Alan Bean’s flown food packet of butterscotch pudding that was carried into lunar orbit aboard the Command Module Yankee Clipper during the historic Apollo 12 mission. The packet, 3.25″ x 15″, with parts/instruction label to the bottom section, “9029, Butterscotch Pudding, 4 oz. cold water, 5-15 minutes,” features very faint felt tip notations made by Bean, whose signature and handwriting are now almost entirely indiscernible. An included photo depicts the packet with Bean’s then-bold handwriting, which certifies flown status and reads: “Flown to the moon aboard Yankee Clipper, November 1969, Alan Bean, Apollo 12 CMP.” Included with the packet is a signed letter of authenticity from Bean, which reads, in part: “The accompanying Apollo 12 lunar orbit food packet bearing the label Butterscotch Pudding, serial number 9029 and bearing a flight certification in my hand…accompanied Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon and me into lunar orbit aboard our command module, Yankee Clipper in November 1969. During the Apollo Program, NASA's policy allowed astronauts to keep disposable equipment from their mission as personal mementos, and I accordingly chose to include this packet of food flown to lunar orbit among mine. This food packet was a treasured part of my personal collection when NASA presented it back to me in 1969, shortly after my return to Earth. This packet of Butterscotch Pudding remains a piece of historic equipment from one of the manned lunar voyages, and a rare example of an astronaut flight-certified artifact returned from the Moon.” Archivally framed together to an overall size of 13.25″ x 32.25″. In fine condition.
This food packet was originally framed in a shadowbox by Alan Bean in 1970 as a ‘house gift’ for a visit to the home of Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis. However, due to a change in the political climate between President Richard Nixon and Onassis, it was suggested that Bean not accept Onassis' invitation. The display, which also contained four other flown food packets, hung in the Bean family living room until it was consigned for auction. When the reserve was not met, Bean opened the display and sold the food packets separately.
The meals on Apollo 12 were comprised of more than 70 items, ranging from rehydratable freeze-dried items, wet-pack and spoon-bowl foods, and meals ready to eat. The food for the Apollo missions was prepared and packaged by the Whirlpool Corporation in conjunction with the U.S. Army Laboratory in Natick, Massachusetts. A wet-pack example like this butterscotch pudding required the astronauts to inject water into the food bag using a water gun. The package would then be cut open with scissors and consumed.
From the lifetime collection of noted space collector Jim Ruddy.
