Sought-after flown American flag carried into lunar orbit during the Apollo 10 mission, 6 x 4.25, signed and flight-certified in black ink, “Flown to the moon on Apollo X, Tom Stafford” and “Gene Cernan.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Stafford, in part: “This is to certify that the accompanying Apollo X United States Flag was carried by me aboard the Command Module ‘Charlie Brown’ in orbit around the Moon…in May of 1969 as part of my personal preference kit…During the Apollo Program, it was NASA’s policy to allow astronauts to keep personal items from their mission as personal mementos, and I accordingly chose to include this United States Flag among mine. This US Flag then remained a treasured part of my personal space collection from December, 1972, when it was returned to me by NASA.” Elevated by provenance direct from the mission commander, this American flag is an especially desirable offering given its lunar module crew signatures and its unique distinction of being part of a Guinness World Record—on its return from the moon, Apollo 10 set the record for the highest speed attained by a manned vehicle: 24,791 mph (39,897 km/h) or Mach 36!
From the personal collection of General Thomas P. Stafford; proceeds to benefit the Stafford Air and Space Museum (SASM) Foundation expansion fund. The hammer price, minus the auction estimate, is considered a tax deductible donation to the SASM; winning bidder should contact the SASM for a donation letter.
This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
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