International Autograph Auctions Europe S.L.
Lot 920
APOLLO XI: An unusual, rare vintage signed 11 x 11 photograph by all three crew members of Apollo XI (1969) individually, comprising Neil Armstrong (1930-2012) American astronaut, Commander of Apollo XI, the first man to walk on the moon, Buzz Aldrin (1930- ) American astronaut, Lunar Module Pilot of Apollo XI, the second man to walk on the moon, and Michael Collins (1930-2021) American astronaut, Command Module Pilot of Apollo XI, the image (9.5 x 7.5) taken from film exposed by the 16mm Data Acquisition Camera mounted in the Lunar Module and depicting Neil Armstrong (left) and Buzz Aldrin standing in full-length poses in their white spacesuits as they place the United States flag at the Sea of Tranquility site on the moon's surface, 21st July 1969. Signed ('Neil Armstrong') by Armstrong in black ink to a clear area at the head of the image, further adding three lines of text in his hand beneath his signature, 'Tranquility Base, Moon Landing of Apollo 11, 20 July 1969', signed ('Buzz Aldrin') by Aldrin in black ink with his name alone to the image, and signed ('M Collins') by Collins in orange ink with his name alone to the image (the signature now somewhat indistinct and blurred, although visible). With a printed caption neatly affixed to the lower mount, entitled Man's First Landing on the Moon, and stating, in part, 'On their return from the Moon all 3 members of the Apollo 11 crew signed this photograph of the raising of the United States Flag at the Sea of Tranquility site'. A remarkable example of an Apollo XI crew signed photograph, enhanced by Armstrong's additional text and date, and with interesting provenance. Some light surface creasing to the image and some corner creasing and light age wear to the mount, about VG Provenance: The present photograph was signed for Norris McWhirter (1925-2004) British writer, political activist and television presenter, internationally famous (with his twin brother Ross) for the founding of the Guinness Book of World Records which they wrote and annually updated together from 1955-75.
