Lot 643
Apollo 15, 1971, FLOWN "Sample Scale" Presented to Apollo 12 Astronaut Richard Gordon. This aluminum scale with locking mechanism at top (14x1.5") is a spring type scale calibrated in pounds (to 80 lbs). The scale is mounted on a wooden plaque (5x17") on which a metal ID plaque is attached that reads: "This sample scale was aboard the Falcon at Hadley Base, Moon. July 30-Aug 2, Apollo year 3. Presented by the crew of Apollo 15 to Dick Gordon". The scale is engraved with ID number "SEB39105200-302, S/N 2008 / Assy". The lock clamp at top has an ID number "SEB33100200-311, SN 2079". There are additional ID numbers on the hook at the bottom of the scale.
This is the first time to our knowledge that any lunar geology scale has ever been available to collectors. This scale was designed to weight containers of (Moon) rocks and soil during the lunar mission. It was important to know the weights so that pre-determined weight limits were not exceeded during lunar liftoff.
A different type scale was carried on Apollo 11 and 12. Unfortunately, during Apollo 12, the scale "failed" under stress and was discarded prior to liftoff from the lunar surface. NASA redesigned the scale to this configuration and it was used on the lunar surface only by Apollo 14, 15, 16 and 17. Obviously the scale is extremely rare. Even the Smithsonian Institution only has a training scale as part of its collection.
As a lunar surface artifact, as the first use of a newly designed piece of NASA flight equipment and as a presentation piece to a fellow astronaut, these factors all combine to make this this piece of equipment the highlight of any collection.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 35,000.
Ex. The astronaut Richard "Dick" Gordon collection.
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