Flown pen carried to the lunar surface and used by CDR Gene Cernan inside the Lunar Module Challenger during the historic Apollo 17 mission. The fiber-tipped black pen measures 5.25˝ in length and bears its original Velcro swatch that was affixed to the cap for use in a microgravity environment. Includes two limited edition FDCs featuring original color artwork of Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt on the lunar surface with the American flag, both numbered 4/25 and signed in blue felt tip by noted father-and-son space artists Paul Calle and Chris Calle. All items are archivally matted and framed together to an overall size of 14 x 21.5; the frame backing bears a small label marked “C-85,” which the consignor notes was originally affixed to the pen cap. In fine condition.
Accompanied by a manila ID tag marked as “GC0061,” and a 2006 signed and flight-certified letter of authenticity from Cernan, which reads, in part: "This is to certify that the accompanying Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pen…was flown aboard the Lunar Module Challenger to the Taurus-Littrow region of the Moon, where it landed on December 11, 1972…This Apollo LM pen has remained a treasured part of my personal space collection for more than thirty years. The manila tag with ‘GC0061’ written on it represents the catalog identification tag for this artifact within my collection. The pen remains both a historic tool and a rare example of an astronaut flight certified flown artifact from the Apollo era missions.”
Used during the three-day exploration of the lunar surface, this black fiber-tipped pen was the personal writing instrument of the Apollo 17 Commander Cernan, the last man to step foot on the moon. Although the marker's ink has long since vanished, its historical significance and impact can still be found on a variety of manuals and cue cards flown aboard the lunar module Challenger. A well-used LM-flown artifact with exemplary astronaut documentation.
This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
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