Exceptionally desirable A6L space suit lunar boot developed by suit manufacturer International Latex Corporation (ILC), measuring approximately 13.5″ long and 15.25″ tall, constructed of a Nomex upper and silicon base. The inner tag reads, “Item Spec. CP 1003, Lunar Boot, Assembly TMG - Left, A6L-206000-01, Model No. 1003, Size Medium/Herman, Serial 007, Date 10/66. Contract No. NAS 9-6100.” In very good to fine condition, with some minor staining. This boot has been authenticated by Bill Ayrey, company historian at ILC Dover, the manufacturer of the Apollo, Shuttle, and Space Station suits, and is accompanied by a letter of provenance from him.
This Nomex and silicone lunar boot was the model scheduled to be used by the moon-walking astronauts just prior to the Apollo 1 fire. Following the various NASA review boards that met after the fire, it was determined that high temperature materials were needed thus the beta cloth used in the A7L suits and above. This iconic silicon sole design, however, was never changed since it was adequate for the job. It is thought that this boot was sized for a test subject named Herman, thus the "Size Medium/Herman." Very rarely available to the public, this lunar boot represents a remarkable, iconic piece of space history.
