Auction Date:2011 Jan 20 @ 16:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Presented is the very headset that received and transmitted the first words between a man on Earth and a man on the moon. Astronaut Charlie Duke wore this tangible piece of history on July 20, 1969, in his role as Mission Control Capsule Communication (CAPCOM) for Apollo 11 during the descent and moon landing. Simple in its design, the headset consists of a headband, earpiece and microphone, connected to a length of cord and a hand switch. The ‘push to talk’ switch bears the hand-engraved serial number of MSC-368, with a different number scratched out. According to Duke, that serial number had been crossed out and replaced with the current number when he used the headset more than 40 years ago. It was while wearing this simple instrument that Duke—and the world—heard Buzz Aldrin’s message: “Contact light, OK, engine stop.” With that, Duke held this very item in his hand, pressed the ‘Send’ button on this headset, and transmitted the very first words ever spoken to humans on a surface that was not their home planet: “We copy you down, Eagle.” Neil Armstrong then replied, “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” The headset is held within a vinyl pouch, which has been signed in silver ink on the outside, “Charles M. Duke, Jr. ‘CAPCOM.’” Accompanying, as provenance, is a COA signed by Duke detailing his role in Mission Control during the first moon landing mission, with an image of the astronaut in 1969 and a more recent image shown holding the headset, and a second COA clarifying the matter of the serial number. Also included is a transcript of the final minute before the landing boldly signed in blue felt tip, “Charles M. Duke, Jr. Apollo 11 CAPCOM” and “Buzz Aldrin Apollo 11 LMP,” and a color laser print of Duke at NASA’s Mission Control signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “To David Worrow: Congratulations on acquiring my headset—preserve it well for future generations. Charles M. Duke, Jr. Apollo 11 CAPCOM.” Those initial words exchanged between Aldrin and Duke rank as the most pivotal conversation in the history of our species. These few calmly delivered words are arguably far more significant than the more famous “Giant leap” statement. Words that changed the world as we knew it in 1969…words spoken by and to Duke—and all mankind—transmitted to this simple headset.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
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