Sell or Auction Your Wernher Von Braun Alabama Rocket Center Photo Badge for up to $3,800 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
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Sell Your Wernher Von Braun Alabama Rocket Center Photo Badge
Here is a Wernher Von Braun Alabama Rocket Center photo badge we have sold:
Wernher Von Braun Alabama Rocket Center Photo Badge — Sold for $3,800.
We also sold these additional Wernher Von Braun items:
Werner von Braun Letter Signed from 1964 — “…I am very busy helping put a man on the moon…” — With Steve Zarelli and JSA COAs
Wernher von Braun typed letter signed from 1964 with the ultimate declaration that von Braun would achieve five years later: “I am very busy helping put a man on the moon.” Dated 6 January 1964, von Braun writes to a undisclosed Board Chairman, in part, “I was delighted to hear that you enjoyed my speech at Ponte Vedra…Your hunting invitation sounds very intriguing. I am always interested in hunting and would like very much to be able to accept your wonderful offer. However, for the time being, I must ask for a rain check since I am very busy helping put a man on the moon…[signed] Wernher von Braun”. Letter measures 8″ x 10.5″. Light smudge to signature, folds and white-out over name. Writing at top in ballpoint. Overall very good condition with a bold signature. With COAs from both JSA and Steve Zarelli Space Authentication. Sold for $23,100.
Apollo 11 Astronauts Signed Photo — Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin and Werner von Braun– With PSA/DNA COA
Apollo 11 signed photo display. The three astronauts depicted here each sign the white space below their photos: “Neil Atg”, “M Collins” and “Buzz Aldrin”. Plus, signed by “Werner von Braun”. With NASA insignia to the upper right and an image of the plaque left on the moon stating: “Here Men From The Planet Earth First Set Foot Upon The Moon July 1969, A.D. We Came In Peace For All Mankind”. Lithograph measures 14″ x 11″ and comes in a transparent protective sleeve. Toning to verso and creasing to corners, else near fine. With PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $7,900.
Wernher von Braun Letter Signed from 1964 Describing the Launching of Explorer 1 — “…the birth of the Space Age…” — With PSA/DNA COA
Interesting typed letter signed by space architect Wernher von Braun from 1964 regarding the launch of Explorer I, the first U.S. satellite. Stamped 22 February 1964, von Braun writes as Director of the Marshall Space Center in Huntsville, Alabama to a member of the Junior Philatelic Americans. Letter on NASA stationery reads in part,
“There is such a story behind the launching of Explorer I, which you asked about. Our rocket team here at Huntsville…is understandably proud of our role in this milestone in space. In 1958 we were part of the U.S. Army at Redstone Arsenal, and I was Director of Development Operations Division for the Army Ballistic Missile Agency. We had enjoyed considerable success in the development of the Redstone and Jupiter missiles, when the Soviets launched Sputnik I, the first man-made earth satellite, that marks the birth of the Space Age.
The United Stated had underway Project Vanguard, designed to launch an earth satellite…The Vanguard launch vehicle was being designed and tested, but was not operational.
We at ABMA [Army Ballistic Missile Agency] were pretty far along in development of the Redstone, which had already earned the nickname of ‘Old Reliable.’ And besides that, we had placed two clusters of solid propellant rockets atop the Redstone to form the three-stage Jupiter C launch vehicle for testing re-entry of a nose cone into the earth’s atmosphere. We had fired a small-scale nose cone into space and had recovered it 3,000 miles down the Atlantic Missile Range. Then we knew that we could place a satellite into orbit simply by adding just one more solid-propellant rocket to our Jupiter C test vehicle.
About one month after Sputnik I we were given the go-ahead on this project. And within 87 days the 30.8-pound Explorer I was boosted by the Jupiter C to the path which it is still traveling around the earth…Six years later, on January 29, 1964, the Saturn I placed into orbit 37,700 pounds, dramatically demonstrating this advance in rocketry…Your collection of stamps will reflect many more milestones in the future as man advances into space…[signed] Wernher von Braun”.
Two page letter on two sheets measures 8″ x 10.5″, boldly signed by von Braun. Folds, light creasing, and one small spot of foxing at top edge. Overall in very good condition. Accompanied by PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $4,300.
Wernher von Braun Signed Speech From 1959 — ”…within the next decade or two the old concept of air superiority will have been replaced by the new concept of space superiority…”
Rare speech signed by Wernher von Braun in 1959 as Director of Development Operations of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency. Dated 25 July 1959, von Braun delivered the speech to the Georgian American Legion, with content on the Jupiter missile that launched America’s space program in 1958, as well as on the burgeoning ”space exploration program”. Sold for $4,000.
Charlie Duke Signed 16” x 20” Photo of Wernher von Braun Standing Next to the Apollo Saturn V Rocket — ”…I think he knew more about rocketry than any person alive at the time!”
Charlie Duke signed 16” x 20” photo honoring Wernher von Braun, chief architect of the Saturn V rocket and the man most responsible for America’s dominance in the 20th century space race. On a photo of von Braun standing in front of the Saturn V rocket engines, Duke writes in full: ”Dr. Werner Von Braun was an impressive man. I met him while attending his monthly staff meeting at MSFC in Alabama. Stu Roosa and I were assigned to attend these meetings and report back to the astronaut office on the Saturn V progress. I was so impressed with his corporate and technical comprehension yet with a humble spirit. I think he knew more about rocketry than any person alive at the time. / Charlie Duke / Apollo 16 Moonwalker”. Duke’s inscription references NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), where the Apollo Saturn rockets were developed. Photo is inscribed by Duke in silver felt-tip. Near fine condition. Sold for $2,940.
Wernher von Braun signed first edition of ”MOON: Man’s Greatest Adventure”. New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1970. Large coffee table book is profusely illustrated with photographs from the Apollo program, with text by von Braun, who inscribes the flyleaf to his longtime secretary: ”To Julie Kertes / who got us there! / With esteem, affection, and a tiny shot of fear – / Wernher von Braun / 23 February 1972”. Large book measures 12.5” x 15.75” and runs 267 pages, housed in original dust jacket. Very good to near fine condition. Sold for $1,250.
Wernher von Braun Signed Photo With Apollo 11 Rocket in Background
Signed photo of preeminent rocket scientist Wernher von Braun, standing in front of the Apollo 11. A naturalized U.S. resident who emigrated from Germany after WWII, von Braun has been called the greatest rocket scientist in history, and was one of the men largely responsible for the United State’s post-war space dominance. Color photograph inscribed, “To Oscar Rosso with best wishes – Wernher von Braun.” 8″ x 10″ photo has stamp on verso (probably from NASA) identifying rocket. Slight yellowing to photo, otherwise fine. Sold for $749.
We also sold the following space 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.
“We Seven” Book, With 40 Signatures by 32 of America’s Astronauts Including Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Mike Collins, Ed White, Gus Grissom, Roger Chaffee, Deke Slayton, Etc. — With Zarelli COAs
Incredible collection of 40 signatures by the pioneers of the NASA space program, with 38 signatures within a first printing of “We Seven” and two additional signatures of Deke Slayton and Walter Cunningham signed on their business cards taped inside the book. The original Mercury 7 sign on their photo within the book, and the other men sign the front free endpaper. In alphabetical order, signatures include: Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Alan L. Bean, Frank Borman, Vance Brand, Scott Carpenter (signs twice), Roger B. Chaffee, Michael Collins, Charles Conrad Jr., Gordon Cooper (signs twice), Walter Cunningham (signs twice), Donn Eisele, Joe Engle, Ron Evans, John Glenn (signs twice), Dick Gordon, Gus Grissom (signs twice), Joe Kerwin, Don Lind, James Lovell, Ken Mattingly, Bill Pogue, Wally Schirra (signs twice), Rusty Schweickart, Dave Scott, Alan B. Shepard Jr. (signs twice), Deke Slayton (signs twice), Tom Stafford, Paul Weitz, Ed White, Al Worden and John Young. This copy of “We Seven” is a first printing, published in New York by Simon & Schuster, 1962 in its original dust jacket. Blind embossed private library stamp to title page, showing ownership of Wallace A. Johnson, a NASA Apollo test pilot, who acquired the autographs. Dust jacket is worn, overall in good condition. Book itself shows only minor shelf wear, in very good plus condition. With two COAs from Steve Zarelli Space Authentication, one for the Mercury 7 signed photo page, and one for the signature page including signed business cards. Sold for $21,000.
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.
Exceptionally Rare Neil Armstrong Signed Poster, Measuring 20.25” x 27.75” — With Steve Zarelli COA
Scarce Neil Armstrong signed poster entitled ”Man on the Moon”, the famous photograph taken by Armstrong showing Buzz Aldrin on the moon with Armstrong reflected in Aldrin’s visor. Armstrong boldly signs the poster in black marker, providing a stunning presentation measuring 20.25” x 27.75”. Poster is archivally paper backed, with creasing smoothed and indiscernible closed tear repaired at top. Very good plus condition. With a COA from Steve Zarelli Space Authentication. Sold for $18,750.
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.
Final Apollo 11 Flight Plan Signed by Michael Collins, AS-506/CSM-107/LM-5. Houston: NASA/MSC Flight Planning Branch, 1 July 1969
Michael Collins signed final edition, issued before the launch on 16 July 1969 from the Kennedy Space Center, and used by Apollo 11 flight controllers and support personnel, including the 135-page section on flying to the Moon and returning to Earth. Over 320 numbered pages; 8′ x 10.5″ in the original orange card stock covers. Autograph obtained at Spacefest 2019. Sold for $14,954.
Jack Swigert’s Apollo 13 Flown Toothbrush
Jack Swigert Apollo 13 flown, personally owned NASA Oral B-40 clear toothbrush. Toothbrush measures 6.25” with some toning and wear. Housed in a plastic case. Very good. With an LOA from Swigert’s sister certifying that it is Apollo 13 flown. Sold for $11,794.
Apollo 8 Flown Beta Cloth, Signed and from the Personal Collection of Frank Borman
Apollo 8 flown Beta cloth, signed by mission Commander Frank Borman, from whose personal collection this originates. Beta cloth shows the Apollo 8 emblem, signed by Borman in black felt-tip, “Flown on Apollo 8 / Frank Borman CDR”. Apollo 8 was the first manned mission to leave Earth’s low orbit, then reach and orbit the moon. Measures 9″ x 9″. Near fine condition. With Novaspace COA. Sold for $5,775.
Jack Swigert’s Own Apollo-Soyuz Test Project Robbins Medal — Serial #89F — One of Just 93 Flown
Apollo-Soyuz Test Project Robbins medal, serial number 89F, as one of only 93 flown and 283 minted. Obverse of coin features various mission insignia from the test project in July of 1975, which was the first joint U.S.-Soviet space flight, and the last flight of an Apollo spacecraft. The mission was politically symbolic, representing the end of the great Space Race that began in 1957. Obverse additionally features the astronauts’ last names engraved in both English and Cyrillic. Verso depicts launch and re-entry dates with ”First Joint U.S.-U.S.S.R. Space Flight” with Serial number ”89F” engraved along edge of coin with Robbins sterling silver hallmark. Measures 1.25” in diameter and housed in its original ”Robbins Company” plastic box with an ”089 F” sticker on the bottom. Near fine. With an LOA from Apollo 13 astronaut Jack Swigert’s sister. Sold for $5,625.
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Wernher Von Braun Alabama Rocket Center photo badge 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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