They’re been deemed “space treasures” — and they will soon hit the auction block according to Julien’s Auctions, a bidding house based in Beverley Hills, Calif. which will reveal details of the collection on Monday. The value of items from the heroic era of early NASA space travel is — in a word — skyrocketing.
“A special category to this year’s edition is an exclusive collection of some of the most significant and historical space artifacts and treasures including Neil Armstrong’s actual pilot control stick from his Apollo 11 flight to the moon (estimate: $100,000-200,000) and an Apollo 17 complete original tool kit flown on the last mission to the moon (estimate: $20,000-30,000),” Julien’s advises.
But wait, there’s more: Nifty elbow-length space utility gloves are expected to fetch $10,000-20,000, There are some cheaper items, though. Bidding for heat-shielding space tiles from the Space Shuttle start at $200, a communications panel at $400 and a interior Shuttle door $$1,500-2000.
In addition, the iconic space suit featured in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 sci-fi blockbuster “2001: A Space Odyssey” is up for auction too, expected to bring $200,000-$300,000. It has been kept in storage for two decades, and said to be in very good condition.
Darren Julien, CEO and president of the auction house, says he is “honored” to present the unique collection.
The “Legends and Explorers” auction — which also includes plenty of Hollywood memorabilia and costumes — takes place July 17-18, and begins at 10 a.m. PT. Consult juliensauction.com.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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