Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 56

Manuscript, Collectibles and Aerospace Auction

Gemini Program

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 519		Gemini Program, 1962, "Group 2" Astronaut Candidate Photo (professionally matted and framed to 18x22") A striking piece of memorabilia that includes the original mat board signed by all nine of the Group 2 astronauts (Neil Armstrong (faded), Frank Borman, Charles Conrad, James Lovell, James McDivitt, Elliott See, Tom Stafford, Ed White and John Young) as well as a reprint of the original color photo (the original was extensively faded, but is available from the consignor). This photo was hanging in Ed White's study till his passing in 1967 and was one of his most prized posessions. He has hand-inscribed the mat: "The "Second" Generation" / 17 September 1962". This Group 2 piece of memorabilia is the last similar photo owned by the White family. Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500. Ex. The astronaut Ed White Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 520		Apollo Program, 1962, Astronaut Candidates "Group 2" or "The New Nine", Comic "Test" Photo (5x4") This black and white photo of six of the Group 2 candidates including "Borman, Conrad, Lovell, See, White and Young" wearing civilian clothes and jet helmets. This comic photo is a one of a kind. It was probably shot a a warm-up photo prelude to a more "official" photo. Such photos as these were rarely published and offer a unique "human" side to the astronauts from 50 years ago. The photo is marked as being shot by Victor Barnaba of Santa Monica, CA. Minor faults on the reverse, but a great piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. Ex. The astronaut Edward White Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 521		Apollo Program, 1962, Astronaut Candidates "Group 2" or "The New Nine", Comic "Test" Photo (4.25x5.25") This informal, black and white, comic polaroid photo shows the Group 2 Astronaut Candidates hamming it up as a prelude to a more formal Group pose. This pose was used to check lighting and relax the crews prior to the official "money" shot. These photos generally were not published and were rarely saved. The members of the group include Armstrong, Borman, Conrad, Lovell, McDivitt, See (rarely seen in a photo), Stafford, White and Young. A great piece of Apollo memorabilia. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. Ex. The astronaut Edward White Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 522		Gemini Program, "Gemini Capsule" Desk Model (5x3") An original gray McDonnell Aircraft Corp., 1:30 scale desk model (by Topping, No. 15/79) mounted on a rectangular wooden base (7x5") with a metal descriptive plaque. An enclosed card reads, in effect: "These models were originally made for McDonnell Aircraft Corp. in 1962-63. The Topping Model inventory was sold to Precise Models in that same year and McDonnell told Precise to destroy any of these models found in inventory. Jump forward about 45 years to 2007 when 79 of these models were discovered in an old Precise Models warehouse. The model is still in its original 2007 box with certificate of authenticity. They are in pristine condition and represent a rare opportunity for the serious model collector. A similar model realized about $600 in our April 2008 sale. Estimated Value $500 - 750. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $147
Lot 523		Gemini Program, 1971, "Step by Step Fabrication of NASA-Gemini Life Vest" NASA Photos. This three-ring binder is filled with original NASA 8x10" color glossy photos with blue numbers, showing the construction and assembly of the Gemini Life Vest. Each photo has a typed caption. In all there appear to be 60 photos included with 30 photos in one set and a similar duplicate set. Based on the included captions, there were 34 photos in a complete set. Even so, these internal use photos may be virtually unique today. A pink NASA routing slip is included showing Matthew Radnofsky as being the last recipient. Minor faults, but a fascinating set. Estimated Value $250 - 350. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $76
Lot 524		*Gemini Program, 1966, Superior Achievement Award* Certficate** (matted to 14.4x11.5") This NASA Manned Spacecraft Center Award was presented to Flight Controller Eugene F. Kranz on November 23, 1966 in recognition of (his) outstanding contribution to the manned space flight program. The Award is hand-signed by Robert Gilruth, Director. Printed on a type of mottled parchment paper, the Award has minor edge faults, but is rare and historic. A great piece for any collection. Estimated Value $150 - 250. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $118
Lot 525		GT-3, 1965, Gus Grissom's Original "Project Gemini" Speech Notecards. A set of nine (9) typed tan cards (5x8") containing a typed speech outline for a "Project Gemini" speech that Grissom gave. Each card is typed on one side only, but all have extensive handwritten pencil notations and corrections. The first card is additionally notated in ink: "Return to Capt. Grissom - address on back (of the last card (#9) - "Capt. V. I. Grissom / NASA / MSC / Langley AFB, VA". The original yellow envelope containing the cards is also included. An important, first person piece of memorabilia. Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500. Ex. The Grissom Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $764
Lot 526		GT-3, 1965, FLOWN Gold Fliteline Medallion. This gold plated, sterling silver medallion is engraved on the reverse "March 23, 1965" as are all flown medallions. The gold versions of these medallions are by far the rarest as they were purchased by the astronauts to be given only to their wives and family members. This medallion has been cleaned over the years to remove the inevitable tarnish, but comes with its original Fliteline plastic box. A rare medallion. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. Ex. The Grissom Family collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 527		GT-3, 1965, FLOWN Fliteline Sterling Silver Medallion. With a ring mount soldiered at top. The medallion is engraved on the reverse "March 23, 1965" but has an additional engraving "From Betty & Gus" that was added when this flown medallion was given by Grissom and his wife to the consignor back around 1965. The medallion is mounted on a small woman's link bracelet that also has a small Sterling disc attached. The dime-sized disc would appear to be identical to those discs found attached to the "Dimes" flown by Gus Grussom on MR-4. This one, instead of being engraved "Flown / 1961, is engraved "HRJL / 1959" on one side and ornately engraved "A.W.H" on the other (the consignor's wife's initials). This is an important lot that features a unique example of a flown Fliteline medallion. Estimated Value $500 - 750. Ex. The NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $235
Lot 528		GT-3, 1965, St. Christopher Medallion. This medallion is in its original red presentation case (minor rubs). Ed White carried a similar medallion for luck on GT-4, but we can find no reference to Gus' having done so also. Perhaps just knowing he had rubbed the medallion prior to his flight was a sufficient gesture for him. Similar medallions have had a long history of involvement with several of the astronauts - as they have had with millions of travelers down through the centuries. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. Ex. The Grissom Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 529		GT-3, 1965, FLOWN Heatshield Fragment (1.5x1.5") This piece of flown heatshield is embedded into a cylinder of clear lucite (3x2"), the bottom of which is engraved: "GT-3 / March 23, 1965". The cylinder is mounted on three half-ball feet so it rests off the surface underneath it. Early flown heatshield fragments are seldom on the market. Estimated Value $500 - 750. Ex. The NASA Administrator Jerry Hammack Estate collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $852
Lot 530		GT-3, 1965, Virgil I. Grissom Autograph. On an unnumbered National Bank of Fort Sam Houston personal check dated 11 May 1959. The payee is a handstamped "Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Exchange" and Grissom has hand-written his address (Space Task Group / Langley AFB, VA). This check was written only a month after he received notification of his selection as one of the Mercury Seven astronauts (April 13, 1959). Grissom may have been at Wright-Patterson for additional testing and training since that was one of the major astronaut testing centers at the time. A great piece of early NASA memorabilia. A Todd Mueller COA is included. Estimated Value $350 - 500. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $206
Lot 531		GT-3, 1965, Virgil I. Grissom Autograph. On a 1960 personalized check written after his selection as one of the Mercury astronauts. The check, made out to Sears Roebuck, has the printed name of National Bank of Fort Sam Houston at the lower left and Grissom listed as Capt. Virgil I. Grissom / 22450A / Betty L. Grissom in the upper left. The check is mounted in a 12x14" frame with a GT-3 flight patch at top. Attractive and scarce. Estimated Value $350 - 500. Ex. The Grissom Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $206
Lot 532		GT-3, 1965, Gus Grissom's Leather Ski Glove. This Buckskin ski mitten (size Small) has an elastic woven cuff, leather palm and green cloth back. Used by Grissom during his rare leisure periods, the glove is in excellent, if used, condition. Unusual. Estimated Value $150 - 250. Ex. The Grissom Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 533		GT-4, c1966, Robert T. McCall, "Edward H. White II, Spacewalk" Original Painting (professionally matted and framed to 29.5x23"; acrylic). This striking multicolor piece of art is a study done for a similar painting commissioned by the Broadway National Bank of San Antonio, TX. As the bank is a private bank catering to the military, Ed White had a personal relationship with the Banker, who, when he received both the study and final painting from the artist, gave this study to Ed White as a present. The artist, Robert T. McCall, was one of the principle space artists from the 1960s and 1970s and his work for NASA in both paintings and murals adorns many of the NASA facilities. He has recently donated more than 200 pieces of original artwork as the lead gift to establish the University of Arizona Museum of Art, Visual Art, Archive; a new repository for artists past and present. The University web site describes the artist, in part, as follows: "Biochemist and science-fiction writer, Isasc Asimov once described Robert McCall as 'the nearest thing we have to an artist-in-residence in outer space'…McCall has straddled two worlds most of his life. His body is rooted on Earth, but his hand and brush have reached into the heavens, to create imaginative and optimistic paintings of outer space, the last great frontier…McCall's documentation of the United States space program for NASA and his futuristic visions in popular magazines and the movies have tantalized scientists and the public alike with glimpses of the future. Early on, he painted imaginative scenes of a manned space station orbiting Earth and robots with human-like abilities. His works were visionary and inspirational to scientists and helped move us closer to a technological world…The artist drew worldwide attention in the early 1960's as the illustrator for Life magazine's memorable series on the future of space travel. He later became one of the few select artists chosen by NASA to document the U.S. space program…McCall's artwork has appeared on many U.S. stamps and his paintings have been exhibited at institutions across the U.S. at the National Gallery of Art, National Air & Space Museum, the Pentagon, Disney's EPCOT Center and Johnson Space Center…His movie credits include 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Black Hole, Tora! Tora! Tora! and Star Trek: The Motion Picture and his commerical work has appeared in many magazines." NASA has recently commissioned McCall to do a painting of Neil Armstrong as part of the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11. To have an opportunity to purchase an original classic painting by this key space artist is a truly "once-in-a lifetime" opportunity. Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000. Ex. The astronaut Ed White Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 534		GT-4, 1965, Ed White's "NASA Distinguished Service" Medal. This medal is NASA's second highest award. It is presented to a person who, by distinguished ability or courage, has personally made a contribution representing substantial progress to aeronautical or space exploration in the interests of the United States. The medal is engraved on the reverse: "EDWARD H. WHITE". It is in it's original box and includes a ribbon rosette and a lapel emblem. A striking medal honoring a man who was one of the most important astronauts America had and one of its space heroes. Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500. Ex. The Ed White Family collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,813
Lot 535		GT-4, 1965, The General Thomas D. White USAF Space Trophy (8x11") This 7 lb.bronze high-relief wall trophy is engraved on the face "The General Thomas D. White United Staters Air Force Space Trophy Awarded to Astronaut Edward H. White UU, US Air Force, 1965 For Outstanding Contribution to the Nation's Progress in Aerospace". It is also engraved on the reverse: "Felix DeWeldon, SC / 1961" and "Trophy presented by Thomas W. McKnew / Washington, DC". The White Space Trophy is awarded annually to a unit, member, or civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force for an outstanding contribution to progress in astronautics during the preceding year. The trophy was established by the National Geographic Society in 1961 and was named in honor of then Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Thomas D. White. The first trophy was awarded to Gus Grissom in 1961, to Robert White (1962), Gordon Cooper (1963), Apollo 8 (1968), Apollo 11 (1969), etc. One of the most important aerospace trophies to be awarded in the space field. We believe that this is the first time one of these trophies has come on the market. Estimated Value $3,500 - 5,000. Ex. The astronaut Edward White Family collection. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 536		GT-4, 1965, FLOWN Sterling Fliteline Silver Medallion. That is engraved on the reverse: "3-7 June, 1965"designating this medallion as having bene flown. The medallion is still in its original Fliteline box. Beautifully struck with nice patina. Rare this nice. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500. Ex. The Ed White Family collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,763
Lot 537		GT-4, 1965, Edward H. White II Autograph. On a pristine NASA 8x10" color pre-launch photo (on Kodak paper) with blue ID number. An important autograph that has been in storage for over 40 years. Boldly signed. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000. Ex. The Ed White Family collection. View details and enlarged photo	Realized $552
Lot 538		Gemini 11, 1966, FLOWN Complete Flight Plan (8.5x11") This three-ring looseleaf flight plan has card covers (two white velcro strips on both the front and back covers) and includes 23 extensively notated, double sided pages. EACH cover and EACH page has been signed "Flown on Gemini XI / Richard Gordon, Pilot". We were hoping to see notations in the flight plan by the consignor regarding his two spacewalks and/or the docking manoevers with Agena and/or the tether experiment, but most of the comments seem related to cameras, crew reports and other operational matters. There is one great cartoon printed into the Plan showing Dick in the open hatch of the capsule after having ejected various "unneeded" pieces of equipment (such as the control panel, a seat, a manoevering unit, a bag of trash, etc.). The caption reads: "Hey Pete, Are you Sure we don't need any of this?". This Plan is an important piece of American space history and a valuable historical document. This flight was important in that NASA proved the feasability of docking right after achieving orbit (critical for the LM redocking with the Command Module on Apollo 11) and for the consignor's two space walks. Minor aging but, given its history, long travels and almost 45 years uf age, this plan is in excellent condition. Estimated Value $15,000 - 25,000. Ex. The astronaut Richard "Dick" Gordon collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $29,375
Lot 539		Gemini 11, 1966, FLOWN US FLAG AND Gold-plated Sterling Silver Fliteline Medallion. This large US flag (18x11") is professionally shadowbox framed (23x20") along with a gold-plated, sterling Fliteline medallion (extremely rare and only available from an astronaut's collection. Generally speaking, these gold-plated medallions were given to wives and family after the flight. These medallions are the forerunners of the Robbins medallions carried by the Apollo crews.) and a crew patch. A 1986 typed letter on McDonnell Douglas letterhead reads: "This letter is to certify that the American Flag and Gemini XI medallion were flown on board Gemini XI during the period 12-15 September, 1966…". The letter is signed by Charles Conrad, Cdr, Gemini XI". Large size flags were seldom flown onboard the early Mercury and Gemini flights due to weight restrictions. This flag is unusually clean and fresh and is without the usual aging often seen of flags of this era. Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photo	Unsold
Lot 540		Gemini 11, 1968, Dick Gordon's Custom Money Clip. A beautiful, handmade clip consisting of a 14kt gold disc (1.5") showing a stylized astronaut astride his rocket "steed" galloping across the heavens. The rocket is named "Gem Age". The reverse of the disc is marked "PGH, PA, "Tudelus (?), copyright "'68" and the engraved initials "tv". The clip is sterling silver and the consignors name is engraved on the back of the clip. A lovely piece of jewelry, beautifully presented. Estimated Value $350 - 500. Ex. The astronaut Richard "Dick" Gordon collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $180