Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 49

Manuscript, Collectibles and Aerospace Auction

Mercury Program

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 5		c1960, Mercury 7 Signed Photo. An attractive NASA 8x10" black and white photo of the Mercury 7 astronauts with their signatures in different color ink. Note the full, early autographs rather than the more common, shorter autographs used later in the program. What is unusual about this photo is that the Shepard autograph is rubber stamped and not original. This is the first time we have seen this variation. There is minor smearing of the Grissom autograph just showing that the ink from his pen didn't dry as fast as those of his fellow astronauts. A great conversation piece and an important piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $3,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,160
Lot 6		Mercury Program, "Mercury 7" Autographs. On an 8x10" black and white photo of the group. Includes M. Scott Carpenter (slight blurring), Leroy S. Cooper, Jr., John A. Glenn, Jr., Virgil I. Grissom, Walter W. Schirra, Alan B. Shepard, Jr., and Donald K. Slayton. This was an early signing as they used their full names. They dropped this practice almost immediately as they were deluged with autograph requests and wanted to save time and effort with shorter signatures. Excellent overall condition. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,620
Lot 7		Mercury Program, "Mercury 7" Autographs. On four page NASA "Project Mercury" publication. Includes M. Scott Carpenter (slight blurring), Leroy S. Cooper, Jr., John A. Glenn, Jr., Virgil I. Grissom, Walter W. Schirra, Alan B. Shepard, Jr., and Donald K. Slayton. This was an early signing as they used their full names. They dropped this practice almost immediately as they were deluged with autograph requests and wanted to save time and effort with shorter signatures. Excellent overall condition. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,438
Lot 8		Mercury Program, 1961, $1 "Short Snorter" (Series 1957) During one of the many "gatherings of the guys" in Cocoa Beach, FL during Project Mercury, the astronauts signed a "short snorter" dollar bill for the consignor. The Short Snorter tradition, established in WW II, provided that all those involved in the signing of each other's bills, must carry the bill in their wallet. If challenged later, the person unable to produce the short snorter had to pick up the tab (drinks) for all present. This bill is signed by John Glenn, Wally Schirra, Virgil Grissom, Leroy Cooper, Deke Slayton (Mercury astronauts) as well as Charles Conrad, John Young, Al Worden (Apollo astronauts) and Bill Lyon (a press associate of the consignor's). This bill is somewhat wrinkled and the autographs faded as you would expect under the circumstances, but it is a great example of the early comradery among the astronauts and their constant attempts to relieve the pressure under which they operated day in and day out. The bill is in what looks to be its original mat and frame. Attractive and quite scarce. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $546
Lot 9		Mercury Program, c1960, "We Seven" Autographed Book. Signed by the Mercury Seven astronauts, "Themselves" (1962, Second Printing, 352pp., hard without dust jacket). This copy is signed inside the front cover by Wally Schirra, Gordon Cooper (red ink), Deke Slayton (blue ink), Alan Shepard and Scott Carpenter. The book is extensively foxed around the edges from having spent years in the consignor's library in Hawaii. ALSO included is an early 8x10" black and white photo (on Agfa film) of the consignor with THIS book on his lap and holding up EIGHT fingers, indicative of his being the unofficial 8th Mercury astronaut. A great piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $250 - 350. Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $242
Lot 10		Mercury Program, 1959, Deke Slayton NASA Photo. This NASA 8x10" black and white photo (NASA L-59-2365) shows "Donald K. Slayton / NASA Project Mercury Astronaut". The photo is inscribed by Deke on the face in blue ink: "To Mom & Dad with love - Don". The photo is inscribed on the reverse, in pencil: "Copy for AP and UP - Family unhappy with pix used over and over". There is a handstamp at the bottom "Page No. 2 / Pix No. 4 / Order 3208". The edges of the photo on top and at right have been folded .25", but a unique photo with some separations on the top fold. An attractive addition to any collection. Estimated Value $250 - 350. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $228
Lot 11		1958, Original Mercury Capsule Conceptional Blueprint (32x12") This striking piece of memorabilia has three vertical folds and depicts various positions of the capsule AND the astronaut within in both earth gravity and weightlessness. A fascinating insight into the early thinking of how the Mercury program would be configured. Probably unique today. Estimated Value $500 - 750. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $2,013
Lot 12		Mercury, Gemini & Apollo Crew Patches. An attractive presentation of 3" patches, all mounted by Program in 15x12" frames for display. Quite attractive and decorative. Estimated Value $100 - 150. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $72
Lot 13		Mercury Program, 1963, Mercury 7 Astronauts Gold Medallion (44mm., about 2.5 oz., 14kt gold) This striking medallion was made by the Medallic Art Company of NY. It depicts the likenesses of the seven astronauts on the face and reads: "Commemorating Free Man's Adventure Beyond the Atmosphere, 1958-1963" along with the Mercury 7 symbol and a rocket on the reverse. The medallion is marked with the Medallic Art name and the number "28" on the rim (note: Gordon Cooper's similar medallion, sold in October 2007, was marked #24.). It would appear that this gold medallion (also issued in sterling and bronze to the public) was distributed mainly to the Mercury 7, high NASA and government officials. This medallion is almost never available. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. Ex. the astronaut Donald "Deke" Slayton Family collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,725
Lot 14		Mercury Program, 1967, Bill Dana, "First Honorary Astronaut" Plaque (8x12x1") This clear lucite plaque has the emblem of the City of Hampton, Virginia mounted on the surface above a metal plaque that reads: "The Aerospace Society honors Bill Dana who, through his warm and generous humor, has made a significant contribution to the high morale of America's space program. Mr. Dana is therefore commissioned HONORARY ASTRONAUT / Aerospace Park, Hampton,Virginia, Home of the first American astronauts, December 4, 1967, 50th Anniversary, LAFB/NASA". Bill Dana was presented this plaque at ceremonies observing the 50th Anniversary of Langley Air Force Base and the NASA Research Center by Congressman Thomas Downing (D, VA). ALSO included is a spiral bound, "Bill Dana First Honorary Astronaut" booklet (10x9") whose title page reads: "A pictorial Record of a Visit by Bill Dana to Norfolk and Hampton, Virginia to be named "First American Astronaut, December 4-5, 1967". This 44pp. booklet contains 40 black and white photos of Bill during his visit and the presentation, and was produced by WAVY-TV, the local NBC television affiliate. A copy of the NBC press release of the presentation is included in the booklet. Although showing its age, this booklet is in excellent overall condition. As a piece of history, and with the plaque presented to Bill on this historic occasion, it is definitely unique. Bill, and his alter ego, Jose, are honored by inclusion in the Astronaut Hall of Fame and the Smithsonian Institution Air and Space Museum. This plaque was one of the first steps toward his making American space history. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 15		Mercury Program, 1966, Dean Martin Comedy Hour Presentation Photo (8x10", professionally double matted and framed to 18x16") This unique color photo of Dean Martin and Bill Dana/Jose, the Reluctant Astronaut, is inscribed on the mat: "To Bill, You may 'plan to cry a lot'…but you sure make the rest of us laugh, Dino". During the 1960's and 1970's, Bill was a favorite guest on all the major television comedy and variety shows including the Ed Sullivan Show, the Steve Allen Show, the Hollywood Palace and The Tonight Show, among others. This photo depicts an October 20, 1966 appearance of Bill, in his famed role as Jose the Astronaut, on the Dean Martin Show with the host, Dean Martin. For those of you too young to remember this time in history, you are looking at two of the kings of TV who, with their contemporaries, were "must watch" TV and who made the whole country laugh and forget their troubles. Extensive uniform toning on the mats, but a unique memento of bygone times. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $431
Lot 16		Mercury Program, c1960s, Steve Allen & Bill Dana Autographs. Signed on the mat (14x17"), surrounding a black and white photo (10.5x14") of Jose Jimenez on the Steve Allen Show. The mat is inscribed: "To Evy - Love - Steve Allen, your favorite straight man". It is also inscribed: "And devotion, your favorite husband, Billy". Obviously Evy was (and is) the consignor's wife. A lovely lady and well deserving of having this photo inscribed to her. She was the "power" behind the throne of Bill's career. Minor faults, but an attractive piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $350 - 500. Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 17		Mercury Program, 1962, Sterling Silver Presentation Bowl (6.5x4", 438.3 grams = about $275 as silver alone) This 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 and enlarged photo	Realized $336
Lot 18		Mercury Program, c1960, "Orbital Training Device" (10x11") consisting of three parts. One is the aluminum base with two clear lucite plates that insert into an aluminum frame. The plates that show the earth's horizon (hand painted) and have engraved elevations up to 40,000 feet and side graduations in increments of 50,000, 100,000 and 150,000 feet. In the center are two removable lucite discs, one circular and one elliptical, with various gradations (degrees?) engraved on them. ALSO, TWO additional lucite plates that insert into the base. Each shows the earth's horizon - one has height increments that read: "200,000, 300,000, 400,000, 500,000 feet" and the other has lower gradations. A fascinating and possibly unique prototype training device undoubtedly developed to train for the new space experience. Estimated Value $350 - 500. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $489
Lot 19		Mercury Program, 1962, "Jose, the Reluctant Astronaut" Presentation Photo (7x9.5", matted to 11x14") This color photo on marbled paper depicts Bill Dana as Jose, the Reluctant Astronaut. He is dressed in Gordon Cooper's Mercury spacesuit holding his helmet, with a Mercury launch in the background. The portrait was hung in Bill's honor, at the Ramada Inn (no longer in existence), opposite the gates of NASA (Johnson Spacecraft Center) at Clearlake outside of Houston, TX. Note the "leetle" mouse inside the helmet. This mouse became famous when John Glenn, during his flight, opened his kit and a tethered toy mouse floated up to John's delight. John still has the mouse as a treasured possession. This presentation photo (minor faults and somewhat aged) was presented to Bill at the time the full length portrait was unveiled in Clearlake. Also included are a similar NASA 8x10" color reproduction photo on Kodak paper and a black and white photo of Bill and the poster in the hotel lobby of the hotel (on vintage Agfa paper). The consignor advises he is willing to personally autograph the reproduction color and/or black and white photos at the buyer's option. An attractive piece of nostalgia. Estimated Value $250 - 350. Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 20		Mercury Program, 1959, "Convair (Astronautics) Division Photo Booklet (10x7.5", 10pp., spiral). This unusual booklet consists of montage photos taken of the "Mercury Astronauts at San Diego, California, September 19 thru 25, 1959". Printed on glossy photo paper in black and white, this limited distribution booklet shows the Mercury 7 on tour at Convair in both meetings and in the plant. Extremely scarce and the first example of this booklet we have seen. Excellent condition. Estimated Value $250 - 350. Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 21		Mercury Program, Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez Memorabilia. Lot of three different pieces of memorabilia including: 1) a "Jose Jimenez the Astronaut" record cover permaplaque as sent to the consignor by Mickey Kapp of Kapp Records. This is the album that was sent by Kapp to the astronauts in training at Langley Field in 1960. Originally titled "Jose Jimenez at the Hungry i", it was later changed due to the enthusiastic reception it received from the astronauts (according to Al Shepard in the book We Seven (page 11), a tape of some of Jose's dialogue was once played in the Mercury Control Center to relieve tension). The "Hungry i" was a famous nightclub/comedy club in San Francisco where such entertainers as Bill Cosby, Mort Sahl, Barbara Streisand and Dick Gregory got their starts, 2) a 1967 permaplaque of a State of Texas "Honorary Texas Citizen" certificate and 3) a white baseball cap autographed by Gordon Cooper, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, Alan Shepard, C. Fowler, Bill Dana and Jose Jimenez. The cap was presented to notable participants at the dedication of the U. S. Space Walk of Fame on May 12, 1995. The consignor was honored by the inclusion of his footprints in the walk of Fame. A great trio of memorabilia. Estimated Value $250 - 350. Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $156
Lot 22		MR-3, 1961, Randall Knife Lucite Display (4.5") This miniature handleless knife is encased in a clear lucite display block with black display back (5x.75x3x1") with a handwritten label below that reads: "Randall Made Knives / Orlando, FLA". This is only the second example of this miniature knife we have seen. The other was sold about a year ago (Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection) for about $5,000 after spirited bidding. It would appear that this display knife was given to each of the Mercury astronauts, perhaps when they were given the Randall knives that they carried on their flights. This is an important addition to any collection of knives or space memorabilia. Estimated Value $3,500 - 5,000. Ex. the Virgil "Gus" Grissom Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $4,680
Lot 23		MR-3, 1961, Randall Knife Lucite Display (2.25") This small handleless knife is embedded in a clear lucite cylinder (4x1") with two descriptive plaques. One reads: "1st Knife in Space" and the other reads: "Carried by Cmdr. Shepard May 5, 1961 / Randall Made Knives, Orlando, Florida". The Mercury astronauts were all supplied Randall Made knives to carry on their flights. These are currently in museums. They were also given similar desk displays of Randall Made handleless knives in rectangular lucite blocks as momentos of these knives (see prior lot). This lucite display was distributed by Randall Knives to sporting goods companies to take advantage of the extensive publicity generated by the Mercury flights and the use of Randall Knives by the astronauts. While extensively distributed, only a few examples of this display appear to have been saved. An identical lot (Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection) was sold in our April 2008 sale where it realized in excess of $2750). Internal flaws in the lucite pour on front and back should not detract. A great Mercury Program commercial piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. Ex. the Virgil "Gus" Grissom Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,668
Lot 24		1961, Official NASA/ Photos. Lot of six different NASA 8x10" black and white photos including two photos for MR-3 (Alan Shepard) and four for MR-4 (Gus Grissom). ALSO included is an official NASA Mercury 7 photo, a Grissom informal PR black and white photo with press release attached and two different autographed reprint color photos of Gordon Cooper and Scott Carpenter. All photos have purple or black handstamps on the reverse. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $90
Lot 25		MR-3, 1986, "25th Anniversary of Freedom Seven" Signed Memorial. A black and white Mercury launch photo (7.5x9.5") mounted along with a signed card (8.5x5") that are together professionally matted and framed (13x20"). The card is hand lettered and reads: "25th Anniversary / Freedom 7 / May 5, 1961 - May 5, 1986 / California Museum of Science and Industry / Exposition Park, Los Angeles, California". It is hand signed beneath the declaration by Alan Shepard, Gordon Cooper, Scott Carpenter, Deke Slayton and Wally Schirra plus Bill Dana (astronauts), Suzan Cooper, Jo Schirra, Louis Shepard and Bobbie Slayton (wives) and Dr. Bill and Mariwade Douglas, plus Henri and Carol Landwirth (friends). Only a few of these pieces of memorabilia were made. Pristine condition. Estimated Value $500 - 750. Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $300
Lot 26		MR-4, FLOWN United States 10c "Dime". A 1961 dime flown onboard Liberty Bell 7 by Gus Grissom. The coin is in a silver bezel attached to a dime-sized sterling silver disc that reads: "Liberty Bell 7" on one side and "21 July 1961" on the other. Gus is famous for having carried dimes on his flight. There was even a roll of them plus some loose coins found in his capsule when it was recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic some years ago. The bezel and ring are the normal configuration for these flown dimes. A rare piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,300
Lot 27		MR-4, FLOWN United States 10c "Dime". A 1961 dime flown onboard Liberty Bell 7 by Gus Grissom. The coin is in a silver bezel attached to a dime-sized sterling silver disc that reads: "Liberty Bell 7" on one side and "21 July 1961" (extensively pitted from salt (?)) on the other. Gus is famous for having carried dimes on his flight. There was even a roll of them plus some loose coins found in his capsule when it was recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic some years ago. The bezel and ring are the normal configuration for these flown dimes. A rare piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,320
Lot 28		MR-4, 1962, Gus Grissom and John Glenn Autographs. Signed on a candid black and white photo (4.5x4.5", framed to 8x10") taken of them by the consignor at the Houston Hobby airport (TX) on March 26, 1962. They have each boldly signed across their bodies. Some light reflections in the original photo should not detract. Fresh and without the usual fading that is commonly seen on such photos. A great piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $350 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $201
Lot 29		MR-4, 1962, Virgil L. Grissom Signed Check (professionally matted and framed to (12x14") dated 27 March 1962, and drawn against the National Bank of Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX while Grissom still lived on the base. There is a modern MR-4 crew patch (no crew patches were originally issued prior to GT-5) is mounted above the check in the frame. A neat, full autograph makes this a highly desirable piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $350 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $264
Lot 30		1992, Mercury 7 Foundation Printed Letter. An unusual two-page printed letter, hand-addressed to "Eddie" (White III, son of astronaut Ed White II) and signed "Allan" (Shepard). The letter discusses the induction of the 13 Gemini astronauts into the Mercury 7 Foundation Hall of Fame (and says the Foundation would consider changing its name to reflect the reality that astronauts, other than the Mercury 7, would be inducted), the possibility of donations of memorabilia from the new inductees, etc. A great look behind the scenes. Estimated Value $100 - 150. Ex. the Ed White Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 31		MA-6, 1964, John Glenn Autograph. On a 1964 typed "thank you" note to the consignor. He has signed as Lt. Colonel, USMC. The last line of the letter reads: "Stop in for a visit one of these days for I am not going anywhere for awhile. Thats for sure". The original envelope is included with a rubber stamped "Timber Cove, Seabrook, TX" return address. Light foxing on both letter and envelope, but unusual. Estimated Value $100 - 150. Ex. the NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate collection. View details	Unsold
Lot 32		MA-8, 1962, FLOWN $1.00 Bill (Series 1957A) The bill, autographed at the right by Wally Schirra, is matted and framed (8.5x10.5"). There is a typed descriptive inscription below the bill that reads: "This bill accompanied Commander Walter M. Schirra, Jr. in Sigma 7 during his sixth orbital flight, Wednesday, October 5, 1962". He gave this bill to the consignor after the flight as a birthday present since Bill Dana's birthday, October 5, was the same as the day of the flight. The autograph has faded over the past 45 years and the mat is extensively toned, but flown currency from this flight is extremely scarce today. This piece will be an important addition to any collection. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. Ex. the comedian Bill Dana/Jose Jimenez collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,438
Lot 33		MA-8, 1962, Recovery Ship's Cover (No. 7) signed by USS Kearsarge ship's Captain Rankin on the face above a magenta "Project Mercury Recovery Force" handstamp. ALSO included is a 3 October, 1962 typed letter from Ben James, NASA Public Affairs Officer onboard the Kearsarge talking about how they just received launch confirmation. An unusual and attractive view behind the scenes of history. Estimated Value $150 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 34		Mercury Program, 1962, FLOWN Heatshield (1x.5") This extremely rare piece of flown heatshield is mounted is a clear lucite "Mercury" capsule on a clear hexagonal lucite base. The base is engraved with the names and dates of each of the six astronauts who flew and their capsule names. One can assume this piece of heatshield came from the last Mercury flight, MA-9, but nothing indicating this is marked on the base. There is some charring visible on the heatshield. Other than the stem attaching the capsule to the base being repaired, this is an extremely rare piece of memorabilia that this writer thinks he may have seen only once or twice previously. Coming from the family of only the second US astronaut to fly in space, this is an opportunity to acquire a piece of Mercury history that shouldn't be overlooked. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. Ex. the Virgil "Gus" Grissom Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $1,500
Lot 35		MA-9, 1963, FLOWN "Skin" Foil (1.5x.5") This is one of the earliest "Flown Foil" mounts that we have seen. The lucite (2x1") containing the "skin" is mounted on a bias-cut presentation wooden block (3.25x3.25x1.5") with an engraved plaque that reads: "Actual skin from "Faith 7" / MA-9 May 15-16, 1963 / Astronaut Gordon Cooper / NASA / Manned Spacecraft Center / Houston, Texas". This was an official presentation mount and is exceptionally rare. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold