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Apollo 16 LM Flown Beta Cloth Transfer Bag w/COA

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:17,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Apollo 16 LM Flown Beta Cloth Transfer Bag w/COA
<B>Apollo 16 Lunar Module Flown Beta Cloth Transfer Bag</B></I> used to transfer items back and forth between the Command Module <I>Casper</B></I> and the Lunar Module <I>Orion</B></I>. Approximately 8.5" x 10.5" with a 2" gusset and a top flap with snap closure. The official NASA part and serial numbers are on an identification tag sewn to the front: "SEB 32100025-301/ S/N 1048". On the front of the bag, Duke has written the following provenance statement in blue felt tip: "<I>This Lunar Module Transfer Bag contained lunar maps and checklists. It was transferred from the CSM "Casper" to the LM "Orion" once in lunar orbit where it remained during our lunar stay of nearly 72 hours. Charlie Duke Apollo 16 LMP</B></I>".<BR><BR>Beta cloth is a type of fireproof silica fiber cloth, similar to fiberglass, which has a melting point of 650° C. Dow-Corning developed it after the tragic Apollo 1 fire in which the astronauts' nylon suits melted and fused together. Also included with this lot is a full-page handwritten Letter of Certification signed "<I>Charles M. Duke Jr.</B></I>" where he comments (in part), "<I>...It was exposed to the lunar environment during our three EVA's. In all probability the grey smudges on the bag are lunar dust... After our splashdown, I removed my items including this bag for the journey to Houston. Since that time, this transfer bag has remained a part of my personal space collection. Display it with pride as a remembrance of Apollo 16, the fifth landing on the moon on April 20, 1972.</B></I>" <I>From the collection of Charles M. Duke, Jr., who has included a handwritten and signed Letter of Certification verifying its provenance</B></I>.<BR><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)