framed (est. $50,000-75,000) is extraordinary, and not just because it is among the limited material that has been to the moon. It also is of unusual size, measuring 8-by-12 inches, mounted to a 9-1/2-by-11-1/2-inch color certificate printed with the words: "This Flag Traveled to the Moon with Apollo 11, the First Manned Lunar Landing, July 20, 1969/ APOLLO 11/ July 16-24, 1969/ Armstrong - Collins – Aldrin." Because of its large size, the flag has been folded into fourths for mounting on the certificate (not examined out of frame).

"This really is a rare piece of space history," Heritage Auctions Space Exploration Director Michael Riley said. "Flags that flew on the missions were smaller than this, almost exclusively. To see one this size is a real rarity, as it would significant strength to any space collection."

Carrying the same ($50,000-75,000) pre-auction estimate is an Alan Bean Original 1983 Painting "Mother Earth," Acrylic on Masonite, Museum Framed. The stunning 24-by-30-inch painting – signed in the lower right: "Alan Bean © 1983" – is of the planet earth as seen above the lunar horizon, very reminiscent of the extremely popular "Earthrise" photo taken by Apollo 8.

A mission-flown Apollo 13 Flown Gold Robbins Medallion Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert, with LOA (est. $40,000-60,000) is an extremely rare prize for collectors. Only six were produced – two for each member of the three-man crew. The dramatic design features three of Apollo's chariot horses flying toward the moon with the slogan Ex Luna, Scientia – which translates to "from the moon, knowledge." This is the first gold Apollo Robbins medal that Heritage ever has offered at auction. Its rarity, desirability, importance and beauty can not be overstated.

An Apollo 11 Flown Silver Robbins Medallion, Serial Number 405, Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, with Signed LOA (est. $30,000-50,000) was one of 450 flown aboard Apollo 11, the first manned moon landing, July 16-24, 1969, with crewmembers Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin. The obverse of this 28mm sterling silver medal depicts Collins' early and original concept for the mission insignia with the eagle carrying an olive branch in its mouth. NASA thought the sharp, open talons of the eagle looked too "warlike" and the olive branch, representing peace, was moved to the claws. This is one of, if not the only, major official item that renders the insignia as it was meant to be by the astronaut designer.

One extraordinary lot is the I.S.S. Expeditions 1 through 45: Complete Collection of Unflown Silver Robbins Medals Directly from the Personal Collection of Astronaut Walt Cunningham, with Signed LOA ($24,000-36,000). An amazing collection of rare, beautiful medals representing the first 13-plus years of occupation, by astronauts and cosmonauts from several countries, of the International Space Station, these medals from long-duration medals were issued in extremely limited numbers – often fewer than 100 each. All 45 medals are still in their original cases with serial-numbered (many in single digits) stickers and are in gorgeous mint state condition.

Other top lots include, but are not limited to:

• Gemini 3 - Gemini 12 Flown Fliteline Medallions (est. $24,000-36,000)

• Apollo Lunar Module Reaction Control System Marquardt R-4D Rocket Engine with Extended Nozzle, Manufactured in Early 1971 (est. $25,000-35,000)

• NASA Apollo Three Seat Crew Couch Complete with Head Beam Assembly and Left & Right Hand Stabilizer Beams, Manufactured by Weber Aircraft in 1968 (est. $8,000-12,000)

• Apollo 12 Lunar Module Flown Largest Size American Flag on a Presentation Mat Signed by Richard Gordon, Directly from the Family Collection of Mission Command Module Pilot Richard Gordon (est. $7,000-10,000)

posted 04-20-2018 03:14 PM               

There is however the issue of all of the flown, but unknown mission plugs (as well as screws and kapton). So long as they are marketed as flown (without specifying a mission), I see no issue with it. Their panel numbers are listed, so there is that, but sadly no mission specified.

posted 04-20-2018 03:27 PM               

At least for the lots with specific mission attributions noted, these plugs were in sealed bags (from time of post-mission analysis) with identifications from Donald Hamilton himself. I'm sure Heritage would provide these additional details to anyone who wishes to ask for more information prior to the auction.

Your point about the lots without attribution is on point, as there are so many available for those capable of cranking out displays. As with other inherently undocumentable items and contemporary displays in the hobby, trust in the seller is vital. This may be a reason why vintage presentations seem to consistently command higher values.

posted 05-12-2018 10:35 AM               

I understand the description states that it was "verbally attributed to STS-107, the ill-fated last mission of the Columbia..." and that may make the item more collectible but that price seems excessive for a non-flown shuttle item. In fact I don't recall a flown shuttle mission-used item selling for that much.

posted 05-12-2018 10:55 AM               

For example, in 2009, Heritage auctioned the flight suit patches from John Young's STS-1 flown pressure suit for $56,762.

posted 05-15-2018 06:20 AM               

I'm currently still trying to arrange shipping of the actual lot items and Lauren seems unaware of the possibility of COAs. Thank you.

posted 05-15-2018 10:24 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Tallpaul:
Looking forward to the November auction when the first lots from the Armstrong family cross the block.

---

posted 05-16-2018 09:47 AM               

Apollo Program Memorabilia Helps Heritage Auctions' Space Exploration Sale Soar Above $1 Million

Rare, oversized Apollo 11-flown flag claims top-lot honors at $187,500

An oversized flag flown on Apollo 11 soared past pre-auction expectations, selling for $187,500, boosting the total return in Heritage Auctions' May 11 Space Exploration Auction to $1,150,796.50.

The Apollo 11-Flown Large Size American Flag on a Crew-Signed Presentation Certificate, Framed, which carried a pre-auction estimate of $50,000-75,000, was the target of spirited bidding. Not only is it mounted on a certificate bearing the signatures of astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins, it also is unusual in size. Most mission-flown flags measure 4 inches by 6 inches; this one measures 8 by 12 inches.

"The flag is an extraordinary lot, and our collectors knew it," Heritage Auctions Space Exploration Director Michael Riley said. "We believe it is the first time such a flag ever has come to auction, and the collectors who bid on it knew they were going after a very important piece of space history."

An extremely rare Apollo 13-Flown Gold Robbins Medallion Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert, with LOA also went well beyond its pre-auction estimate before finishing at $87,500. Only six were produced – two for each member of the three-man crew. The dramatic design features three of Apollo's chariot horses flying toward the moon with the slogan Ex Luna, Scientia — which translates to "from the moon, knowledge." This is the first gold Apollo Robbins medal that Heritage ever has offered at auction.

One of the most unique items in the auction was a NASA Apollo Three-Seat Crew Couch Complete with Head Beam Assembly and Left & Right Hand Stabilizer Beams, Manufactured by Weber Aircraft in 1968 that realized $55,000. Heavy bidding for the exact seats that could have flown as part of an Apollo Command Module drove the final price to more than four times its high pre-auction estimate of $12,000.

An Apollo Lunar Module Reaction Control System Marquardt R-4D Rocket Engine with Extended Nozzle, Manufactured in Early 1971 sparked multiple bids before bringing $47,500. Multiple collectors bid on a chance to own one of 16 such engines that were mounted on the exterior of each Lunar Module in four quadruple clusters; 16 also were mounted on each Service Module.

An Apollo 11-Flown Silver Robbins Medallion, Serial Number 405, Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Lunar Module Pilot Buzz Aldrin, with Signed LOA sold for $47,500. It is one of 450 flown aboard Apollo 11, the first manned moon landing, July 16-24, 1969 with crew members Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. This is one of, if not the only, major official item that renders the insignia with an eagle carrying an olive branch in its mouth as it was meant to be by the astronaut designer. The reverse features the dates of the mission, surnames of the crew, and the serial number.

Among the other lots that performed exceptionally well in the auction were a group of 30 lots from the Family Collection of astronaut Richard Gordon, including:

• Apollo 12 Flown Silver Robbins Medallion, Serial Number 37, Directly from the Family Collection of Mission Command Module Pilot Richard Gordon $17,846.25

• Apollo 15 Flown Crew-Signed Limited Edition Apollo 12 Cover Directly from the Family Collection of Apollo 12 Command Module Pilot Richard Gordon, Signed and Certified $7,500

• Apollo 12 Lunar Module Flown Largest Size American Flag on a Presentation Mat Signed by Richard Gordon, Directly from the Family Collection of Mission Command Module Pilot Richard Gordon: $7,500

Other top lots included, but were not limited to:

• Gemini 3 - Gemini 12 Flown Fliteline Medallions: Complete Set of Ten in Matching Silver Color, Originally from Astronaut Gene Cernan, with Individual Signed Letters of Authenticity: $32,500

• Kitty Hawk: Piece of Original Wright Flyer Fabric On a Presentation Certificate to Edwin E. Aldrin Sr., with Original Provenance and Frame: $32,500

• I.S.S. Expeditions 1 through 45: Complete Collection of Unflown Silver Robbins Medals Directly from the Personal Collection of Astronaut Walt Cunningham, with Signed LOA: $25,000

• Space Shuttle Columbia Launch-Exploded Frangible Nut: $25,000

posted 05-17-2018 08:28 AM               

When I read "could have flown as part of an Apollo Command Module," I interpreted it as "flight qualified," not "this might be flown." Later the description says, "[n]ever flown but likely used in training." I think that is accurate. I doubt anyone was bidding thinking this was flown. It's an Apollo couch! That's exciting enough.

posted 05-17-2018 11:28 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
I'm not convinced Apollo 14 is the real deal. At the least it appears to have been "reupholstered" in black!

---