Impressive Collier Trophy awarded to Al Worden as one of the crewmen on Apollo 15, measuring 13.5″ tall with an 8.25″ by 8.25″ base, engraved on one side to honor the mission: "1971 Award: To Colonel David R. Scott, USAF, Colonel James B. Irwin, USAF, and Lieutenant Colonel Alfred M. Worden, USAF, for demonstrating superb skill and courage, and to Dr. Robert R. Gilruth as representative of the engineering genius of the manned space flight team, culminating in Apollo 15—man's most prolonged and scientifically productive lunar mission." On the opposing side of the base is raised text describing the award, in full: “Awarded annually by the National Aeronautic Association sponsored by National Aviation Club for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, the value of which had been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.” Includes a small wooden identification plaque. In fine condition.
Established in 1911 by publisher and air sports pioneer Robert J. Collier, the Collier Trophy is considered to be one of the most prestigious honors in the aerospace field. Other notables in receipt of this prized trophy include Orville Wright, Charles Lindbergh, Howard Hughes, Chuck Yeager, and Neil Armstrong. Only three Apollo crews—those of Apollo 8, 11, and 15—were honored with the prize, and we are aware of no other Apollo-associated Collier Trophies to come to auction.
From the collection of Apollo 15 CMP Al Worden, and accompanied by a letter of provenance from his daughter Alison (Worden) Penczak.
