Exceptional flown 8˝ x 8.5˝ swatch of Beta cloth featuring the Apollo 14 mission insignia in the center, prepared as a limited edition (numbered 5/50), signed in a designated area in black felt tip by the Apollo 14 LMP, "Edgar Mitchell, Moonwalker." The cloth bears a later red "Lunar Receiving Laboratory" stamp initialed by Mitchell, "EM," a lengthy quote from Mitchell's book The Way of the Explorer, and a paragraph certifying its flown status, in part: "This Apollo 14 Mission Emblem, printed on fireproof 'Beta Cloth' and originating from my personal space collection, flew to the Moon aboard the Apollo 14 Command Module 'Kitty Hawk.'" The text on this Beta cloth was added later using the same silkscreen process that had been used for the mission emblem prior to flight. Suede-matted with a certificate of authenticity signed by Mitchell to an overall size of 22.75 x 15.75.
Mitchell's letter reads, in part: "In August, 2008, I participated in the creation of a unique limited edition entitled 'Earth Our Cradle' that utilized fifty of my Apollo 14 flown 'Beta Cloth' mission patches. This may well be the very first time to date that an astronaut-approved limited edition has ever been created from a complete lunar artifact. The artwork on each patch was added using the same silk-screening technique with which the Apollo 14 mission emblem was printed on its face before flight. Each patch was then individually hand-embossed with my 'Lunar Receiving Laboratory' stamp to certify that I received it from the lab, which I also initialed. I then signed and numbered each individual patch, along with their corresponding certification certificate. The title of 'Earth Our Cradle' was chosen from the autobiographical quotation appearing on the patch, which expresses my feelings as one who has gazed upon the face of the Earth from the Moon's surface." In fine condition.
