Apollo Helmet Prototype Realizes $7,000 at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
FREE AUCTION EVALUATION. Nate D. Sanders can give you a free estimate of your Apollo Helmet or Apollo Helmet Prototype. Please email a description and images of the Helmet as well as any paperwork that you may have for it to [email protected]. Or call the Nate D. Sanders Auction House (http://www.NateDSanders.com) office at (310) 440-2982.
Apollo Helmet Prototype exceeds pre-sale estimates
Nate D. Sanders Auctions sold this Apollo Helmet Prototype for $7,000.
NASA commissioned this prototype helmet stowage bag (HSB) and lunar extravehicular visor assembly (LEVA) in 1972 in preparation for Apollo 16. In Apollo missions when the command module pilot embarked on his extravehicular activity, these LEVA helmets and HSB cases were used. The prototype HSB construction features a dome of white nylon sewn onto a metal base. The base features hardware designed to anchor the HSB to the lunar module cabin floor in a weightless environment. HSB zips on a slight diagonal around its base and features a handle sewn to the top. Inside the case, a matching white nylon bag is built into the center and in the final apparatus would serve as stowage for the EVA gloves. A plastic liner cradles the bottom of the transparent acrylic LEVA.
The helmet prototype features a full visor attached with metal hinges. It measures 13.5″ in height not counting the handle, and 14″ in diameter overall. There is some very minor staining to the stowage bag, else near fine. Helmet shows some separation of trim and discoloration to its edges and loosening of hinges, else near fine. Toning and creasing to paper documents, else near fine. This is a fascinating pair of pieces from space history with provenance including a printed NASA “Spacecraft Parts” tag hand-labeled “Mock up” and a partially-printed document from NASA’s exclusive Apollo spacesuit manufacturer ILC Industries, Inc., dated 18 February 1972 and signed by ILC and NASA personnel.
Sold for $7,000.
Nate D. Sanders Auctions provides FREE AUCTION EVALUATIONS. Email [email protected] for a free estimate of your Apollo Helmet or Apollo Helmet Prototype. Or call the Nate D. Sanders Auction House (http://www.NateDSanders.com) office at (310) 440-2982.