posted 09-22-2012 07:56 PM               

Michael was responsible for helping to establish the space collector market over 25 years ago. He worked with astronauts, cosmonauts, NASA employees and just about anyone else associated with the various space programs around the world.

Up until a few weeks ago, Michael was preparing Goldberg's December space memorabilia auction. As always he was concerned that the work be completed thoroughly and ahead of schedule.

posted 09-22-2012 10:26 PM               

Michael not only agreed, but welcomed my participation, recognizing the potential the web had for enhancing the auction experience.

In 2001, when Michael retired — mind you, he was back in the auction business shortly thereafter and as noted, he never stopped — I described him in an article for this site as the proverbial "man behind the curtain." Fortunately for our community, he didn't stay hidden and his presence was not only felt, but known to us all.

Michael once asked me after one of our early auction webcasts, "How does it feel to be a pioneer?" He was far too kind; he was the pioneer and I was only expanding the path he helped blaze.

posted 09-23-2012 12:38 AM               

I was shocked to read Michael's email just a few weeks ago telling about his condition and that he's "shooting for the end of the year" with his usual humor.

I'm deeply saddened to read now that he's gone. Michael's work and dedication for our hobby can't be appreciated enough considering in those days when Superior started to do space sales there was no eBay, no collectSPACE, no (real) www-internet, no Twitter, Facebook or anything...

He (along with Alan, Glenn etc.) gave a few spacenuts a haven and a reason to meet two times a year in Beverly Hills and initiated friendships that are still enduring.

When our two kids were born Michael and Linda always sent a box with goodies for them — a great gesture.

posted 09-23-2012 03:29 AM               

Mike was an outstanding example of knowledge and personal integrity. He will be missed by many in the hobby.

------------------
Jürgen P Esders
Brussels, Belgium

International Director (Europe), Space Unit
Weltraum Philatelie e. V./BFV Cosmos/AAF/GWP/AAAS/UACC/AdA/Fellow BIS

posted 09-23-2012 04:09 PM               

Not just a credit to his profession, he was what Jewish people call a real mensch.

posted 09-23-2012 04:36 PM               

I'm glad I did now.

posted 09-23-2012 05:49 PM               

Michael and I first met more than 20 years ago when we had dinner together during his first Florida Space Coast visit in Cocoa Beach.

We discussed this "new arena" of space collecting as Michael had a vision and the foresight in putting aerospace memorabilia
into the mainstream of national and worldwide auction gallery spotlight offerings.

At the time, Superior Galleries in Beverly Hills, CA, mostly concentrated on rare postal stamps, covers, and coins.

During the early 1990s, Michael was the first that I can recall in wanting to include astronaut-owned space lots as a part of his firms's auction sales.

It was Michael Orenstein that took the risk and leadership to include and expand space memorabilia as a primary collecting topic.

For that, in my book, he will always be remembered as a pioneer in this new but rising market frontier.

Some 25 or so years later, thanks to Michael and Superior, space memorabilia has been/is a vital part of many major auction house galleries.

Thanks, Michael, and forever rest in peace.

posted 09-23-2012 08:15 PM               

I sold 100+ rare aviation / military items when Michael was at Superior. While in their offices writing descriptions for a few days, I was in awe of Michael's energy, attention to detail and ability to coordinate every artifact. Watching him work gave me an appreciation for his dedication to every client and artifact.

My deepest condolences to his lovely wife and family. The world is a poorer place without him and he will be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

God Speed Michael

posted 09-23-2012 09:58 PM               

My sincere condolences to his family and friends, including all of you here on collectSPACE.

posted 09-24-2012 12:41 PM               

Michael hired me to work at Superior in June of 1993, I thought to work on stamp auctions but soon learned that Space Memorabilia was really his favorite area. I was expected to dive in and learn that as well. Mike and I had breakfast at Factor's Deli in Beverly Hills together at 7:00AM every morning that we both worked at Superior for eleven years. If you really want to get to know someone, have breakfast with him for that many years and have a desk next to him for eight to ten hours a day as well.

Mike was a self-admitted workaholic and insisted on perfection and quality in our catalogs and our dealings with clients. A tough taskmaster as well as the best of friends to have.

He felt that the space auctions were his "baby" and spent all the extra hours needed to cement friendships and business relationships in the space collecting area. Many of his friends continue to be friends of mine. We will all miss him greatly.

One of Mike's real beliefs was that his catalogs were reference works that would be used for generations of future collectors. His early Superior catalogs had whole sections in them on Space History, flight numbers, astronaut records, etc. I never could have learned all I know without these resources.

It will be hard not having Mike to call for opinions and advice. He was always free with his knowledge, even after we became friendly competitors.