Posts: 161
From: Heemstede
Registered: Jan 2007

posted 01-24-2009 01:02 PM               

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Can anyone tell me if and/or when Buzz Aldrin stopped signing for free through the mail?

Can anyone tell me when he started his website and thus started to sell through autograph organisations?

Posts: 51279
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 02-09-2009 10:25 AM               

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BuzzAldrin.com first came online in 1996, in support of the release of his first novel, "Encounter With Tiber."

At the time, he was still signing for free, as I recall his signing autographs for literally hundreds of people at the National Space Society's Race for Space, though he also attended his first space show that year (organized by The Space Source, then AVD, in College Park, Maryland).

Posts: 58
From: Lincs
Registered: Apr 2009

Posts: 3811
From: Midwest, USA
Registered: Jul 2005

posted 04-29-2009 07:43 PM               

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Not rare at all. But then again, neither is Neil Armstrong's autograph.

The value we attach to these autographs on the marketplace is more a matter of supply and demand, not a judgement of rarity.

Posts: 11
From: Florida
Registered: Apr 2002

Posts: 442
From: San Antonio TX, USA
Registered: Apr 2004

posted 10-31-2009 08:23 PM               

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I drove up to Austin, Texas today (Oct. 31, 2009) to attend Buzz Aldrin's discussion and book signing at the annual Texas Book Festival, held inside, and on the grounds and immediate vicinity of the State Capital Building.

Buzz came out and talked a bit about Apollo 11 and his life both before and after. Nothing really noteworthy or new, but an enjoyable 45 minutes. He seemed to be in good spirits.

Afterwards, he began signing his book "Magnificent Desolation." He was in a very good mood, laughing, smiling, and making small friendly comments to all attendees, especially the kids.

He was only signing "Magnificent Desolation," no other books or memorabilia. I saw a few people with photos, Life Magazines and such, and I had also brought my copy of "Voices from the Moon" by Andrew Chaikin, just in case.

All-in-all, it was a good couple of hours.

Posts: 4540
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

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From: Tucson, AZ
Registered: Jan 2009

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From: England
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From: United Kingdom
Registered: Apr 2012

Posts: 51279
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 04-06-2012 10:25 AM               

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Buzz Aldrin charges what he does because he can command those fees. His appearances are still met with a line of collectors desiring his autograph.

And even if he didn't, like all astronauts, he is free to set his own signing policies.

If you desire his autograph but cannot afford his direct price, you can usually find secondhand examples selling for less, depending on the type of item. If it's only the signature that matters to you, then that may be the best solution.

Posts: 621
From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA
Registered: Sep 2010

Posts: 1101
From: Northampton UK
Registered: Nov 2009

posted 04-06-2012 05:57 PM            

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My suggestion is to take Robert's advice. I have been unable to justify paying the high prices for autographs but am just pleased to go to these events and meet these legends who without exception have been willing to shake hands, have a conversation and answer any questions I have asked even though I have informed them that I wont be purchasing a signature. Out of respect I try not to be too intrusive.

Buzz Aldrin gave a talk at the Royal Festival Hall in London a few years ago and I bought his book which had his signature on a bookplate inside which I was more than pleased with.

Although it is nice to have an autograph to me it is not the most important thing. I am just happy to have met them and feel honoured to have done so thanks to the people who make this possible.

Posts: 1011
From: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 04-07-2012 02:23 PM               

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Buzz signed for free at a 2001 space conference in Albuquerque. He was especially patient with children. Signed my item that had a really nice Armstrong signature for free without a blink.

Paid $600 in 2008 for Aldrin to sign an Apollo model and add "Apollo XI LMP Columbia Eagle." It was a bargain. He cheerfully posed for photos with previously signed items like a flown Apollo 11 flight plan page.

I may not get another item signed at the current prices but I am grateful for the opportunity to choose.

Posts: 2130
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007

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From: Baltimore MD, USA
Registered: Apr 2012

Posts: 51279
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 05-02-2012 11:56 AM               

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Aldrin legally changed his first name to "Buzz" in the early 1980s, though he had gone by that name since childhood. He signed both as Edwin and Buzz during his astronaut career.

By the time Aldrin took part in his first autograph show in 2004, he had already ceased signing "Edwin."

Posts: 101
From: Long Island, NY
Registered: Jul 2012

posted 05-11-2013 01:02 PM               

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I am glad we went today (May 11, 2013) to the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island today! Buzz Aldrin was absolutely amazing!

He answered my question on politics and space in the lecture hall and then we proceeded to meet him at the book signing afterwards and he exceeded any expectation I had.

He took the time to talk to us, shake my son's hand vigorously and smile for the camera!

My son was so happy and I was elated that we were able to have such a nice encounter.

The bottom line - He is a hero and a brilliant man.

Posts: 1121
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 05-12-2013 08:11 AM               

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Buzz Aldrin is a fascinating individual-- brilliant, in some ways eccentric (see what's on his wrists besides a watch), charming at times, and at times tone deaf to other people depending on the occasion.

We are fortunate to have the chance to interact with such an historic figure because he is willing to be out among the public.

Posts: 410
From: Houston, TX, USA
Registered: Jan 2012

posted 10-07-2013 08:19 AM               

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I got Buzz Aldrin to write the Apollo 11 plaque "Here men from the planet earth..." on my panorama photo for $850. I had him sign one two years before that with just his name and mission information. It always seemed so empty when I looked at it on my wall that I had to get another one with the plaque added. While I wasn't happy about the fee, I'm more than thrilled with the final product. To me, that's all that really matters.

As for my meeting with Buzz, I have only good things to say about him. I've been to two of his shows and he's signed stuff for me at both shows. He was very nice both to me and my daughter.

Posts: 325
From: Santa Monica, CA
Registered: Jun 2013

posted 10-07-2013 05:14 PM               

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Last May (2013), I was heading to an interview at Northern Arizona University. My flight arrived into Phoenix late, and as a result, I just missed my connection to Flagstaff — the plane hadn't left yet, but the gate was closed and they wouldn't let anyone else on board.


As I was standing at the check-in desk trying to talk my way onto the plane, this old guy comes up behind me and starts raising hell with the gate clerk, demanding to speak to the pilot, cursing, etc. I turn around to see who's making such a commotion, and see this guy who looks an awful lot like Buzz. After shouting at the guy for a minute or two, he pauses. I look at him and ask, "Are you Buzz Aldrin?" He looks over at me and say, "Yeah I'm Buzz Aldrin, now get that damn pilot on the phone...!"

Anyway, long story short, Buzz and I ended up renting a car together and I spent the next two hours driving him up to Flagstaff (where he was attending the IAA Planetary Defense Conference). On the drive up talked about lots of things: Mars missions, SpaceX, politics, and diving. I didn't have the nerve to ask him anything about Apollo XI or his experience on the moon mission, but he wasn't shy about giving his opinion on the current space program! A few times during the drive, I glanced out my driver's side window at the almost-full moon above the horizon. Then I'd glance over at the man who sitting next to me — amazed that I had ended up here, driving one of the very first moonwalkers through the Arizona night. An amazing evening indeed.

Once we got to Flagstaff and dealt with the rental car, he gave me his business card and some contact information. As he handed it to me, I saw that it was a very cool Apollo XI card with the mission emblem and a little astronaut logo. I couldn't resist asking him to sign it for me (which he did). At the time I didn't know he was such a reluctant public signer — probably never would have asked otherwise.

(Best moment: When we were waiting at the rental car place, he took out his iPhone to call his niece to pick us up in Flagstaff. He looked for the phone number in his contact book for a few seconds, then, having difficulty reading the small letters, he handed the phone to me: "What does that say...?" I looked at the phone number. "It says Neil Armstrong." Buzz paused a moment, looked at me, then said: "Don't think he's gonna be picking up any time soon..." Priceless!)

Posts: 150
From: Leesburg, VA USA
Registered: Apr 2003

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From: Scotland
Registered: Jun 2011

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From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012

Posts: 367
From: Andover, MN
Registered: Dec 2013

posted 04-26-2014 04:46 PM               

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Mr. Aldrin signed a copy of "Mission to Mars" for me today at the Go Boldly Expo in St. Paul. While it was still a thrill to see a member of Apollo 11 in person and have him sign something, I can't get past the feeling that Buzz simply didn't give a rip about the people who had come to see him at this event.

Please don't get me wrong. I do realize that the book signing line was very long, and I certainly didn't expect a photo with him or to carry on a conversation, but he repeatly ignored the people in line who were thanking him for signing their book, for his service to his country, etc. Not a smile, nod of the head, or anything to acknowledge their sincere thanks.

Posts: 51279
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 04-26-2014 07:18 PM               

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I'm sorry to hear your experience with Buzz today wasn't ideal.

I doubt he meant any disrespect. He's participated in a lot of these types of events over the years and sometimes he's personable with everyone who approaches, and other times he's focused on signing only.

Buzz is today as dedicated to advancing humanity into space as he has ever been (perhaps even more so). His passion for the topic comes through clearly, even over the phone. I suspect that for a long time now, he's considered signing as a means to that end, and would enjoy it more if people took more interest in what is written in the book than what he writes on it.

But that said, I think he genuinely understands the reasons why crowds turn out for his appearances and is appreciative for it, even if he may not always exhibit it.

On edit: By the way, you mention "not a smile," but see this tweet.

Posts: 367
From: Andover, MN
Registered: Dec 2013

posted 04-26-2014 08:48 PM               

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I'm happy to see that smile. I was near the front of the line for the book signing, and I can honestly say that he wasn't even making eye contact with people at that time. I will agree with you, though, on his passion for space exploration. He gave a couple presentations during the day and was very enthusiastic and passionate while giving them.

I also can completely understand that signing hundreds of items at events like this over the course of 50 or so years would get very old and tedious. I'm glad he still does these events. I will be reading his book, although I have a few to get through before I start in on it.

Posts: 280
From: Andover, MN
Registered: Apr 2013

posted 04-26-2014 11:08 PM               

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Jason, glad to see ya got out there. I was out there the whole day and thoroughly enjoyed the presentations. And yes Robert, Mr. Aldrin's passion is unrelenting and a thrill too see.

I too did get a book signed and had the same experience. I was in the middle of thanking him for his contributions and he turned away mid-sentence. I was disappointed, but understanding at the same time. Hearing him speak was the thrill that I went for anyway.

Posts: 130
From: Augusta, GA
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Posts: 51279
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

Posts: 51279
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 09-22-2018 09:27 PM               

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Buzz Aldrin Ventures now has listed for sale a number of autographed photos and canvases, as well as selection of signed memorabilia, including philatelic covers.

They are not, however, accepting personal items for signature.

Posts: 845
From: Northville MI USA
Registered: Aug 2005

Posts: 4540
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 06-25-2021 03:09 PM            

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quote:

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Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn:
It is a shame he will no longer sign "Edwin E"...

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Revisiting my question from 2011, I think it is common knowledge that Buzz no longer signs "Edwin E." even if paid to do so. Am I correct in suggesting that this only became "official" in the last 10 years or so and for how long prior to that did Buzz stop signing Edwin E. unofficially?

The Antiques Roadshow last weekend repeated a show that included an Apollo 11 crew litho framed with individual crew signatures on index cards. The experts believed the signatures were genuine when they clearly were not (it was discussed on this forum after the show was initially aired a year or two ago).

I posed the initial question about Edwin E. over Buzz in the hope that a known date for the switch would help authenticate or otherwise signed pieces such as the Antiques Roadshow "Edwin E." example obtained post flight circa 1969.

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From: Houston, TX
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From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
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Posts: 51279
From: Houston, TX
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