HERITAGE TO OFFER SPACE EXPLORATION MEDALS AND MEMORABILIA

The April 18 Space Exploration Signature Auction from Heritage offers a number of rare and interesting items, including medals, relating to the exploration of space. Here are a couple items that caught my eye. -Editor

Apollo 11 Flown Silver Robbins Medallion

Apollo 11 Flown Silver Robbins Medallion Originally from the Personal Collection of Mercury Seven Astronaut Wally Schirra, Serial Number 416, with LOA. This 28mm sterling silver medal was one of 450 flown aboard Apollo 11, the first manned moon landing, July 16-24, 1969, with crewmembers Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin. The obverse depicts Collins' early and original concept for the mission insignia with the eagle carrying an olive branch in its mouth. NASA thought the sharp, open talons of the eagle looked too "warlike" and the olive branch, representing peace, was moved to the claws. This is one of, if not the only, major official item that renders the insignia as it was meant to be by the astronaut designer. The reverse has the dates of the mission, surnames of the crew, and the serial number. Original case with numbered sticker on the bottom included. Excellent condition. From the Steven R. Belasco Collection of Space Memorabilia.

This was part of Wally Schirra's complete collection of Apollo Robbins medals sold together at a Christie's East auction on September 18, 1999, Lot 90. Note that we are offering all eleven of his medals in this auction.

Included with this lot is a copy of a signed Letter of Authenticity from Wally Schirra on his letterhead stating that each of his medallions were given to him by the mission commander. That would be Neil Armstrong in this instance. The full text of the letter is viewable online.

To read the complete lot description, see: Lot 40078: Apollo 11 Flown Silver Robbins Medallion Originally from the Personal Collection of Mercury Seven Astronaut Wally Schirra (historical.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=6095&lotNo=40078)

Apollo 15 Flown Silver Robbins Medallion

Apollo 15 Flown Silver Robbins Medallion Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Command Module Pilot Al Worden, Serial Number 127, with Signed LOA. This 35mm sterling silver medal is one of only 127 flown to the moon aboard Apollo 15, July 26-August 7, 1971, with crewmembers Dave Scott, Al Worden, and Jim Irwin. There were 304 of these originally struck for the 1971 mission but due to a spelling error on the landing site (Appennines instead of Apennines), only 127 were actually flown. The balance was returned to the Robbins Company for correction but was not ready in time for the takeoff.

The obverse features the mission insignia depicting three stylized birds flying above the Hadley Rille area of the moon with craters spelling out "XV" to the right. The reverse features the phrase "Man's Flight Through Life Is Sustained By The Power Of His Knowledge" around, Air Force wings (it was an all-Air Force crew), and the dates of the mission. The serial number is on the rim along with the sterling and Robbins hallmarks. Original case and pad with numbered sticker on the bottom included.

To read the complete lot description, see: Apollo 15 Flown Silver Robbins Medallion Originally from the Personal Collection of Mission Command Module Pilot Al Worden (historical.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=6095&lotNo=40086)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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