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Lot #8346
Charlie Duke's Apollo 16 Lunar Flown Toothbrush

"Good oral hygiene, after all, is as important on the Moon as it is on Earth!"

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Estimate: $10000+
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Description

"Good oral hygiene, after all, is as important on the Moon as it is on Earth!"

Charlie Duke's lunar flown toothbrush carried to the surface of the moon and used inside the the Lunar Module Orion during the Apollo 16 mission. The blue Oral B-40 toothbrush measures 6″in length and is accompanied by its original clear plastic pouch with swatch of Velcro. Both items are mounted and matted with a signed photo and certificate of authenticity from Duke, both dated April 22, 2004, with the certificate reading: "This is to certify that the accompanying Apollo 16 Lunar Module Toothbrush and Carrying Case, was flown aboard the Lunar Module Orion to the Descartes Highlands of the Moon, where it landed on April 20, 1972. This toothbrush was the personal oral hygiene tool used by me inside our Lunar Module Orion, after each of my meals on the surface of the Moon, during my three-day stay there in April, 1972. Good oral hygiene, after all, is as important on the Moon as it is on Earth! The toothbrush is completely original, and is also accompanied by the plastic carrying case within which it was housed. You will also note the Velcro strip affixed to the case, which helped secure it in the one-sixth gravity environment of the Descartes Highlands of the Moon. I have enjoyed preserving this artifact in my personal space collection since it was presented back to me by NASA after my mission in 1972, Charles M. Duke, Jr." The photo, which shows Duke holding the toothbrush, is signed and inscribed in black felt tip, "To Jim Ruddy, Brush three times daily with this toothbrush, but only while on the moon! Charles M. Duke, Jr., Apollo 16 moonwalker." Archivally framed to an overall size of 29 x 15. In fine condition. Accompanied by a bill of sale from Peachstate Historical Consulting, inc., which cites the toothbrush as deriving from the Charles M. Duke, Jr. Space Collection.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Space & Aviation
  • Dates: #581 - Ended April 16, 2020





This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
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