Exceedingly rare ALS, signed “Neil,” one page, 5.25 x 8, NASA letterhead, no date. Letter written to Gerry. In full: “Here is the cover you missed. It was a gift from the famous southern solon Mendel Rivers. I had the crew autograph it. Sorry we didn’t have more time in Wapakoneta but we certainly enjoyed seeing you. Our best to your family.” The first day cover Armstrong had autographed by his Apollo 11 crew, referenced in the letter, is present: Cachet honoring the Apollo 11 moon landing with images of Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, a12 First Man on the Moon 10-cent stamp affixed, doubly cancelled “Moon Landing, USA, Jul 20 1969,” and “Washington, DC, Sep 9 1969.” Boldly signed in black “Neil Armstrong,” “Buzz Aldrin,” and “M Collins.” The original 8.5 x 11 stamp album page upon which the first day cover was placed is captioned: “Like the ‘Moonlanding Letter,’ the master die for the printing of the stamp was carried to the Moon by Apollo 11. As the astronauts and everything which they brought back from their journey had to undergo an eighteen days period in isolation–to avoid possible contamination of the Earth with ‘germs’ from the Moon–printing could not begin before the Middle of August.” In fine condition, with a few spots of mild toning, mainly to right edge. FDC also rates fine, with a bit of scattered light toning to lower right corner, and a slight brush to Aldrin’s signature.
Raised in the small town of Wapakoneta, Ohio, Armstrong and “Gerry” must have been long-time friends. The first man on the moon cared enough to visit with his old pal when the crew came to the Buckeye State on September 6, 1969, but also to later write and include this cover, released three days after that visit. A few days after visiting his hometown, Armstrong and his crew appeared before Congress and, as noted by the astronaut, was given this FDC by Rivers, a South Carolina representative. The FDC is desirable by itself, but the provenance is impeccable. Who better than Armstrong to vouch for the authenticity of a signed Apollo 11 item? An incredible and highly desirable pairing of items. Pre-certified Scott Cornish and RRAuction COA.
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