Amazing and historic collection of 36 color glossy 10 x 7.75 photos, comprising an entire roll of film taken by Armstrong during the historic Apollo 11 mission, each of which was printed from their original negative. Of the three dozen images, 35 were taken on the surface of the moon and include such instantly recognizable photos are Buzz Aldrin’s slow descent from the relative safety of the Eagle, Aldrin standing next to the American flag, and of course a dramatic shot of Armstrong’s footprint in the fine lunar soil. The last image was taken after returning to the command module Columbia and shows the Eagle being jettisoned back to the moon on July 21, 1969, with the earth visible on the horizon. This image has been neatly signed in blue ballpoint, “Neil Armstrong.” In overall fine condition with a few small creases or surface marks, very faint edge curling to some photos, a bit of emulsion crazing along the far left edge of the signed photo, and moderate signature contrast against the lunar backdrop.
The consignor acquired this historic set of images through a friend who had been given them by astronaut Wally Schirra, and these are one of only fifty sets of prints made from Armstrong’s negatives. In 1976, the consignor attended a dinner at which the first moonwalker was presented with an award, and asked Armstrong to autograph the final image in the set. These have been in the consignor’s possession since that memorable encounter 35 years ago, and are accompanied by an unsigned program and seating assignment from the event. An unbelievably desirable collection of images as seen—and photographed—through the lens of Neil Armstrong! Many of the unsigned images are available for viewing online. Pre-certified Scott Cornish and RR Auction COA.
