Colonel Joe Cotton was a WWII hero, XB-70 USAF Chief Test pilot and a B-52 X-15 launch pilot. And he always took time to take care of autograph collectors. A true hero and gentleman. Rest in peace, Colonel Cotton.
Joe Cotton signed photograph
In the Spring 2016 RR Auction Space Auction this Neil Armstrong signed photo sold for $38,467 with buyer's premium. This is an amazing result... and to my knowledge is, by far, the most ever paid for a single signed astronaut photograph.
Neil Armstrong signed photo that sold for over $38,000
So, why so much?
In my opinion, this is the quintessential image of the space program... the moment Armstrong stepped off the ladder onto the moon's surface. And, it is signed perfectly with an Apollo 11 inscription.
There are only a few images of Neil Armstrong on the moon, and most were not readily available when he was freely signing autographs. Any lunar surface photo of Armstrong is uncommon.
Lastly, this photo came directly from the family of the former head of NASA's photo division, so it has strong provenance. In fact, an original of this photo would likely have only been available to someone inside NASA in the late 60s and early 70s.
55 years ago, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to be launched into space. In my opinion, a grossly under-valued autograph... and unfortunately, the market has been diluted by many, many fakes. Use great caution when considering purchasing a Gagarin signed item.
Yuri Gagarin signed postcard
Alan Bean, pilot of the Apollo XII Lunar Module, made his dream come true. An impossible dream that became real thanks to technology.
Edgar Mitchell, Apollo 14, searching for Cone Crater on the moon.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Edgar Mitchell on February 4, 2016.
I met Dr. Mitchell several times over the years and actually spent 2 days with him when my company retained him to appear at a trade show in 2002. He shared some fascinating insights and I felt privileged to have a drink or two with a man that walked on the moon.
Steve Zarelli with Edgar Mitchell, 2004.
He was a kind, humble and brilliant man. A very unique view and a free thinker.
Once again he is among the stars.
Edgar Mitchell, NASA portrait
Neil Armstrong wrote this letter 47 years ago today. Great mention of Apollo 8 and a rare glimpse into his dry humor...
Neil Armstrong signed letter, December 30, 1968
Claudia Thames worked for John M. King, a Colorado oil and gas tycoon who befriended many astronauts.
John Leonard "Jack" Swigert, Jr. died way too young 33 years ago today. It was only 12 years after his heroic return on Apollo 13 and seven weeks after he had been elected to Colorado's new 6th congressional district.
Jack Swigert signed photo to Claudia Thames of the John M. King company.
While Swigert wasn't an especially difficult signer, his autograph is exceedingly uncommon on his NASA white space suit portrait. It seems that -- at best -- two or three come to market in any given year. In my estimation, Swigert space suit pose is just as rare if not rarer than James Irwin and John Young signed white space suit portraits.
Jack Swigert's signature can typically be obtained on postal covers, programs and the like for $300 - $400. His NASA business suit pose signed fetches around $600 - $700, and one can expect to pay $1,000 and up for a signed white space suit pose... likely much more for an unpersonalized example.
Due to his untimely death in 1982 -- before widespread commercial signings -- demand outweighs supply and forgeries abound. Be especially wary of Apollo 13 items that started with a bad Swigert, and an unwitting collector added authentic Lovell and Haise signatures.
The annual United States Air Force Band holiday flash mob has become something I look forward to every December. This year's flash mob is at Washington, DC's Union Station and commemorates the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Enjoy!
A special holiday musical presentation from Union Station in Washington, DC celebrating the service and sacrifices of our nation's World War II veterans and commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the war. Featuring The USAF Band, Washington DC, an extraordinary dance troup from NYC (choreographed by Jessica Hartman), and a cameo appearance by Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James.
The only privately owned watch that was worn on the moon will be going to live auction at RR Auction on Thursday October 22, 2015. As of writing this entry, the watch is at almost $130,000 in online pre-bidding.
Some flown item experts are predicting it may hit $1 million due to the crossover appeal between space collectors and watch collectors.
Live auction on Thursday October 22nd at 7:00 pm ET, at RR Auction's Boston Gallery. More details can be found at www.rrauction.com.
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