Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 45

Manuscript, Collectibles and Aerospace Auction

Russian Program

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 577		Space Equipment, c1968, Krechet (Gyrfalcon) Lunar Spacesuit (about 60x18") Back in the 1960s, the culmination of the space race between the Soviet Union and the United States was a moon landing. To this end, the United States developed a space program that was open to public scrutiny. The Soviet Union, on the other hand went the clandestine route and never officially acknowledged developing a lunar program. This suit is proof that the Soviets did, indeed, attempt to develop a lunar space suit for a lunar landing. Unlike the US suit which is of soft construction, the Soviets decided to go with a semi-rigid suit. This was easier to develop, but presented problems of its own - one of which was how was the cosmonaut going to get into the suit. The solution was found in making the life support system, contained in a rigid metal backpack, hinged - so the cosmonaut could just open the back of the suit and slide into it. It is believed that only five or six suits were ever manufactured by Zvezda, the manufacturer. This suit is obviously a work in progress. Although missing the exterior, soft-cloth suit cover, the removeable gloves, the "guts" of the survival backpack, the instrument panel and the Support Trolley, the suit clearly shows the semi-rigid basis of the suit itself. The integrated helmet, green interior pressure suit and the soft inner boots, plus some of the cables and the backpack safety opening/locking mechanism are all included. There is even a pressure gauge on the left forearm. To this writer's knowledge, only one other example of this spacesuit has ever been up for public auction. It was consigned by Zvezda and included in the Sotheby Park Benet December 1993 auction where it was purchased for $189,000 plus commission (?) and given on loan by the buyer to the Smithsonian where it remains on exhibit to this day. That suit was complete in all respects. Shortly thereafter, this writer brokered a private sale of a suit, in somewhat similar condition to this one (but including the outer cloth suit cover) for a low, six-figure amount. The suit offered here is believed to be the only one to come on the market since that time. The other examples are believed to be in Museums in Europe and Russia. Given the rarity of this spacesuit, even finding an example of this suit is a major achievement. Despite its lack of refinement, acquisition of this suit, will be the highpoint of any collection. Estimated Value $50,000 - 65,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $100,050
Lot 578		Vostok-1, Gagarin Autograph. On an unused 6kp "space" envelope. The souvenir envelope has been signed by Gagarin, Titov and Komorov. An unusual mix. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 579		Vostok 1, Gagarin Glass Portrait (framed to 8x11") with Gagarin's name engraved into the wooden frame. This unusual Russian portrait of Gagarin was probably acquired by Slayton during one of his many training missions to Russia prior to the flight of ASTP. While typical tourist fare, it is an accurate, and to Western eyes, unusual, portrait of the first man to fly in space. A great addition to any collection. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 580		Voshkod-2, Belyayev and Leonov Autographs. On a black and white photo (10x8.5") of them in a meeting. The photo has also been signed and inscribed: "In memory of storming the Fifth Ocean, Gagarin". Back in the 1960s, the Russians considered space to be the "Fifth Ocean" of the world. A rare combination of autographs. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 581		Space, Misc, 1980, "Presentation Rocket" Display (10x5x4") A unique lucite/metal birthday present presented by the rocket troops to the Commander (?). The inscription reads: "To Leonov Vladimir Andreyevish on his 50th Birthday from your Comrads at work, Sept. 4, 1980". There is a crack in the back display panel which does not affect the integrity of the piece. Striking and desirable. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 582		Space, Misc, 1983, "Presentation" Display (12x8x7") An unusual clear lucite display piece with a metal plaque that reads: "To Anikovich, V. I. from Rocketmen, January 14, 1983". Some faults but a unique presentation. Estimated Value $150 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold