Exceedingly rare metal replica of the first lunar plaque left on the moon by the Apollo 11 crew, 7.75 x 5.75, engraved in the lower border, "President's Dinner Honoring Apollo 11 Astronauts, August 13, 1969," and affixed to a slightly larger mount clipped from the original program. Signed in the lower border of the mount in blue ballpoint by Neil Armstrong, and in black felt tip by Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. Consignor notes that the plaque originates from the personal collection of Apollo 11 CMP Collins. In fine condition.
Four days after becoming the first astronauts to successfully land on the moon, the crew of Apollo 11 splashed down into the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. Recovered by aircraft carrier USS Hornet, the crew was promptly directed to the Mobile Quarantine facility, a converted Airstream trailer in which the three men would spend their 21-day quarantine. On August 13, just three days after their release, the prime crew of Apollo 11 was honored at a special dinner hosted by President Richard Nixon, embarking that very night on their famous 45-day 'Giant Leap' tour. This replica plaque was presented to the various guests in attendance, with only a select few having the fortune to receive autographs from Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins. A tremendous piece of space history.
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