Original signed pencil sketch of an early, unused Apollo 11 conceptual mission patch by NASA artist Al Stevens on a 4.75 x 6.75 vellum sheet. Framed to 6.75 x 8.75. All crew emblems go through a process of concept, artist renderings, and then multiple revisions. In this version, the eagle is coming in for a landing from the left as it originally appeared in a National Geographic magazine article on eagles that Michael Collins found for inspiration. There is an American flag seen here which would later be removed, and the olive branch—would be later added to create more of a ‘for all mankind’ statement—is missing here. The emblem also features the names of the Apollo 11 astronauts, which would eventually be removed because, as Collins noted, ‘This was an event bigger than three individuals.’ In fine condition. Accompanied by a matching 3.25 x 4 emblem, a 2008 Spaceflight magazine with an article on the patch and artist, and eleven printed pages on Stevens’ work on other Apollo emblems. RRAuction COA.
