Flown printed reproduction of the Declaration of Independence on parchment paper, 5 x 7, flown on the Apollo 11 mission. Nicely matted and framed with a small plaque to an overall size of 12 x 15.5. Includes a handwritten letter of provenance from Michael Collins, one page, 3.25 x 6.75, personal letterhead, January 8, 2004. In full: “This small copy of the Declaration of Independence was carried to the moon aboard Apollo XI.” In fine condition, with a central vertical fold, likely necessary for Collins to fit it into his PPK.
In setting his sights on the moon, President Kennedy recaptured the distinct American spirit set forth by the nation's founders when they signed the Declaration of Independence nearly two centuries earlier—the choice to challenge the invincible, to dream the impossible, to embrace that persistent echo of 'we shall overcome' and, indeed, overcome. In 1962 he famously proclaimed we would go to the moon not because it was easy, but because it was hard—and, just as America won her independence seven years after declaring it so, we journeyed to the moon seven years on—this Declaration of Independence in hand. This is the only flown item of this type we have ever encountered—a fantastic and uniquely American piece. RR Auction COA.
