Apollo Block I translation hand controller with a housing measuring approximately 5.5 x 3 x 3.5 and attached umbilical measuring 60″ long. The Honeywell identification plate on the bottom identifies the piece “Mfr Serial No. 10028DAL1036, Mfg Part No. DCG143F2, Contract No. M6J7BAG-705017A, Mfr Date 2 Oct. 1966.” A Johnson Space Center label additionally identifies it as “Inventory No. 103928, Serial No. 1036.” The controller has a sliding control at the front to set the handle as “Locked” or “Armed” for use. Faint penciled notes on upper side of housing appear to list what may be the resistance ranges for each axis, important information for NASA instrumentation technicians. Although the Apollo T-handle grip is a model, it still moves freely to control translation forward/aft, left/right, and up/down. The handle also twists counterclockwise allowing the commander to initiate abort with the Launch Escape System during the Saturn launch. A clockwise twist would switch to backup guidance during launch. The housing bears various inventory stickers from 1976 through 1996, as well as the GSA surplus label on the bottom. In fine condition. An appealing tactile piece, this is an important part of manned spaceflight history from the early Apollo program.
