Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
posted 10-15-2018 12:41 PM
I have to wonder if Heritage have slightly overdone this particular auction. Sure, it's going to be a feeding frenzy at the top end among the richest collectors for Armstrong's stuff but I have to wonder if some of the other material might end up getting left in the dust as even the top collectors have a limit to how much they will spend in a single auction.
As an example, if I was looking to sell a Gemini Fliteline medallion, maybe this wouldn't be the ideal sale to put it in given that there are no less than 36 (!) examples on offer here.
Robbins medallions are not far behind, with around 30 examples on offer in one auction. That's something like triple the normal offering in a major space auction.
lunareagle Member
Posts: 587 From: Michigan Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-16-2018 04:40 PM
We will find out in a couple of weeks Chris. I see it differently though. This is the sale I would want to hitch my wagon too. So many newcomers to the space.
Heritage claims they have already, after only four days online and still 17 days before the sale, had 150,000 views. That is 50,000 more views than the entire last space sale right to auction day. Wow!
Also, many items have 50-100 people tracking, so while many are collectors who already own a similar item and want to see how it does, I expect that many are buyers. So the number of lots is a lot but having two or three of an item shouldn't really be a problem.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-31-2018 08:25 AM
Chris Spain (cS: spaced out) and Florian Noller are quoted by the Houston Chronicle about the Armstrong auction and collecting space memorabilia:
"We're definitely seeing a rise in the number of people interested in collecting space memorabilia," Spain said. "There's a worldwide appeal ... Some of the biggest collectors and collections are outside the U.S."
...Florian Noller, who runs a small site called artifactcloud.com that sells space memorabilia, said that most of the website's customers (there are at least 100 buyers at any given time) are interested in pre-Space Shuttle items.
"Items that went to the moon [are] the top seller and certainly the most expensive ones," Noller said. "The Apollo program is still considered one of the greatest achievements of mankind and thus will always be remembered in history."
CBS This Morning also profiled the auction:
This week Neil Armstrong's sons are auctioning off many of his personal items, including his flight suit, flags and medallions that were launched into space. First on "CBS This Morning," Omar Villafranca spoke with the family of the first person to walk on the moon.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
In life, Neil Armstrong was not one to assign much value to memorabilia.
But the personal items and space paraphernalia that he and his family kept from his time as a boy scout to his becoming the first person to walk on the moon are about be assessed for all they are worth.
The Armstrong Family Collection is hitting the auction block. Thousands of items that were once the property of the late astronaut have now been consigned by his sons to Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Live bidding begins Thursday morning (Nov. 1) and continues through Friday evening, with an internet-only session scheduled for the following day.
Neil DC Member
Posts: 140 From: Middletown, NJ, USA Registered: May 2010
posted 10-31-2018 03:45 PM
Great to see Robert on this morning's CBS breakfast news explaining the significance of the auction. Congratulations!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-31-2018 04:49 PM
Thank you Neil! It was great to be able to represent the space memorabilia (and collectSPACE) community.
holcombeyates Member
Posts: 243 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010
posted 11-01-2018 02:30 PM
Trying to watch this auction from the UK on an iPad with good connectivity but constantly finding Heritage freezes every ten minutes or so and I have to log back in.
Anyone else having problems?
Aztecdoug Member
Posts: 1405 From: Huntington Beach Registered: Feb 2000
posted 11-01-2018 02:51 PM
I have noticed the pictures of the current lot stop updating after awhile. That said, those knives went for a lot at $17k and $13k + 25% commission!
The flight suit just rocked it at $87.5k + 25% commission!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-01-2018 04:14 PM
Highlights from Session One:
Total sold (including Buyer's Premium): $568,863
Lot 52011 (11 of 212) Neil Armstrong Crayon Coloring of Flowers from the First Grade with His Mother's Note on Verso: $15,000
Lot 52012 (12 of 212) Young Neil Armstrong's Handwritten Letter to the Easter Bunny: $4,000
Lot 52018 (18 of 212) Boy Scouts: Garrison or Flat Field Hat Owned and Worn by Neil Armstrong: $12,500
Lot 52076 (76 of 212) Neil Armstrong: Cessna Altimeter Owned by Neil Armstrong: $16,250
Lot 52078 (78 of 212): Neil Armstrong: Small Navy Aviator's Notebook with Extensive Handwritten Notes: $18,750
Lot 52138 (138 of 212) NASA "Meatball" Vector Logo: Neil Armstrong's Personally-Owned and Worn Type I Insignia Patch: $15,000
Lot 52144 (144 of 212) Neil Armstrong's Tru-Bal Throwing Knife: $21,250
Lot 52145 (145 of 212) Neil Armstrong's Survival Knife: $16,250
Lot 52167 (167 of 212) Gemini: Neil Armstrong's Owned and Worn Early Flight Suit: $109,375
Lot 52168 (168 of 212) Gemini 3 Flown MS63 NGC Gold over Sterling Silver Fliteline Medallion: $16,250
Lot 52173 (173 of 212) Gemini 8 Flown MS64 NGC Silver Fliteline Medallion: $11,875
Lot 52185 (185 of 212) Gemini 8 Flown Custom 14K Gold Pin with Diamonds: $17,500
Lot 52186 (186 of 212) Gemini 8 Flown MS63 NGC Silver Fliteline Medallion: $11,250
Lot 52187 (187 of 212) Gemini 8 Flown MS64 NGC Silver Fliteline Medallion: $12,500
Lot 52188 (188 of 212) Gemini 8 Flown Heat Shield Plug in Capsule-Shaped Display: $9,375
DSeuss5490 Member
Posts: 299 From: Columbus, Ohio USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 11-01-2018 10:03 PM
This auction is depressing... unless you're a consignor.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-02-2018 12:21 AM
Highlights from Session Two:
Total sold this session (including Buyer's Premium): $3,942,045 Total sold this auction (including Buyer's Premium): $4,519,220
Lot 52213 (1 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Apollo 1 MS64 NGC Gilt Fliteline Medallion: $275,000
Lot 52218 (6 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown MS66 NGC Sterling Silver Robbins Medallion: $112,500
Lot 52219 (7 of 212) Apollo 12 Flown MS67 NGC Sterling Silver Robbins Medallion: $18,750
Lot 52229 (17 of 212) Apollo 11: Neil Armstrong's Personally-Owned Universal Commemorative Mission Insignia Patch: $8,750
Lot 52257 (45 of 212) Apollo 11: The Newsweek Magazine Dated July 21, 1969, with Neil Armstrong on the Cover, Sent to His Texas Home Address: $11,875
Lot 52260 (48 of 212) Apollo 11: NASA A7L Spacesuit "Familiarization and Operations Manual": $22,500
Lot 52261 (49 of 212) Apollo 11: NASA "Mission Implementation Plan for the Apollo 'G' Mission": $25,000
Lot 52262 (50 of 212) Apollo 11 Crew-Signed "Type One" Insurance Cover: $18,750
Lot 52263 (51 of 212) Apollo 11 Crew-Signed "Type Three" Insurance Cover: $15,000
Lot 52264 (52 of 212) Apollo 11 Crew-Signed "Type Three" Insurance Cover: $21,250
Lot 52265 (53 of 212) Apollo 11 Crew-Signed "Type Three" Insurance Cover: $20,000
Lot 52266 (54 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown American Flag (6.25" x 4"): $106,250
Lot 52267 (55 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown American Flag (5.75" x 4.25"): $106,250
Lot 52268 (56 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown Largest Size American Flag (17.75" x 11.5"): $275,000
Lot 52269 (57 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown Purdue University Large Centennial Flag: $52,500
Lot 52270 (58 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown Flag of the United Nations: $21,250
Lot 52271 (59 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown "Lone Star" State Flag of Texas: $17,500
Lot 52272 (60 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Flag of Neil Armstrong's Home State of Ohio: $87,500
Lot 52273 (61 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown Flag of the State of Illinois: $19,375
Lot 52274 (62 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown Flag of the State of Mississippi: $20,625
Lot 52275 (63 of 212) Apollo 11: U.S. Flag Flown over the Capitol on July 20, 1969: $57,500
Lot 52276 (64 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown Beta Cloth Mission Insignia: $68,750
Lot 52277 (65 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown MS66 NGC Sterling Silver Robbins Medallion: $68,750
Lot 52277 (65 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown MS66 NGC Sterling Silver Robbins Medallion with Special Serial Number Eleven: $71,875
Lot 52279 (67 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Spacecraft Identification Plate Display: $468,500
Lot 52280 (68 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Section of the Wright Flyer's Wing Fabric: $162,500
Lot 52281 (69 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Section of the Wright Flyer's Wing Fabric: $175,000
Lot 52282 (70 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Section of the Wright Flyer's Wing Fabric: $150,000
Lot 52283 (71 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Section of the Wright Flyer's Wing Fabric: $112,500
Lot 52284 (72 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Piece of the Wright Flyer's Propeller: $275,000
Lot 52285 (73 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Piece of the Wright Flyer's Propeller: $275,000
Lot 52285 (73 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Piece of the Wright Flyer's Propeller: $275,000
Lot 52286 (74 of 212) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown "Moon Landing" Cancellation with Neil Armstrong's Handwritten Note of Provenance: $50,000
Lot 52289 (77 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown Crew-Signed "Type One" Quarantine Cover, Hand-numbered N-18 and Certified by Neil Armstrong: $87,500
Lot 52290 (78 of 212) Apollo 11 Flown Crew-Signed "Type Three" Quarantine Cover, Hand-numbered "N-28" and Certified by Neil Armstrong: $156,250
Lot 52291 (79 of 212) Apollo 11: Neil Armstrong's Personal U.S.S. Hornet Plaque Dated July 24, 1969: $15,000
Lot 52296 (84 of 212) Neil Armstrong Uninscribed Signed White Spacesuit Color Photo: $18,750
Lot 52297 (85 of 212) Neil Armstrong Signed Apollo 11 Embroidered Mission Insignia Patch Presentation Folder: $17,500
Lot 52301 (89 of 212) Apollo 11: Neil Armstrong Signed Large Lunar Surface Color Photo on a Presentation Mat, Inscribed to Ambassador George Bush: $31,250
Lot 52303 (91 of 212) Apollo 11 Crew-Signed "First Man On The Moon" First Day Cover: $23,750
Lot 52307 (95 of 212) Apollo 11 Original NASA Glass Slide, an "Earthrise" Image: $35,000
Lot 52321 (109 of 212) Apollo 11: Model of Lunar Module Eagle: $40,000
Lot 52381 (169 of 212) Neil Armstrong's 1970 Model Hasselblad 500C Camera with Zeiss Planar f/2.8, 80mm Lens and Original Box: $25,000
spaced out Member
Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
posted 11-02-2018 02:32 AM
Once you saw ordinary space ephemera such as pin-backs and copies of NASA newsletters going for hundreds or even thousands of dollars it was pretty clear that there weren't going to be any bargains as such in the Armstrong material.
The non-flown embroidered patch results (e.g. the Universal Commemorative Apollo 11 patch selling at $8,750) show that many of the buyers are not specialist space collectors but rather high end generalist collectors. This isn't surprising really and in some ways is a bit of a repeat of the Christies 1999 sale.
YankeeClipper Member
Posts: 617 From: Dublin, Ireland Registered: Mar 2011
posted 11-02-2018 03:25 AM
quote:Originally posted by DSeuss5490: This auction is depressing...
I actually fell asleep during the second session as there's only so much untouchable bidding a person can watch without losing interest. There was a heck of a lot of money heading downrange e.g. Apollo 11 Lunar Module Flown Apollo 1 Fliteline Medallion for $275,000!
spaced out Member
Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
posted 11-02-2018 04:46 AM
I think one positive way of looking at this is that we (as space collectors) are very lucky that space memorabilia has tended to fly under the radar of generalist collectors to-date.
If you compare most high-end space collectible auction results against other areas — art, numismatics, entertainment, sports — I would say that the prices fetched in our area are usually amazing bargains.
In most of those other markets ordinary people with a little bit of savings simply can't take part in the big auctions. If you don't have 5 figures of disposable wealth you wouldn't dream of taking part in a big art auction for example.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-02-2018 07:44 AM
To your point Chris, none of the people who attended the first day of the auction were known space memorabilia collectors and some of them placed the largest bids of the first two sessions.
Personally I was outbid on all but one of the lots I pursued. I placed bids on all six Texas Art Embroidery (Biological Isolation Garment) Apollo 11 crew patches and lost out each time. I did not bid on the Universal or Lion Brothers patches, but I was tempted to do so. Under normal circumstances, I would not give a second look at a Universal patch, but just the general idea of owning any Apollo 11 patch that once belonged to Neil Armstrong had an appeal.
Even more broadly, the allure of the provenance led me to bid on Apollo-era memorabilia, even though I made the choice several years ago to focus my collection on the space shuttle and subsequent programs. In some ways, the lot I did win yesterday will serve as a reminder that I should stay true to my preferences: whether by choice or circumstance, I walked away with the Flight Crew Operations patch, which prominently features the shuttle in its design.
Steve Zarelli Member
Posts: 731 From: Upstate New York, USA Registered: Mar 2001
posted 11-02-2018 07:57 AM
It's silly season at Heritage.
Clearly many bidders not familiar with the market paying multiples of fair market value for common autographed material (non-Armstrong).
Then you have those paying an extreme premium for common magazines, lithos, etc because they sat in a box in Armstrong's basement for the past 50+ years. Hopefully these collectors enjoy the items because the prices will never be attained again for the routine paraphernalia.
It's nice to see the hobby get some mass media attention, but this is not a new reality.
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 2915 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 11-02-2018 08:24 AM
Either way you look at it, in my opinion, it's mostly all positive, especially with all the media exposure, and helps with the interest in space memorabilia, despite the fact that prices were way-over estimated values. Despite many of the common or "simple" memorabilia lots in the sale, the main underline factor here, which has never been the case beforehand, is that Armstrong himself kept all this material for nearly half a century and even longer before his NASA career got started.
When first viewing the auction lots, though, I was surprised at first to see so many duplicate "high end" items in the sale with the same-flight Apollo 11 flown medallions, flown and insurance postal covers in duplication, American flags, and more!
But in retrospect, I guess, all of them sold extremely well and at about the same-type of high prices realized. I was wrong about that assumption of an "over kill" with so many of the same identical-type or repeat lots as everyone of them sold very well.
The first day of the Armstrong auction might even promote continued interest by newcomers to our hobby and industry and I say to them; Welcome!
As for myself, like Robert, I did place several bids during the first two sessions, but was only able to acquire a few pieces and lost out from all the others.
Better luck to everyone bidding today, but it looks as though most of the offered space lots are not from The Armstrong Family Collection.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-02-2018 08:43 AM
quote:Originally posted by Steve Zarelli: ...for common magazines
As an aside, the winning bidder of one of those magazines, the July 21, 1969 Newsweek that has Armstrong on the cover, as well as his Gemini-era flight suit, purchased them to be displayed at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapokoneta.
spaced out Member
Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
posted 11-02-2018 08:55 AM
Robert - regarding your mention of the six TAE Apollo 11 patches...
When you get a number of identical items offered in an auction, as a bidder you need to make a tactical decision which one to bid on and how high to go each time you bid.
It's tempting to think it may be worth sitting back on the first ones and let the really keen bidders push the prices up, buy, then drop out of the bidding on subsequent examples which you can then buy for less.
In my experience however, it doesn't always go like this. Counter-intuitively, the first example offered frequently sells for the lowest sum as people drop out of the bidding knowing they'll have more chances, and subsequently the last example sold can end up being the priciest as all those who've let examples slip by in the hopes of getting a bargain have to go all-out on their last chance.
The 6 Apollo 11 crew patches are a case in point, selling for $3,000, $4,000, $3,750, $3,750, $4,500 and $4,750.
Maybe I'm cherry-picking examples, but this result certainly followed my theory of early complacency vs late desperation.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-02-2018 09:05 AM
I think your observation is correct, Chris. In my case, I had set a personal upper limit of $3,000, bidding on each one up to that point. So whether the first or last lot to open, the demand for them outpaced my budget.
YankeeClipper Member
Posts: 617 From: Dublin, Ireland Registered: Mar 2011
posted 11-02-2018 09:21 AM
quote:Originally posted by Ken Havekotte: The first day of the Armstrong auction might even promote continued interest by newcomers to our hobby...
Alternatively, I can imagine any average newcomer had the absolute bejeesus scared out of them. The first day may have conveyed a false impression. They would need an oxygen mask or a X-15 to reach some of the prices.
Tallpaul Member
Posts: 153 From: Rocky Point, NY, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 11-02-2018 09:23 AM
I was immediately skunked on the few items that I bid on. I had the sound off on my laptop and it was interesting to watch the auctioneers' facial expressions coaxing bids out of the audience. I wonder if Heritage will waive their commission in light of Robert's comment about the Newsweek magazine and the Gemini flight suit being purchased for the Armstrong museum in Wapakoneta.
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 2915 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 11-02-2018 09:46 AM
quote:Originally posted by YankeeClipper: I can imagine any average newcomer had the absolute bejeesus scared out of them.
Yes indeed, it would indeed scare a lot of newcomers with less cash on hand for space lots. But overall I was thinking more on the side of wealthier buyers that can perhaps generate more capital within the industry and to help expand the space market arena into new areas.
denali414 Member
Posts: 593 From: Raleigh, NC Registered: Aug 2017
posted 11-02-2018 09:56 AM
Think this is an overall "good." As stated before, you see this in art, cars, high end furniture, etc. The high end pieces go to astronomical prices, but it also does "raise all boats."
For instance the Apollo 11 lucite selling for $6,875 (with bp) has to help the other 49 pieces of the series. Hopefully see the interest in other parts of the space program as people get interested in "what else is out there."
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 2915 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 11-02-2018 10:14 AM
Actually, the Apollo 11 acrylic sold for just over $6,800 with buyer's premium included. It was one of my own Kapton productions with only 50 units made.
Other units were sold between $300-700 or so on the average, but one did sell for over $1K+ in a charity auction a while back that I can recall. Yeah, for sure, almost $7K is high for one of them even though Armstrong himself never saw the likes of this one that sold yesterday.
denali414 Member
Posts: 593 From: Raleigh, NC Registered: Aug 2017
posted 11-02-2018 10:30 AM
Sorry Ken, corrected that price. Was also looking at another piece. Just an FYI, another of your lucites of that 50 sold for $1,375 in May of this year at the other Heritage auction. I've been collecting a database of the lucite prices.
spaced out Member
Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
posted 11-02-2018 10:31 AM
I'm not sure the individual results achieved by Armstrong's examples of anything are going to help the overall value of equivalent items.
Universal Commemorative Apollo 11 patches generally sell for around $20 to $30 these days. I'd be surprised if Armstrong's example selling at $8,750 makes any difference to the going rate for other examples.
Tallpaul Member
Posts: 153 From: Rocky Point, NY, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 11-02-2018 10:35 AM
quote:Originally posted by Ken Havekotte: ...even though Armstrong himself never saw the likes of this one that sold yesterday.
I am confused or perhaps naive, but I thought the artifacts in the auction were from the Armstrong family collection. If, as Ken wrote, "Armstrong never saw the likes of this one," how can it be claimed that it is an artifact from the Armstrong family and be represented as such? Am I missing or misinterpreting something?
Ken Havekotte Member
Posts: 2915 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
posted 11-02-2018 10:40 AM
My mistake, as the The Kapton acrylic was gifted to Armstrong himself and not the sons. The acrylic was gifted by a friend of mine, so I do stand corrected on its original intention.
Aztecdoug Member
Posts: 1405 From: Huntington Beach Registered: Feb 2000
posted 11-02-2018 10:44 AM
So to be clear, the ongoing space auction today is not part of the Armstrong Collection? Curious how the momentum is going forward...
Tallpaul Member
Posts: 153 From: Rocky Point, NY, USA Registered: Feb 2012
posted 11-02-2018 10:54 AM
quote:Originally posted by Ken Havekotte: ...as a gift to Rick and Mark
Ken, thank you for the clarification. So, all of the items have provenance from the Armstrong family, but not all of the items actually have provenance to Neil Armstrong. That is a subtle difference and I think it affects value.
DSeuss5490 Member
Posts: 299 From: Columbus, Ohio USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 11-02-2018 11:03 AM
Surprisingly, an email from Heritage indicates that there are quite a few buyers already that are entertaining offers "proactively." Not surprisingly, all asking prices are substantially higher. The Ohio flag for example sold for $87,500 and the new owner is asking $113,750. Asking prices for several of the Boy Scout patches and pin backs are quite a bit higher, too. And that July 1969 Newsweek with Armstrong on the cover that sold for $11,875, and is supposed to be heading to Wapakoneta, has an asking price of $15,438.
Perhaps a few have buyer's remorse and the higher price covers the auction house fees to resell. I'm not overly familiar with the Heritage system or their resell program, but I think this shows the intent of at least some of the buyers.
I bid on at least 60 lots including the Ohio flag, flight suit and some of the scout patches and covers. While I have no one to blame but myself, I lost them all. I know I overbid on a few of the lots in the excitement of the moment, but as thoughts of being homeless raced through my mind, I was actually relieved when I was outbid! I really just wanted to get a small memento for my collection.
As a new bidder, I thought the Heritage auction platform was flawless and very easy to use on both my desktop and cell phone. I will definitely check out their future auctions.
spaced out Member
Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
posted 11-02-2018 11:09 AM
I agree that their interface is excellent — including the "Disable Bidding" button which I kept engaged at all times. Live price updates and the live video feed all worked perfectly for me.
thisismills Member
Posts: 263 From: Michigan Registered: Mar 2012
posted 11-02-2018 11:11 AM
Based on the results from yesterday, I would comfortably say that collectors truly valued the unique provenance provided with these items. Many otherwise mundane and mass produced items in their own right were pushed to significantly new price points with the Armstrong connection. Even items whose population is somewhat limited, blew past my expectations. The encapsulation seems to have proved its point and might be a new standard for these types of high-profile estate sales.
As are others, I will be interested to see when items are resold for the first time. Will these more general collectors decide to consign in different categories such as American History, Famous Persons, 20th Century Artifacts, etc. or seek out the specialized space sales our community frequents. In the case of the latter, I would agree with comments above and expect prices realized to be lower without the attention this sale amassed. I wouldn't be surprised if a significant portion did not sell due to reserves being set based on these initial "new car" sale prices. The deals might be had on the second or third go around...
Also, this shows how little I know about how museums work. Before reading the post above, I assumed that the Armstrong Air & Space museum would have already had a right of refusal for any artifacts they wanted to display. Then, either acquired them on long-term loan or direct donation from the family. Nevertheless, I'm excited to visit these in person as I pass the museum on I-75 several times a year.
thisismills Member
Posts: 263 From: Michigan Registered: Mar 2012
posted 11-02-2018 11:22 AM
quote:Originally posted by DSeuss5490: Surprisingly, an email from Heritage indicates that there are quite a few buyers already that are entertaining offers "proactively."
This is a standard thing at Heritage since they have default settings in your account profile. If you select this feature, once you purchase any item in any sale, it is automatically placed on HA.com with a percentage increase in the asking price (or you can individually set your own buy-it-now style price).
Offers are emailed to the owner as they come in and can be accepted or declined. HA acts as the middle-man and would receive the item back from the owner, inspect, and then ship off to the new owner. I have turned this feature off to prevent future email spam, especially if I no longer own the item.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-02-2018 11:31 AM
quote:Originally posted by Aztecdoug: So to be clear, the ongoing space auction today is not part of the Armstrong Collection?
Today's morning session (and Saturday's internet-only sale) is offering items consigned by others; the evening session returns to the Armstrong collection.
quote:Originally posted by thisismills: ...would have already had a right of refusal
To clarify, the bidder who won the flight suit and Newsweek did not say she was associated with the museum, but rather was from the area. It seems that she is providing the pieces to the museum on her own accord.
In life, Neil Armstrong donated items to the Wapakoneta museum for display and his family has continued to support the institution. The Smithsonian was provided the opportunity to go through the entire collection and identify items that it desired for donation or loan before the auction was compiled.
YankeeClipper Member
Posts: 617 From: Dublin, Ireland Registered: Mar 2011
posted 11-02-2018 11:59 AM
quote:Originally posted by Steve Zarelli: It's silly season at Heritage...
$30,000 to 35,000 for a single flown Gemini Fliteline medallion? We're off and running in the insanity stakes!
Aztecdoug Member
Posts: 1405 From: Huntington Beach Registered: Feb 2000
posted 11-02-2018 12:22 PM
Buzz Aldrin signed First Selfie in Space... $30,000.
dsenechal Member
Posts: 539 From: Registered: Dec 2002
posted 11-02-2018 02:03 PM
I recall the 1993 Superior auction, where Buzz Aldrin's chrome-plated Lunar Module model sold for $500.
capoetc Member
Posts: 2169 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
posted 11-02-2018 02:27 PM
Neil Armstrong WSS, framed by Novaspace with a 4" Apollo 11 patch, just sold for $26,000 ($32,500 with buyer's premium). Not from the Neil Armstrong collection.
I sure hope the buyer likes it! Although, there was at least one other bidder who went all the way to $24K.
I wonder if the failed bidders who are not normally at space auctions will end up over at RR Auction. There is an uninscribed Armstrong WSS there for $3K now. Even if they bid it up to $20K, they could buy it, get it framed for $320 or so, and save about $8K.
posted 10-15-2018 12:41 PM
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