Sell or Auction Your Mercury Program Earth Path Indicator for up to Nearly $125,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Mercury Program Earth Path Indicator that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Sell Your Mercury Program Earth Path Indicator
The Earth Path Indicator was a pilotage tool used during space missions that consisted of a wind up device surrounding a small rotating globe. The apparatus helped astronauts locate where the space shuttle was flying in relation to countries and oceans or if they were above a landing site. Below is a recent realized price for an Earth Path Indicator from the Mercury Program. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
Mercury Program Earth Path Indicator. Sold for Nearly $125,000.
Here are some items we have sold from the Mercury Program:
John Glenn’s In-Flight Instructions Used & Flown Aboard Mercury 6
One-of-kind piece of space history flown with John Glenn aboard the Mercury-Atlas 6 “Friendship 7” – the first manned orbit of the earth by an American astronaut. These in-flight photo instructions were used by Glenn aboard the 20 February 1962 mission and feature both a chronological flight plan with detailed astrological markers (“+7′ CASSIOPIA/COUNT STARTS” and “+23′ ORION & MOON/UV PHOTOS COUNT STARS”), as well as fixed geographical landmarks (“LAKE VICTORIA/KENYA NAIROBI” AND “CHRISTMAS ISLANDS”). All data on the instructions was personally used by Glenn to confirm the capsule’s flight path during its 4 hour and 55 minute mission, instructing Glenn at which point to take photos in flight. Instructions also include an in-flight check list that covers such tasks as “Chng Film-Color Filter Out” and “STOW & R. SEQ CHK CET”. The document was attached to a bobbin at each end, forming a scroll that Glenn was able to move back and forth with his thumb during the mission. The long and narrow document measures 4.75″ x 42.5″, its ends trimmed to fit into the bobbin slits. The in-flight instructions were given by Glenn to Frogman Richard “Dick” Dunham of UDT-21 (Underwater Demolition Team) as a thank you memento for his work with Mercury 6; a precursor to Navy Seals, the UDT both trained astronauts for egress from the space capsule into the ocean and retrieved the astronauts after splashdown. The flight plan was then given to U.S. Navy veteran Justin C. Pollard by Dunham, who became a mentor during Pollard’s time in the Navy Bud/S School, Class 240. The document’s historical significance was confirmed by the John Glenn Archives at Ohio State University Libraries. Light creasing and wear, otherwise near fine. Additional provenance includes: (1) LOA from Justin Pollard; (2) 1959 photo of Dunham and Glenn together (Dunham is the blond gentleman, 4th from left in back row) and (3) screen-capture photo of the Mercury 6 cockpit, scroll visible in center of photo, in front of John Glenn. Sold for $66,993.
John Glenn Signed Mercury 6 Mission Space Flown Dollar Bill — Signed a Second Time on The Mat With M. Scott Carpenter — With NASA COA, JSA LOA & PSA/DNA COA
John Glenn signed dollar bill flown in space on the Mercury 6 mission with signed mat. The single dollar bill is signed “J H Glenn, Jr.” in ink. Launched 20 February 1962, Mercury 6 was the first mission to put an American (Glenn) in orbit. Flown bill is mounted to a COA also signed “J H Glenn, Jr.” and “M. Scott Carpenter”. The text of the COA reads: “This CERTIFIES / the following U.S. currency / Serial No. A31941854B / accompanied Lt. Col. John H. Glenn / on the first manned orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 Feb. 20, 1962″. Bill measures 6.25″ x 2.5″. Stapled to COA with two staples near the bottom edge to an overall size of 11.25″ x 8.5”. An additional signature on the bill reads: “Terry Thompson”. Some abrasions to upper right of bill and creasing, else near fine. toning to the mat, else near fine. With JSA LOA and PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $17,600.
Fantastic Mercury 7 signed photo display, with the signatures of all 7 astronauts on the photographic mat. The photo is a very unusual pose, with the astronauts casually yet confidently posed next to a rocket model. Photo is copyrighted by the National Geographic Society, and the presentation is inscribed to Allan Fisher, a reporter for ”National Geographic”, who wrote a profile of the group in its July 1960 issue. A reprint of the issue accompanies the lot. Photo measures 18” x 8.25”, and mat measures 22” x 13”. Very good to near fine, with only a few spots of abrasion on the mat. With Steve Zarelli COA for all seven signatures; Mr. Zarelli stated that he has never seen this pose before. Sold for $9,688.
Mercury 7 Signed 11” x 14” Photo — Signed by All 7 Posing in Front of the Mercury 7 Capsule
Mercury 7 signed photo, in a pose rarely seen with the seven astronauts standing in front of the Mercury 7 capsule. All seven astronauts sign this large 11” x 14” photo, with the inscription reading, ”To Betty Frick with all best wishes / From the Mercury Astronauts -”, signed ”Walter M Schirra Jr”, ”Leroy G Cooper, Jr”, ”John H. Glenn, Jr.”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Donald K. Slayton”, ”Virgil I. Grissom” and ”Alan B. Shepard”. Slayton writes his name again under his image, but the pen didn’t adhere well enough, likely causing him to then sign upon his image. Glossy photo measures 11” x 14”, with ”Life” magazine stamp on verso, crediting photographer Ralph Morse. Heavy creasing, mostly confined to perimeter, smudging to Cooper’s signature, and a few one-inch closed tears to margin. Overall good condition with strong visual appeal. Sold for $7,488.
Mercury 7 Signed 10” x 8” Photo, Signed by All Seven Astronauts — With Steve Zarelli COA
Mercury 7 crew-signed photo, signed by all of the ”Original Seven” astronauts on the photographic border: ”Alan B. Shepard Jr.”, ”Walter M. Schirra Jr.”, ”John H. Glenn Jr.”, ”Virgil I. Grissom”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Donald K. Slayton” and ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr”. Photo is accompanied by a letter signed by John Glenn on Project Mercury stationery, dated 21 December 1960, referencing ”the picture I promised” to a Jerry Hellman, to whom the photo is inscribed. Silver gelatin matte-finish photo measures 10” x 8”. Light creasing and mild smudging to Grissom and Carpenter’s signatures. Overall in very good condition. With COA for all signatures by Steve Zarelli Space Authentication. Also accompanied by a 1958 U.S.A.F. photo of the Thor-Able test vehicle launch. Sold for $6,875.
Outstanding photo signed by all seven Mercury astronauts, posed here with the Navy Frogmen tasked with recovery operations during splashdowns. The astronauts all sign in black fountain pen under their image, without inscription: Walter M. Schirra Jr., Leroy G. Cooper Jr., Alan B. Shepard Jr., Virgil I Grissom, John H. Glenn Jr., M. Scott Carpenter and Donald K. Slayton. One unidentified individual also signs. Photo has printed caption to verso, ”Underwater Demolition Unit Two / Amphibious Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet / Care of Fleet Post Office, New York, New York / Released”. Called Frogmen, the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) were the precursor to the Navy Seals program. Glossy photo measures 10” x 8”. Light creasing, edgewear, and pinholes to margin. Very good condition with bold signatures. Consigned by the son of one of the Frogmen. With Steve Zarelli Space Authentication COA. Sold for $6,875.
Mercury 7 signed photo display. NASA’s original 7-member crew poses here at the Space Task Group offices at Langley Field in Virginia in January of 1960. Photo was commissioned by the National Geographic Society and features a copyright beneath photo, as well as a National Geographic stamp to verso. Signatures from left to right include: ”John Glenn, Jr.”, ”Deke Slayton”, ”Scott Carpenter”, ”Gus Grissom”, ”Wally Schirra”, ”Alan B. Shepard, Jr.” and ”Gordon Cooper”, in black and blue ink. Photo measures 18” x 8.25” and is matted to an overall size of 21” x 11.75”. Very minor foxing to edge of mat, else fine condition. With provenance from Dean Conger, a National Geographic photographer who took this photo. Sold for $5,600.
Mercury 7 Signed 10” x 8” Photo, Signed by All Seven Astronauts — Uninscribed, With JSA COA
Uninscribed photo of the Original Seven, signed by all of the Mercury 7 astronauts on the photographic border: ”Alan B. Shepard Jr.”, ”Walter W. Schirra Jr.”, ”John H. Glenn Jr.”, ”Virgil I. Grissom”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Donald K. Slayton” and ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr”. Silver gelatin matte-finish photo measures 10” x 8”. Light creasing and wear, and mild smudging to Schirra and Carpenter’s signatures. Overall in very good condition. With JSA COA for all signatures. Sold for $4,991.
Mercury 7 signed page, taken from ”The Project Mercury Astronauts,” featuring each astronaut’s photo. All seven of the original group selected by NASA sign beside their images: ”John H. Glenn, Jr.”, ”Virgil I Grissom”, ”Alan B. Shepard Jr.”, ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr.”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Walter M. Schirra Jr.” and ”Donald K. Slayton”. Page is excised from ”The Project Mercury Astronauts,” published by E.P. Dutton: New York: 1960. Measures 5.25” x 8”. Bottom and right edges are trimmed with slight irregularity. Miniscule hole to the bottom of the ”G” in Grissom. Inch-long shallow chip to the bottom edge with an ink halo surrounding Schirra’s signature, else fine. Sold for $4,652.
Mercury 7 First Edition Signed Book — Signed by All Seven Astronauts — Scarce
Rare and fantastic signed book, “The Astronauts: The Story of Project Mercury, America’s Man-in-Space Program” by Martin Caiden. First edition, second printing published in 1960. Volume is boldly signed and inscribed on front free endpaper: “To Edward Miller / With Best Wishes from / the Mercury Astronauts”. Signed by all Mercury 7 astronauts in ink: “Virgil S. Grissom”, “M. Scott Carpenter”, “Leroy G. Cooper Jr.”, “John A. Glenn, Jr.”, “Walter M. Schirra, Jr.”, “Alan B. Shepard” and “Donald K. Slayton”. Accompanied by original dustjacket. Black cloth boards show minor rubbing to corners and spine ends; interior is fine. 5.5″ x 8″ volume is in near fine condition. Sold for $4,529.
The celebrated Mercury 7 astronauts sign a semi-matte photograph of themselves posing in front of their aircraft. Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, Virgil Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton all sign as the first Americans in space. An inscription by an unknown hand dedicates the picture ”To Clark Boswell / with Best wishes”. Measures 10” x 8”. Cooper’s signature is faded; sunning and a minor crease. Very good condition. Sold for $4,468.
Original Mercury 7 Signed Photo — Signed by All 7 Astronauts — From the Gus Grissom Collection
Mercury 7 signed photo. NASA’s original 7-member crew poses here with a Mercury Atlas model at the Langley Research Center for a photo shoot in 1959. Each of the distinguished group members sign the lower margin in blue and black ink: “Alan B Shepard Jr.”, Walter M. Schirra Jr.”, “John H. Glenn, Jr.”, “Virgil I. Grissom”, “M. Scott Carpenter”, “Donald K. Slayton” and “Leroy G. Cooper, Jr”. 10″ x 8″ photo has a matte finish. Top right corner is slightly bent, else fine condition. With a COA from Mark Grissom. Sold for $4,153.
Mercury 7 Signed Photo by All 7 Astronauts — 10” x 8”
Photo of NASA’s original Mercury 7 astronauts, signed by all 7. Black and white photo of the astronauts in civilian blazers interacting with a model spacecraft is signed upon the lower border: ”Alan B. Shepard Jr.”, ”Walter W Schirra Jr”, ”John A. Glenn Jr.”, ”Virgil I. Grissom”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Donald K. Slayton” and ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr”. With a dedication, likely by Shepard, just under the image, ”To Roy Ira with warm regards”. Matte-finish photo measures 10” x 8”. Toning, else near fine. Sold for $4,063.
Lot of NASA items personally owned by Apollo 1 astronaut Gus Grissom. Lot includes: (1) Gemini 3 flown medallion measuring 1” in diameter; (2) Large 14” x 11” Mercury 7 photo signed by Gordon Cooper; (3) ”Confidential” NASA manual entitled ”Mercury Spacecraft Advanced Versions”, noted as ”Copy #8 V. Grissom”; (4) NASA report entitled ”Results of the First U.S. Manned Suborbital Flight”, dated 6 June 1961; (5) NASA manual entitled ”Mercury Project Summary Including Results of the Fourth Manned Orbital Flight”; (6) NASA manual entitled ”Gemini Mid-Program Conference / Part II Experiments”; (7) Martin Marietta Corp. manual entitled ”Gemini II Launch Vehicle Familiarization”; (8) NASA manual entitled ”Saturn IB Crew Familiarization”. Light wear to all items, overall in very good condition. With an LOA from Mark Grissom. Sold for $3,750.
Mercury Seven astronauts signed first edition, first printing of ”We Seven”, signed by each of the seven astronauts including twice by John Glenn. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1962, published just after Scott Carpenter’s voyage on Aurora 7. Signed on the illustrated front free endpaper as follows: ”Best regards–/ J H Glenn, Jr”, ”Scott Carpenter”, ”Gus Grissom”, ”W M Schirra Jr”, ”J H Glenn, Jr”, ”Gordon Cooper”, ”D K Slayton”, and ”Alan B Shepard, Jr”. Hardbound in a Book Club dust jacket, book runs 375 pages and measures 5.75” x 8.5”. Previous owner’s name at top of signature page, otherwise near fine. A beautiful copy. With Steve Zarelli COA for all 8 signatures. Sold for $3,750.
Mercury 7 Signed 10” x 8” Photo, Signed by All Seven Astronauts — With JSA COA
Photo of the Original Seven, signed by all of the Mercury 7 astronauts on the photographic border: ”Alan B. Shepard Jr.”, ”Walter W. Schirra Jr.”, ”John H. Glenn Jr.”, ”Virgil I. Grissom”, ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Donald K. Slayton” and ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr”. Neat inscription at upper right reads ”With Best Wishes and Warm Regards to Mary from The Mercury Astronauts”. Silver gelatin matte-finish photo measures 10” x 8”. Light creasing at upper left and small area of previous tape adhesion in same area. Overall in very good to near fine condition. With JSA COA for all signatures. Sold for $3,750.
Mercury 7 Signed 10” x 8” Photo — Signed by All 7 Astronauts
Excellent Mercury 7 signed photo. NASA’s original 7-member crew pose here in front of a U.S. Air Force plane, all in their NASA uniforms. Inscription, likely written by Alan Shepard, reads ”To Don Durya With Appreciation, The Astronauts”, under which the astronauts sign: ”Scott Carpenter”, ”Gordon Cooper”, ”JH Glenn Jr”, ”Gus Grissom”, ”WM Schirra”, ”Alan Shepard” and ”DK Slayton”. Signatures are in blue and black ink. Color photo measures 10” x 8”. One pinhole to upper left margin, overall very good to near fine condition. Sold for $3,691.
Mercury 7 signed page featuring each astronaut’s photo. All 7 of the original group selected by NASA sign beneath their image in blue ballpoint pen: ”M. Scott Carpenter”, ”Leroy G. Cooper, Jr.”, ”John H. Glenn, Jr.”, ”Virgil I. Grissom”, ”Walter M. Schirra, Jr.”, ”Alan B. Shepard, Jr.” and ”Donald K. Slayton”. Top of page reads ”MERCURY ASTRONAUTS” and measures 8” x 10”. Creasing and small tear to right edge, overall very good condition with clean signatures. Sold for $3,125.
Space flown dime from the Mercury-Redstone 4 mission. Dime was flown with Gus Grissom aboard the Liberty Bell 7, which launched from Cape Canaveral on 21 July of 1961. Flown dime, minted in 1961, comes with a sterling silver medallion engraved with the launch date and mission title. Both are affixed to a metal loop for hanging on a necklace chain. Paper tape affixed to the medallion reads, ”66-90-31”. Some tarnishing, else near fine. From the personal estate of Gus Grissom and with an LOA from his son. Sold for $3,049.
NASA Bulletin Signed by All Mercury 7 Astronauts — With Steve Zarelli COA
”Project Mercury” NASA bulletin signed by all seven Mercury astronauts. Each man signs over his photo: Malcolm S. Carpenter, Leroy G. Cooper Jr., John H. Glenn Jr., Virgil I. Grissom, Walter M. Schirra Jr., Alan B. Shepard Jr., and D.K. Slayton. Four page bulletin is dated April 1959 on last page; measures 8” x 10.625”. Mounting remnants on last page, otherwise near fine. With Steve Zarelli Space Authentication COA. Sold for $3,025.
Personal collection of four items from the Gus Grissom estate, including items personally owned by the Apollo 1 astronaut. Lot includes:
1) Gus Grissom’s personally owned ”Apollo Operations Handbook / Command and Service Module”, published 30 November 1966. Handbook runs approximately 300pp., with all aspects of the CSM covered, and with several pull-out schematics. With Grissom’s name handwritten in black felt-tip at upper right of cover page. Measures 8” x 10.5”. Light wear, overall very good condition.
2) Bank note signed by Gus Grissom in blue fountain pen, ”Virgil I. Grissom”. Note for $100, drawn on the National Bank of Fort Sam Houston, measures 8.5” x 3.5”. Light creasing and cancellation holes just touching the top of ”l” in signature. Overall in very good plus condition.
3) Gus Grissom membership card signed ”Virgil I. Grissom” in black fountain pen. Red and black card to The Club Seville also has Grissom’s name and rank of Major typed on front. Measures 3.375” x 2.125”. Near fine condition.
4) Letter to Mrs. Betty Grissom – Gus Grissom’s widow – dated 18 July 1986 on Mercury Seven Foundation stationery, signed by the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts. Typed letter reads in part, ”As July 21, 1986, marks the 25th Anniversary of Gus’ flight, we wanted you to know that we are all thinking of you. / Our nation is indebted to Gus for his contributions and we are privileged to have had the opportunity to serve in the space program with him….[signed] John [Glenn] Wally [Schirra] Alan [Shepard] Deke [Slayton] Scott [Carpenter] / Gordon [Cooper]”. Letter measures 8.5” x 12.75”, with original mailing envelope, postmarked 11 September 1986 from Houston. Near fine condition. Sold for $2,805.
Signatures of All Mercury 7 Astronauts on a Single Slip!
All of the original Mercury 7 astronauts here sign a slip in blue ink. The slip is inscribed by an unknown hand: ”Best wishes to Suzie / from the Mercury Astronauts”. Beneath, the autographs read: ”Leroy G. Cooper Jr / Walter M Schirra / John A Glenn, Jr / Virgil I. Grissom / Donald K. Slayton / M. Scott Carpenter / Alan B. Shepard Jr”. 2.75” x 3.75” slip comes mounted to a muted dark blue-green mat. Very good with uniform toning and light creasing. Beside the slip, an original newspaper photo from the 28 July 1961 issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is also mounted. It shows the 7 space heroes posing beside model spacecraft on their visit to that city. Framed neatly in brushed steel to an overall size of 11.75” x 10.25”. Crack to non-glare glass at the lower right corner, else near fine. Sold for $2,772.
We also sold the following NASA items:
Scarce Apollo 11 Space-Flown U.S. Flag — Affixed to a NASA Certificate Signed by Each of the Apollo 11 Crew Members: Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins & Buzz Aldrin — With Steve Zarelli COA
American flag flown aboard the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon, presented on a certificate signed by the Apollo 11 crew: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. Official NASA certificate with the Apollo 11 insignia reads: “This flag traveled to the moon with Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing, July 20, 1969”. Hand-signed in felt pen, “Neil Armstrong”, “Michael Collins” and “Buzz Aldrin”. Flag measures 6″ x 4″, affixed to certificate measuring 9.5″ x 11.5″ and framed to an overall size of 15″ x 17″. Some minor show-through of glue from verso of flag in four spots and minor toning to certificate, else near fine. A scarce memento from the historic mission. With Steve Zarelli COA. Sold for $89,220.
Jack Swigert’s 14K Gold Robbins Medal Flown Aboard Apollo 13 — One of Only 2 for Each Astronaut
Jack Swigert’s personally owned Robbins medal struck in 14K gold, flown aboard Apollo 13 where he famously reported, “Houston, we’ve had a problem.” Unlike the silver Robbins medals which number over 400 for the Apollo 13 mission, this very scarce gold Robbins medal is one of only six for each of the three astronauts on the mission, with each astronaut being able to purchase up to two. Like the silver Robbins medals, the original gold medals taken on the space flight were melted down and re-cast with the new design, without the landing date and with Swigert’s name replacing Ken Mattingly. Medal depicts mission insignia, including the name of the mission, three of Apollo’s chariot horses flying toward the Moon, and the slogan ”Ex Luna, Scientia” (from the moon, knowledge). Verso lists the crew members, space modules, and engraved dates of launch and return, as well as “14K r”. Unlike the silver medals, the gold medals were not serialized but it’s known that only six or less were produced. Gold medal measures 1.25” in diameter. In near fine condition. From the estate of Jack Swigert and with an LOA from his sister. Sold for $73,500.
The Apollo 15 Hand Controller From Al Worden
As Al Worden, the Apollo 15 Command Module Pilot, puts it in the signed COA included with this hand controller, which is mounted on wood: “…this control stick cover, NASA serial number MSC 991-0001.12, was the hand controller I used during the flight of Apollo 15. The function of the hand controller was to adjust the attitude of the spacecraft during flight. For instance it was critical to the maneuver designed to withdraw the Lunar Module from the S-IVB stage of the launch vehicle once leaving earth orbit. This maneuver involved 180 degree rotation of the Command and Service Module to align with the Lunar Module in storage. It was also essential for the alignment of the spacecraft in the proper direction for any thrusting maneuver. This controller was essential to the success of Apollo 15 and has been in my possession since the flight.” In near fine condition. Sold for $72,556.
John Glenn’s In-Flight Instructions Used & Flown Aboard Mercury 6
One-of-kind piece of space history flown with John Glenn aboard the Mercury-Atlas 6 “Friendship 7” – the first manned orbit of the earth by an American astronaut. These in-flight photo instructions were used by Glenn aboard the 20 February 1962 mission and feature both a chronological flight plan with detailed astrological markers (“+7′ CASSIOPIA/COUNT STARTS” and “+23′ ORION & MOON/UV PHOTOS COUNT STARS”), as well as fixed geographical landmarks (“LAKE VICTORIA/KENYA NAIROBI” AND “CHRISTMAS ISLANDS”). All data on the instructions was personally used by Glenn to confirm the capsule’s flight path during its 4 hour and 55 minute mission, instructing Glenn at which point to take photos in flight. Instructions also include an in-flight check list that covers such tasks as “Chng Film-Color Filter Out” and “STOW & R. SEQ CHK CET”. The document was attached to a bobbin at each end, forming a scroll that Glenn was able to move back and forth with his thumb during the mission. The long and narrow document measures 4.75″ x 42.5″, its ends trimmed to fit into the bobbin slits. The in-flight instructions were given by Glenn to Frogman Richard “Dick” Dunham of UDT-21 (Underwater Demolition Team) as a thank you memento for his work with Mercury 6; a precursor to Navy Seals, the UDT both trained astronauts for egress from the space capsule into the ocean and retrieved the astronauts after splashdown. The flight plan was then given to U.S. Navy veteran Justin C. Pollard by Dunham, who became a mentor during Pollard’s time in the Navy Bud/S School, Class 240. The document’s historical significance was confirmed by the John Glenn Archives at Ohio State University Libraries. Light creasing and wear, otherwise near fine. Additional provenance includes: (1) LOA from Justin Pollard; (2) 1959 photo of Dunham and Glenn together (Dunham is the blond gentleman, 4th from left in back row) and (3) screen-capture photo of the Mercury 6 cockpit, scroll visible in center of photo, in front of John Glenn. Sold for $66,993.
Exceptionally Scarce Apollo 11 Flag Flown to the Moon — Signed by Armstrong, Aldrin & Collins
United States flag flown to the moon on Apollo 11 during the historic 1969 mission. Flag is mounted to an official NASA certificate reading: ”This flag traveled to the Moon with Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing, July 20, 1969.” Certificate is signed ”Neil Armstrong”, ”Michael Collins” and ”Buzz Aldrin” in felt tip and has the Apollo 11 crew emblem near the center. Printed along the bottom edge are the first words by Neil Armstrong after stepping upon the moon: ”One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. The silk United States flag measures 6” x 4”, mounted to the NASA certificate, which measures 10” x 12”. Some show through of adhesive to flag corners and light toning to certificate, else near fine. Sold for $63,195.
Extraordinarily rare Bible flown to the moon aboard Apollo 13. Complete King James microform Bible, Serial Number 13-010, originates from the Apollo Prayer League, formed with the dual goals of praying for the astronauts, and also of sending a Bible to the moon in the memory of Edward White, the astronaut who died in the Apollo 1 fire before he could fulfill that dream. Bible comes with two certificates of authenticity: one signed by the crew of Apollo 13 certifying that the Bible with serial number 13-010 flew to the moon; a second letter from the Apollo Prayer League is signed by both Commander James Lovell and also the Director of the Apollo Prayer League John M. Stout. Bible is beautifully framed in a custom presentation measuring 10.5” x 11.25”, accented with a pearl and garnet against red velvet and a gold cross. Miniaturized Bible measuring 1.5” square is centered in the presentation with ”HOLY BIBLE” at top. In beautiful, near fine condition with excellent supporting provenance. Sold for $62,500.
Jack Swigert’s Own Apollo 17 Flown Robbins Medal, Serial Number 41
Apollo 17 Robbins medal, serial number 41. Sterling silver medal commemorates Apollo 17 as the most recent lunar landing conducted by NASA to date. The mission launched 7 December 1972 and returned safely twelve days later. Pictorial obverse is cast with mission insignia, featuring stylized design elements of the U.S. flag and an eagle, alongside a bust in profile of Greek god Apollo. Figures are set against a detailed space ground featuring the moon and ringed planets. Scene is circumscribed by title, ”Apollo XVII / Cernan-Evans-Schmitt”. Reverse reads, ”Launch / Dec. 6, 1972 / Taurus-Littrow / Dec. 11, 1972 / Entry / Dec. 19, 1972”, circumscribed, ”America – Challenger / Apollo XVII The Beginning”. Coin measures 1.25” and is made of sterling silver, housed in its original ”Robbins Company” plastic box with an ”41” sticker on the bottom. Fine. With an LOA from Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert’s sister. A superb Apollo 17 Robbins medal flown. Sold for $56,250.
Very Scarce Collection of Four Jack Swigert Flown Apollo 13 Space Suit Patches
Exceptionally rare collection of Jack Swigert’s Apollo 13 flown spacesuit beta cloth patches. The crew endured incredible circumstances after launching 11 April 1970, when two days later, they were forced into an emergency turn-around before ever reaching the moon. Fortunately the astronauts expertly improvised a repair to the spacecraft and narrowly escaped disaster, ultimately returning safely to Earth. Beta cloth patches were designed from a material made of fireproof material woven from Teflon fibers. NASA spacesuits each featured four beta cloth patches, including a name tag, the NASA logo, mission insignia, and an American flag. All four of Swigert’s patches are intact and housed in sheaths of plastic for protection in the following order: the first depicts his last name, measuring 5” x 2”, the second depicts the traditional NASA logo, measuring 5” x 4.25”, the third, the Apollo 13 mission insignia including the name of the mission, three of Apollo’s chariot horses flying toward the Moon, and the slogan ”Ex Luna, Scientia” (”from the moon, knowledge”), measuring 4” x 4”, and the fourth, an American flag measuring 7.25” x 5.25”. Patches have some toning, particularly to edges, and a fold running vertically through American flag, though each could be removed from plastic and nicely framed. With an LOA from Swigert’s sister. Sold for $27,500.
Jack Swigert’s personally owned and worn Rolex, possibly given to him by Rolex’s CEO after Swigert’s return from the Apollo 13 mission. During that mission, in which Swigert famously told NASA, “Houston, we’ve had a problem”, Swigert used his Rolex (and his Omega Speedmaster, worn on his other wrist) to keep time in the Lunar Module, which was powered down so as to conserve energy following the aborted mission, thereby allowing the astronauts to return to Earth. Because the timing devices in the Module were not available to the men, Swigert was tasked with timing the engine burns that kept them on a trajectory to reenter Earth’s atmosphere.
Upon their successful return to Earth, Swigert gifted his Rolex to CEO Rene Jeanneret writing, “To my longtime friend Rene Jeanneret who enabled me to always be on time with sincere thanks Jack Swigert”. Upon receiving this gift, Jeanneret in turn gave Swigert a brand-new Rolex Mocha GMT Master; the watch presented here at auction for the first time is also a Rolex Mocha GMT Master. With serial number 1934406, manufactured in 1969, Rolex is an Oyster Perpetual Date Chronometer with the “root beer” style two-tone bezel, in 18kt yellow gold with a Jubilee bracelet and nipple dial. Light wear from use, watch is fully operational and in near fine, vintage condition. With an LOA from Jack Swigert’s sister, Virginia Swigert. Sold for $20,625.
Apollo 8 Flown Heat Shield Segment, Comprising a Charred Plug from the First Manned Mission to Orbit the Moon
Very rare heat shield segment flown on the historic Apollo mission, not only the first manned mission to leave Earth’s low orbit and summit to the moon, but also the first manned mission of the Saturn V rocket. Segment is a charred plug, here preserved in lucite on a wooden base, with a plaque reading “First Manned Lunar Orbital Flight / Apollo 8 / Dec. 21-27, 1968″. Measures 4″ x 5.5″ x 3.125”. Very good plus condition. Very rare, with only one other recent example found at auction. Sold for $19,020.
FREE APPRAISAL. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Mercury Program Earth Path Indicator that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
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