Amazing flown complete microfilm King James Bible, 1.5″ x 1.5″, identified as No. 14-025, carried to the lunar surface during the Apollo 14 mission on behalf of Reverend John M. Stout, director of the Apollo Prayer League. The iconic ‘Lunar Bible’ represents the first Bible and the first complete scripture ever carried by man to the surface of another celestial world, landing on the moon on February 5, 1971, while stowed as part of Edgar Mitchell's Personal Preference Kit (PPK) on the Apollo 14 LM 'Antares.' Printed as a ‘microform’ tablet—the only format possible for flight to the lunar surface—this complete Lunar Bible contains all 1,245 pages of the King James Version and represents one of the 100 microform Bibles that were carried in the Apollo 14 Lunar Module. The Lunar Bible is impressively suede-matted and mounted within a golden Christian Cross encasement designed by the Apollo Prayer League, accented with fourteen pave diamonds (signifying Apollo 14) and a trilliant cut Brazilian garnet, with a red banner containing raised text: “Feb. 5 - Apollo 14 - 1971.” The etched brass plate below reads: "Apollo 14, First Lunar Bible, February 5, 1971 A.D." Framed without glass to an overall size of 10 x 11. In fine condition.
Included with the Lunar Bible is a certificate of authenticity from the Apollo Prayer League, signed by LMP Edgar Mitchell and Rev. John Stout, which reads: “I certify that this Holy Bible…Serial Number 14-025…was flown by Astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell to the Surface of the Moon on February 5, 1971 on the Lunar Module Anteres." It goes on to give some further history of the piece. A photo of Mitchell at the time of the certificate signing is included. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from Zarelli Space Authentication for Mitchell's autograph.
Accompanying provenance related to the rich history of the Apollo 14 Lunar Bible is as follows: a copy of a four-page affidavit authorized by Stout, which documents the history of the Apollo Lunar Bible, his roles as the founder and director of the Apollo Prayer League, as a Senior Information Scientist and Sr. Document Engineer at NASA during the Apollo program, and then as the exclusive custodian of the Lunar Bibles that were not distributed; a descriptive certificate identifying this as one of only 11 extant dual-certified Apollo 14 Lunar Bibles (by Mitchell and Stout); and a reprint of a photograph showing Mitchell presenting Stout with the flown Lunar Bibles after his return from the historic mission. The documentation is housed within an embossed black leather presentation portfolio. The consignor further notes that this display is the only one of its kind, custom-designed and inset with 14 pave diamonds in honor of Apollo 14.
