Author
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Topic: 295056442796: Kapton foil from LM-5
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dtemple Member Posts: 761 From: Longview, Texas, USA Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 02-03-2023 10:43 PM
Can anyone comment on the legitimacy of this item?I am aware a repair was indeed made to Apollo 11's lunar module while it was on the pad and that one of the guys making the repair kept Kapton that had to be removed to replace the defective component, but the info stated on the card does not prove the attached piece is actually from LM-5. |
Chuckster01 Member Posts: 1084 From: Orlando, FL Registered: Jan 2014
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posted 02-04-2023 05:48 AM
Grumman Lunar Module Engineer Lee Brandt did replace a squib valve on LM-5 while on the launch pad before the launch of Apollo 11. Lee retained multiple layers of Kapton removed from LM-5 after that repair.Lee sold that Kapton along with a COA and a copy of the Silver Snoopy award letter that he received for completing that repair. So the story is accurate but I can not attest to the piece being sold by this person because there is no copy of the COA shown and he did not reference Lee Brant in the listing. I believe there were 24 sheets each measuring about 18" x 16" and I am fortunate to have a full sheet gifted to me by Lee. I hope you find this information helpful even if it does not answer your question. |
Jonnyed Member Posts: 590 From: Dumfries, VA, USA Registered: Aug 2014
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posted 02-04-2023 02:35 PM
It's hard not to be pretty skeptical of the item, isn't it, given there is no discussion at all of the provenance?I'm not expert enough to declare an informed judgement about it's authenticity but, for me, I would not buy it myself. |
Ken Havekotte Member Posts: 3576 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 02-04-2023 03:10 PM
This Apollo 11 Kapton card was produced by history and space memorabilia dealer Paul Hartunian of New Jersey. I am almost certain that Hartunian did in fact acquire the one-time attached LM-5 Kapton insulation tape from a Brandt online source or space auction. |
SpaceAholic Member Posts: 5208 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-04-2023 03:35 PM
Boils down to confidence in presented provenance (to the extent it does/doesnt exist) and risk tolerance. Going forward if the new owner decides to sell the piece he/she is also going to be faced with having to convince a future buyer that the offered item is what it purports to be. |
dtemple Member Posts: 761 From: Longview, Texas, USA Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 02-04-2023 09:28 PM
That is an excellent point. However, I would not likely sell the item, anyway, but rather give it to someone else in the future. Still, I have a bit of doubt about the item's authenticity.Also, I was considering buying two - one for me and one for a friend who worked at MSC from 1964 to 1970. I believe I will pass on this opportunity unless additional info can be provided to confirm the Kapton is truly from LM-5. quote: Originally posted by Ken Havekotte: ...Hartunian did in fact acquire the one-time attached LM-5 Kapton insulation tape from a Brandt online source or space auction.
Thanks for your input. I had rather be absolutely sure about this item - especially since I was interested in buying two - one for me and one for a friend, an engineer, who worked at MSC from 1964 to 1970. Maybe a better opportunity will come along. |
dtemple Member Posts: 761 From: Longview, Texas, USA Registered: Apr 2000
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posted 02-04-2023 09:30 PM
Thanks to everyone who posted a reply to my question. I have decided to pass on this one. |
vamanboatin Member Posts: 281 From: Vienna, VA Registered: Mar 2004
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posted 02-05-2023 09:50 AM
If you are looking for a piece with COA from Lee Brandt I have a few extra in various sizes I would be willing to sell. Contact me via email. |