Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 45

Manuscript, Collectibles and Aerospace Auction

Mercury Program

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 330		Mercury-Redstone 3, 1961, "Randall Made" Knife (2.25") This small, handleless knife is embedded in a clear Lucite cylinder (4x1") with two descriptive plaques. One reads: "1st Knife in Space". The other reads: "CARRIED BY CMDR. SHEPARD MAY 5, 1961 / Randall Made Knives, Orlando, Florida". Randall Made knives are major collector items as we found out in an auction about a year ago. That Randall knife, which was about 4" long and similarly embedded in clear Lucite without any descriptive plaque, realized over $5,000 after spirited bidding. (this knife was also from the Slayton Estate collection). According to research done with the Randall Knife Company and discussed on www.CollectSpace.com, this lot is actually an "advertising display placed in sporting goods stores around the country" and not flown as the Lucite states. It is known that the Randall Knife Company supplied a handmade knife to each of the Mercury 7 astronauts. Most of these are in space museums around the country today. Based on this information, the piece offered here would appear to have been made to gain publicity for the Company and to publicize its knives, taking advantage of the worldwide attention generated by America's first manned space flight. Given that this has proven to be a promotional piece, one would assume that it is/was fairly common. In the 30 odd years this writer has been dealing with and/or describing space memorabilia for auction, this is the first time to my knowledge that I have ever handled or seen this item. Other than the piece photographed on CollectSpace (originally sold on Ebay?) and a third that is being offered in a competing auction (talk about a coincidence), these are the only others I know to be publicly recorded. Others undoubtedly exist, but the piece still has to be considered to be extremely rare on today's market. The fact that this piece is also from the personal collection of one of the Mercury 7 astronauts (whose original Mercury knife is in the Astronaut Hall of Fame), ranks this "advertising display" as in a class by itself. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,875
Lot 331		Mercury-Atlas 3, 1961, U.S.S. Lake Champlain (Prime) Recovery Ship Cover. Used with a May 5, 1961 Lake Champlain hand cancel and signed by NASA Administrators Hugh L. Dryden and James E. Webb with the autograph of astronaut Alan B. Shepard below. The cover is also cancelled with a 10th Anniversary, Feb 5, 1971 cds and a 10c Moon Landing stamp at the bottom. There is a black handstamped "USS Lake Champlain CVS-39 Recovery Ship for the First U.S. Manned Space Flight 5 May 1961" cachet in the center and a blue add-on cachet of the USS Champlain at the upper left. A red printed return address of John R. Ogle, New York, is on the reverse. An attractive, and unusual, cover. Estimated Value $500 - 600. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,415
Lot 332		Mercury-Atlas 3, 1961, Alan Shepard Autograph. On a 1971, May 5, 10th Anniversary, cachet event cover. Clean and attractive. Estimated Value $100 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $60
Lot 333		Mercury Redstone-4, 1961, Virgil I. Grissom Autograph. This personal check from the National Bank of Sam Houston, is dated 7 March 1959, almost exactly one month before Grissom was announced as being one of the Mercury 7 astronauts by NASA. Made out to the Desert Sands Motel, Grissom was either undergoing evaluation for selection by NASA at the time, or else had already been selected, but had not yet been notified. He was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB prior to his selection so perhaps he was staying at the motel as part of R & R. Once April 1st rolled around and his selection was announced, life as he knew it, was a thing of the past. An important piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $500 - 650. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $300
Lot 334		MR-4, 1961, GUS (GRISSOM) AUTOGRAPH. On a NASA 8x10" color lithograph. He has inscribed the lithograph "Thanks to Adeline for helping me launch "Molly Brown" (signed) Gus". Adeline was Jerry Hammack's wife. Lightly toned but attractive. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $300
Lot 335		Mercury-Atlas 6, 1962, FLOWN Atlas 109D Launch Vehicle Debris (1.5x1") This piece of metal is mounted in a clear lucite rectangular display (4.65x.5") with a black engraved descriptive plaque that reads: "This material was recovered in Africa from Atlas 109D which remained in orbit after launching America's first orbiting astronaut John Glenn on his historic flight. While most of the launching vehicle burned during re-entry, some pieces were unexpectedly recovered". A striking piece of memorabilia that we have not seen before. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,300
Lot 336		Mercury Atlas 6, 1962, "New York Ticker Tape Parade & Receptions". This fascinating group of documents in honor of John Glenn and including the other Mercury 7 astronauts and NASA officials, includes 1) a Feb. 28th, two page photocopied Schedule of Events for 1 March in New York starting with the motorcade from the Airport, the Ticket Tape Parade, etc, 2) the original Feb 28th telegram inviting Mrs Donald Slayton to the event, 3) the invitation to the luncheon (dias seating) at the Waldorf Astoria, 4) the seating chart (?) for the Waldorf reception, 5) two menu cards for the luncheon, one of which has been signed by someone (?) from the UN General Assembly, 6) an invitation from the acting Secretary General of the UN to a reception in honor of John Glenn, and 7) two business cards. All of this and lunch too. A fascinating lot with only minor age faults. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $102
Lot 337		JOHN (GLENN) AUTOGRAPH. On a 1964 typed "thank you" note to the consignor. The original envelope (some foxing) is included with a rubber stamped "Timber Cove, Seabrook, TX" return address. Attractive. Estimated Value $100 - 150. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 338		MA-8, 1962, Wally Schirra Autograph. On a NASA 8x10" color photo (with red ID number) that he has inscribed: "Best wishes, Adeline, we enjoyed being "yo ol neighbors" (some surface cracks). ALSO included is an Apollo 11 NASA 8x10" color photo (with red ID number) of Mission Control inscribed and signed by BOB GILRUTH and another NASA 8x10" color photo (with blue number) also signed by GILRUTH of him conducting a tour. Some fading, but an attractive trio. Estimated Value $100 - 150. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $84
Lot 339		Mercury Program, "Mercury 7 Astronaut" Autographs. A striking cartoon of the Mercury 7 as old men waiting in the "Ready Room" for NASA to work the "bugs" out of the program so that they can finally "fly". While waiting they write a series of newspaper articles designed to keep the public abreast of developments. These include: "Another Fizzle at Canaveral - Space ship failure sets back Program again", "The year we began the countdown", "My first 20 years as an astronaut", etc. You get the idea. A great cartoon by "Baldy". The astronauts have each signed inside their helmets. Signatures include, Scott Carpenter, Gordo Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Wally Schirra, Alan Shapard, Jr. and Deke Slayton. Some staining at the bottom, but the autographs, in blue and in black, are clear and concise. A rare find in keeping with the feelings of frustration felt by the astronauts in the early days of the program when nothing seemed to be going right. Estimated Value $3,500 - 5,000. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,415
Lot 340		Mercury Program, 1962, Internal Memorandum and Autographs. This group of 17 pages consists of typed letters to "Major Slayton" from different astronauts expressing their comments as regards Flight Crew Training for Gemini and Apollo. Included are letters from Elliot See (initialed), Charles Conrad (signed) and John Young (signed "John") as well as a handwritten page of comments by Slayton and unsigned letters from Conrad (x2), Lovell (x2), Borman, White (x2), McDivitt (x3), Armstrong, Young and Stafford. An important early group of internal documents that offer a glimpse behind the scenes as seen by the astros. Unique. Estimated Value $500 - 650. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $780
Lot 341		Mercury Program, Deke Slayton's Lined Jacket with Patch. A dark blue, lined, Eisenhower-style Gen. Elec. zippered jacket with quilted neck, waist and cuffs. There is a NASA meatball patch and Slayton's name tag on the chest. Some stains on the left arm may be cleanable. A great collectible. Estimated Value $350 - 500. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $633
Lot 342		Mercury Program, 1962, Sterling Silver Presentation Bowl (6.5x4") This 15.6 oz. Gorham sterling silver bowl was presented to "Donald Kent Slayton / Major / in Recognition and in Gratitude / Magazine Publisher's Association, May 1962". We're not exactly sure what he did to be presented this bowl this early in his NASA career, but it is an attractive addition to any collection. Tarnished but in excellent condition. Unique. Estimated Value $350 - 500. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details	Unsold
Lot 343		Mercury Program, "Gantry 14" Handrail (3.5x1.75") This piece of metal handrail is mounted on a wooden base (4x4") with a descriptive metal plaque that reads: "This is a piece of the Astronaut Handrail from the Gantry At Complex 14 used in the Manned Mercury Program, February 20, 1962-May 15, 1963". All of the Mercury astronauts had to hold this handrail as they ascended to their capsule for training and flight. Only a few of these handrail pieces were saved and mounted when the Complex was destroyed by NASA. A carbon of a Slayton 1977 letter and a green NASA transmittal slip regarding these momentoes is enclosed in this lot. Apparantly only 12 pieces were saved and mounted. Rare. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $300
Lot 344		Mercury Program, "Gantry 14" Handrail (3.5x1.75") This piece of metal handrail is mounted on a wooden base (4x4") with a descriptive metal plaque that reads: "This is a piece of the Astronaut Handrail from the Gantry At Complex 14 used in the Manned Mercury Program, February 20, 1962-May 15, 1963". All of the Mercury astronauts had to hold this handrail as they ascended to their capsule for training and flight. Only a few of these handrail pieces were saved and mounted when the Complex was destroyed by NASA. Scarce. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $204
Lot 345		Mercury Program, "Gantry 14" Handrail (3.5x1.75") This piece of metal handrail is mounted on a wooden base (4x4") with a descriptive metal plaque that reads: "This is a piece of the Astronaut Handrail from the Gantry At Complex 14 used in the Manned Mercury Program, February 20, 1962-May 15, 1963". All of the Mercury astronauts had to hold this handrail as they ascended to their capsule for training and flight. Only a few of these handrail pieces were saved and mounted when the Complex was destroyed by NASA. Scarce. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $240
Lot 346		Autographs, 1963, "Draft Publishing Contract". This 1963 draft, 12pp. contract was between the Field Enterprises Educational Corporation (publisher of World Book Encyclopedia) and the Group 2 astronauts and their attorney. The front page has been initialed by astronauts, Neil Armstrong, Frank Borman, Pete Conrad, James Lovell, Elliot See, Tom Stafford, Ed White and John Young. Only James McDivitt has not initialed at the top right. The Mercury 7 astronauts are also covered by this contract, but their attorney, Mr. De Orsey, states in the contract that he is authorized to sell the rights of the Mercury 7 astronauts and their wives. ALSO included are copies of letter and memos from NASA giving permission for the astronauts to enter into literary contracts (a memo of a meeting with President Kennedy allowing such rights is also included) as is a background article about Deke Slayton ("the Forgotten Astronaut"). An important lot that gives the background on an important part of the astronaut "story". Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $312
Lot 347		Mercury Program, 1959, "T. Keith Glennan", NASA Administrator. This April 14th typed letter addressed to Captain Donald K. Slayton, USAF on NASA letterhead stationery. Administrator Glennon writes, in part: "This is just a note to welcome you aboard as a member of the Project Mercury team…". The original NASA envelope is included addressed to" "Captain Slayton, Edwards AFB, CO". It has been readdressed in ink to "Space TaskGP - NASA, Langley Field, VA". An extremely important letter written at the interface of NASA and the astronaut program. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,990
Lot 348		Mercury Program, 1961, Negative "Fan Mail". Nowadays, we think that everyone thought favorably of the Mercury 7 astronauts when their selection was announced. This lot consists of an unsigned two-page handwritten letter (with original envelope) mailed from Chicago and addressed to "Captain Slayton / Project Mercury Astronauts, Washington, DC" and readdressed in pencil to "Langley / Space" with a large blue "LANGLEY" handstamp address alongside (rare). The letter opens: "To All Seven of You: - How completely wicked can you get in your intelligence? Who is kidding who? Are you kidding God Almighty who made heaven and earth and the moon and you? Or are you little guys trying to kid him?…". It ends: "…Don't "play" with Him. Love and honor Him. You need Him very much in everything you do. Without Him you are nothing…". ALSO included is an April 10, 1959 Chicago Daily News newpaper clipping announcing the selection of the Mercury 7 astronauts and on which the writer has added some choice comments similiar to those in the letter. This letter would not ordinarily be a lot but for the fact that Slayton has kept it for the past almost 60 years. It obviously served a purpose in reminding him not to let the astronaut's notoriety go to his head. Fairly good overall condition with minor age stains on the letter from the newspaper clipping. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $150
Lot 349		Project Mercury, 1961, Letter and Book from Martin Caidin. A fascinating two page, May 13th, typed letter from author Martin Caidin (with original envelope addressed to Captain Slayton in Cocoa Beach, FL. Stains) in which he passes on a private offer from Joe Kittinger (holder of the free fall parachute record - 102,800 feet.) to talk to the Mercury astronauts about emergency survival techniques for use in the Mercury program. Caidin emphasizes that he is talking on a private basis, completely divorced from his official relationship with the astronauts. ALSO included is a First Edition of Caidin's 1961 book (249pp., hard with dust jacket, minor faults), co-written with Capt. Joseph Kittinger, USAF about his life and professional accomplishments. An important pair. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $504
Lot 350		Mercury Program, Misc, Deke Slayton's "WINGS" Plaque (12x5") These bronze colored wings are mounted on a rectangular wooden plaque (15x9") with a descriptive plaque that reads: "Major (USAF Ret.) / Donald K. "Deke" Slayton / NASA Astronaut". They were probably presented to Slayton as part of his USAF retirement party. A great addition to any collection. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $90
Lot 351		Space Misc, Audio-Visual Display Cards. Lot of about 35 different black and white transparencies (10x8.5"), mostly mounted in large white NASA 1962 cardboard sleeves (14x11"). This lecture seems to be related to "Potential Effect of Astronaut Background of Experiment Data Return". These a-v cards are seldom available today. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 352		Mercury Program, 1977, "18th Year Reunion" Plaque (13.5x6") An unusual, three dimensional plaster/metal/plastic and wooden plaque issued for the Reunion at the Dedication of Disney's "Space Mountain" attraction. The plaque includes Dr. William K. Douglas, Flight Surgeon in addition to the Mercury 7 astronauts. Minor faults to the top of the plaster "mountain" but an undoubtedly scarce plaque. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $230
Lot 353		PROJECT MERCURY LETTER. A fascinating 1962 letter from Hugh Dryden, NASA Deputy Administrator on NASA letterhead stationery that states, in part: "I take pleasure in presenting to you your share in the award of $4,200 made jointly to you and your co-inventors, for the invention of the Project Mercury Space Capsule…". Quite unusual and a fascinating historical document. Estimated Value $100 - 150. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $60