UPDATE: This lot is one of 16 in the current auction that comprise a complete suite of a medal, a patch, and a cover for each of John Young’s six space missions. Because select pieces within this collection are very rare, it took over seven years of determination and dedication to complete the project. The other 15 lots associated with this special collection are listed here.
Bruce McCandless's flown sterling silver Apollo 10 Robbins medal (serial number 193) and flown mission patch. The medallion, approximately 1.25" x 1.25", is shield-shaped with a raised design on the face of the mission insignia and the last names of crew-members Tom Stafford, John Young, and Gene Cernan. The patch measures 4" x 4". Both are mounted with a presentation plate that reads: "To Bruce, Thanks for your help in making Apollo X a success." The lower portion of the plate bears facsimile autographs of the Apollo 10 crew. Framed together to an overall size of 11.75" x 9.75". In overall fine condition.
An immensely appealing flown Robbins medal and insignia patch from the very important 'dress rehearsal' for the Apollo 11 moon landing, deriving from the personal collection of astronaut Bruce McCandless II, who served as part of the Apollo 10 support crew. One of 300 flown to the moon on Apollo 10, the medallion has the 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!
Provenance: Heritage Auctions, November 2019.
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