posted 09-03-2007 09:18 PM               

Regency-Superior Space Public Auction

October 11-12, 2007

Regency-Superior will conduct a two-day Public Auction at their gallery in Beverly Hills, California on October 11th & 12th. This sale will have nearly 1,000 Space Memorabilia lots ranging from early aviation to unmanned space flights through the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, ASTP and Shuttle programs of the United States, as well as items from the Vostok, Voskhod and Soyuz programs of the Soviet Union and Russia. Other strong areas include early Rocket, Balloon and Zeppelin material along with the current items related to the International Space Station and SpaceShipOne.

The auction begins at 10am (Pacific Time) on both days with a live bidding floor and simulcast bidding on eBay Live Auctions. Viewing of the lots is available beginning Wednesday, October 10th at Regency-Superior's gallery at 9478 W. Olympic Blvd, 2nd Floor, Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Those who would like detailed lot information my contact the gallery at (310) 553-5475.

The entire auction is available online for viewing and bidding at RegencySuperior.com, and includes full lot descriptions, estimates, color photographs and opening bids. A full color catalog is available to all bidders by calling toll-free 1-800-782-0066.

The sale begins with a special section comprising over 60 lots from the estate of astronaut Theodore "Ted" Freeman who tragically perished in 1964, before he had a chance to utilize his extensive education and training as a pilot and aeronautical engineer.

Some of the highlights of the sale are as follows:

(Lot 24) A presentation album presented to Faith Freeman by the entire Astronaut Corps given to her after the memorial service for her husband, Theodore Freeman. This was the last time the entire group would be together in one place at the same time. The 25-page photo album is highlighted by two pages of autographs signed by dozens of astronauts including Grissom, White, Chaffee, See, Williams, Bassett, Aldrin, Armstrong, Collins, Gordon, Borman, Schirra, Glenn, Shepard, and many more.

The Rocket section is loaded with dozens of individual and group cover lots from many countries during the 1930s through 1950s. A highlight from this section is (Lot 172) a 1948 launch cover for the V2 Rocket that carried 'Albert' the primate astronaut to a height of 39 miles on June 11, 1948. Remarks on the cover include 'Partly successful (monkey died of suffocation)'.

The Mercury section contains no fewer than five different lots signed by ALL SEVEN original Mercury astronauts. This section also includes several items carried into space aboard various missions.

Apollo, as usual, has numerous historic and valuable items. The section begins with a Roger Chaffee signed cover and continues with several flown flags from various missions. One of the highlights is (Lot 363) a cover flown to the Moon on Apollo 11 from the Michael Collins collection signed by the crew with 'Delayed in Quarantine' black handstamp, and cancelled Webster, TX Aug 11, 1969 cds. The cover is notated in Collins' hand 'Carried to the Moon aboard Apollo 11'.

There is (Lot 480) a Personal Preference Kit carried to the moon surface by Lunar Module Pilot Jim Irwin aboard the Apollo 15 mission.

The Skylab program is highlighted by (Lot 528) the King James Bible that was part of Skylab's on-board Library for many months and traveled millions of miles (consignor, Astronaut Bill Pogue will be donating the proceeds of the Bible to charity).

The Shuttle section is highlighted by autographed materials relating to both the Challenger and the Columbia tragedies. There is (Lot 625) a magnificent cover signed by the complete crew of STS-51L with the KSC hand cancel dated Jan 28, 1986, Launch Day.

(Lot 624) a lot containing the famous signed and inscribed photo by Christa McAuliffe which states: "May your future be limited only by your dreams".

(Lot 663) STS-107 is represented by a photo and a litho each signed by the entire crew.

Our "Model" section includes (Lot 952) a rare nuclear rocket engine 'NERVA' model from Aerojet, plus a LEM prototype model made at JSC and on display there for many years.

Good luck with your bidding, and thank you for your participation.

posted 09-04-2007 06:33 AM               

Their listed Mercury 7 signed lot (#197) does contain a Schirra autopen and a Shepard secretarial (and can't see the Cooper too well). Yet another Mercury 7 lot (#203), advertised with all autopens, does indeed include a genuine Glenn, Carpenter, but has a Shepard secretarial.

posted 09-04-2007 08:50 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Scott:
Lot 388 is a German Apollo 11 crew forgery of the classic style - absolutely no doubt about it. I have already written Alan to let him know.

---

I sure would have thought it was authentic ... thanks for the heads up.

posted 09-04-2007 09:33 AM               

Unfortunately I cannot tell why here in this thread, for obvious reasons. Yes it is experience - after seeing enough of these you can almost recognize them as you would recognize a friend (or actually, enemy would be more appropriate). It is riddled with tells, on all 3 signatures. I am certain about it - there is no doubt in my mind.

posted 09-04-2007 11:19 AM               

I am a member of the Space department at Regency Superior. Some of you may have met me at the shows in Florida and Arizona.

OK, now down to business. The following changes have been made:

Lot # 197, Schirra autopen & Shepard secretarial (ADDENDA)

Lot # 203, includes genuine Glenn & secretarial Shepard (ADDENDA)

Lot # 209, Shepard Secretarial (ADDENDA)

Lot # 269 Withdraw (not genuine White signature)

Lot # 321 Withdraw (not genuine Schirra)

Lot # 388 Withdraw (German Forgery)

As always, we welcome your questions and comments. Keep 'em coming.

posted 09-04-2007 01:12 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by SpaceChick:
Lot # 203, includes genuine Glenn & secretarial Shepard (ADDENDA)

---

I would include that the Carpenter is genuine too, as Ken also noted. It is generally known that Carpenter didn't have an autopen pattern during his time at NASA.

posted 09-04-2007 03:59 PM               

Lot 252 -- Not too crazy about this Grissom.

Lot 253 -- Is there more background on this?

Lot 288 -- One of the German forgeries?

Lot 315 -- More info is needed as I am not too crazy about the Chaffee in this format

Lot 334 -- Need better scan; possible Borman autopen

Lot 337 -- Perhaps one of the German forgeries?

Lot 336 -- Anders autopen as already noted.
There are a few other "unlikely" Anders on a few other lots, but will let them go for now.

Lot 342 -- As noted, these are indeed Apollo 9 crew autopens, but I also question about the flag being flown as it needs more documentation in a weak format such as this.

Lot 387 -- I just don't like this piece, mainly the Armstrong signature, and Collins, too?

Lot 388 -- Yes, I agree with Scott; one of the German forgeries. This appears to be one of many different photo-scenes he uses-- all on original NASA color glossies.

Lot 485 -- Not too crazy about this Scott.

Lot 507 -- Need to see it closer.

Lot 510 -- Another Cernan-flown flag with "copy" of his certifying letter. If a copy, stay away from it unless you have the original Cernan/Evans letter.

Lot 516 -- All Apollo 17 crew autopens.

Lot 585 -- Believe it or not, don't like the Crippen on this piece and need to see the Young better.

Lot 663 -- Need to see a bigger pic of this STS-107 signed litho, but appears to be autopens (even though from the Clark estate).

Lot 889 -- No, not a good Armstrong.

posted 09-04-2007 07:39 PM               

That said, a few of the lots in question are mine. I am surprised (and disappointed), having thought that the were all bought from reputable dealers, but in the interest of the truth here is what I know about them.

Lot 209 the shepard secretarial was bought by me from Sean Mesar (spelling?) in Bethpage NY, about five years ago. (Yes, on ebay)

lot 253 the crew signed G3 nasa ep pamphlet was bought by me from SpaceMike in Germany about 5 to 7 years ago, from his website.

lot 288 crew signed G7 photo was also bought from SpaceMike about the same time.

I hope that this helps clarify somewhat. If the forum here feels that these are not real I will ask Superior to pull them from the sale. I have no interest in being a part of perpetuating false autographes.

Let me know what you think,

posted 09-05-2007 01:12 AM               

can you elaborate us a bit on this :
"Lot 288 -- One of the German forgeries?"

I didn't know that there is a fake style known of these two guys here.

Both Borman and Lovell have signed for $10-$20 till the late 90s through the mail I believe and since Clifford revealed the source "Spacemike" I can confirm that Spacemike indeed sent tons of items to these astronauts back then - even in my presence when we met at a Superior sale in the 90s.
I can't say obviously that this photo was among these batch of items, but we should be a bit more careful here before claiming anything fake.
Ken, you remember that Gemini 7 item on ebay which you declared fake just because of a blurry scan and then had to paddle back when I requested a fullsize scan from the seller (not spacemike).

Florian

posted 09-05-2007 10:08 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ken Havekotte:

Lot 315 -- More info is needed as I am not too crazy about the Chaffee in this format

Lot 334 -- Need better scan; possible Borman autopen

Lot 387 -- I just don't like this piece, mainly the Armstrong signature, and Collins, too?

Lot 485 -- Not too crazy about this Scott.

Lot 889 -- No, not a good Armstrong.

---

Ken, Thank you again for taking the time to go through the offerings.

Some personal comments regarding Ken's comments:

Lot 315: IMO this has a recent Chaffee style, apparently from Germany. This is the 3rd time I have seen this distinctive off-style, the first two times were on items coming from Germany. I believe it is not an authentic style. [BTW, a bit off-topic, but what kind of person would forge Chaffee's, White's or Grissom's autograph? - 3 brave men who died in a fire trying to get Man to the Moon and who never made a dime on their autographs. Unbelievable.]

Lot 334: I believe this Borman is probably handsigned and authentic, but of course a larger scan would help confirm one way or the other.

Lot 387: Don't like this Armstrong or Collins either.

Lot 485: This IMO is not an authentic Dave Scott style. This is at least the 2nd time I have seen this apparently recent and very distinctive off-style. The first time was on a GT-8 crew signed piece being offered online by a seller in Germany. FWIW, that piece also contained an Armstrong forgery style IMO.

posted 09-05-2007 07:56 PM               

I encourage all who have an experience or facts on SpaceMike or on any of my lots to discuss it publicly here. (lots 253 and 288)

Ken, can you be more specific with what you don't like than

"Lot 253 -- Is there more background on this?

Lot 288 -- One of the German forgeries?"

Please understand that your word carries weight here and that many members will not bid on your say so. if you have a real reason for not liking something than please let us know, but it is unfair to be so vague.

Clifford.

posted 09-05-2007 09:38 PM               

An inordinate number of the classic style German forgeries of the Apollo 11 crew members appear to have the dealer you mention as their earliest known owner. This conclusion is based on information gathered from a dealer in Germany (who I won't name here) as well as observations of collectors elsewhere.

posted 09-06-2007 10:07 AM               

I was under the impression all flown covers are consecutively numbered:
EEA - for Aldrin
C - for Collins
A - for Armstrong

however this cover doesn't have a number?
Does anybody have any further information here?

Florian

posted 09-06-2007 07:29 PM               

Thank you both for your help in this matter, as well as looking over almost all lots in auctions years past, and helping us all identify possible problems. I have relied on both your opinions in past auctions. (and florian) For me this is the real value of this great community (CS) that we all share.

I have read about the specific apollo 11 german forgery style, but was unaware that they came from spacemike. I agree that caution is called for when anything else comes from the same source.

On the other hand one should be careful not to condem all material just because it came from that source. one bad apple in the barrel does not mean that the whole barrel is rotten, but it does mean that one should go through the barrel carefully and look for more rot.

Is there any specific known forgery styles for Grissom, Young, Borman or Lovell (the signers in my two photos) ? I got my catalog today, hope you got yours, and the photos of the signatures are pretty clear. Please look them over in the catalog for me and tell me what you think of the signatures.

As to the date that things were signed it is possible that a gemini photo was signed in the apollo era. As an example my lot 266, a G-4 signed photo. I owned the the photo signed by White for a decade before I sent it to Kim to be signed by McDivitt. So we have a gemini era White signature with a post apollo McDivitt signature on the same photo and both are real. No one told me, and I have not claimed that the G7 photo is vintage.

My offer stands to pull the two lots if you two, and Florian and perhaps Kim feel that they are not real.

With Thanks, Clifford.

posted 09-06-2007 08:58 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by clifford:
To Ken and Scott,

Thank you both for your help in this matter, as well as looking over almost all lots in auctions years past, and helping us all identify possible problems.

---

You are very welcome, Clifford, though I cannot take credit for the exhaustive auction comments of this year or years past. That was/is Ken. As you note, it is very generous of him to share his considerable knowledge and experience, over multiple fields (autographic, philatelic, flown, etc) with our community in this way.

posted 09-06-2007 09:08 PM               

As for the g7 signed one, a CS member has asked me to scan my other spacemike purcheses, and I have a A15 and A17 crew signed photos from him. I will send those to him as examples. Would it help to send those to either Scott or Ken ?

posted 09-06-2007 10:05 PM               

For Clifford in response to your above post. Lot #266 may have originated from the Ken Sharp(e?) collection many years ago. He was a close friend of many early astronauts and sold much of his signed pictures and other space memorabilia. I would feel comfortable with White being authentic on this piece as I also have a White-signed color Gemini spacesuit glossy inscribed to "Ken" that came from the original Sharp collection. Yes, it would appear, that McDivitt's autograph was indeed a later-acquired signature (did you say it was signed during one of Kim's signings?).

posted 09-07-2007 12:47 AM               

Described "an example of a flown cover marked C-1".

Florian

posted 09-07-2007 02:14 AM               

Swann's sold a flown cover labeled "A-58" with a letter from Buzz Aldrin saying it's his initial and certifying the cover.

Superior sold a flown cover labeled "EEA-48" in their Fall 1999 auction (Lot 589), with a letter from Buzz and Joan Aldrin.

The total figures are :
Armstrong - 47 covers
Collins - 63 covers
Aldrin - 104 covers
(handwriting by Buzz Aldrin on the bag of covers they were carried in - Lot 571 Superior auction Fall 1995).

Assuming these covers are consecutively numbered (why not ?) : 58+48 = 106 covers.

But Buzz carried only 104 covers..................
Did Neil possibly gave his to Buzz ? Since Ken H. has never seen any Armstrong flown covers, that would make sense at least.

Maybe a question to ask in London ?

posted 09-07-2007 03:19 PM               

Scott, I will send those scans of my other spacemike purchases for your review. (I have sent them to one other CS member too) I don't know if it is appropriate but I am willing to post them here as well if that would help flush out the truth about forgeries. (perhaps this is a question better asked of Robert)

posted 10-05-2007 09:09 PM               

Lots 224 and 229 both show "P.M." in the hand cancel. These are suspect to being backdated!.

See page 6, Primary Recovery Ship Cover Handbook by Cartier. These two covers are addressed to Mrs. Trudy Woods, same backdated cover address as in the Handbook!

At least Glenn signed for lot 224.

posted 10-05-2007 09:55 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ken Havekotte:
Lot 889 -- No, not a good Armstrong.

---

I am interested in this lot, so I am curious about what the concerns might be with it.

I see a very VERY similar example is listed on the web site of a well known dealer (it does NOT, however, look identical) -- that example sold for almost $5,000. I won't list the site here, although if Ken Havekotte would like to know where I saw it I will e-mail the location to him.

posted 10-11-2007 08:59 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by DOX32:
See page 6, Primary Recovery Ship Cover Handbook by Cartier. These two covers are addressed to Mrs. Trudy Woods, same backdated cover address as in the Handbook!

---

That was Ray's view when he wrote his Handbook. However, he has since been convinced that they are genuine. In fact, I argue in my article that if they are genuine, as appears to be the case, they are the only covers which can be guaranteed to have been aboard the Noa on the recovery day. You'll need to read my full article to see the other evidence that supports my view. I consider these covers potential extremely important.

posted 10-11-2007 07:41 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by jimsz:
Is there a portion of the Regency site that will list Thursdays auction and the selling prices?

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I have a question about one of the lots: 55. This is on the same page as the flag that was discussed. It's a T-38A flight crew checklist that "was with Freeman onboard his ill fated last T-38 flight." Really? It was either recovered from the wreckage of the plane, or was in a pocket of his flight suit?

I seem to be the high bidder on lot 266, an Edward H. White II EVA photo signed by he and McDivitt. I'm happy with the price and it will frame up nicely with some other things. But I can't believe the price for lot 267, the EVA photo with a long inscription to Deke Slayton! Sure, it's sepia and way bigger than I wanted, but at that price with that connection... wow. I wonder if the winner will send it to the McDivitt signing in a couple of weeks.

posted 10-11-2007 07:42 PM               

You won one of the items I wanted to bid on. I was stuck at work and missed the White lot by 3 items. I did put bids in but just missed out.

The same happened with the Grissoms.

posted 10-11-2007 09:31 PM               

Lot 436, an Apollo 12 flown flag, went for $8,000, while Lot 510, an Apollo 17 flag flown to the lunar surface, only went for $2,000.

Why the rather significant difference?

posted 10-12-2007 02:06 AM               

Also, despite mentioning both spacecraft the wording of the letter doesn't say to me that it (the flag accompanying the original letter that is) definitely travelled to the lunar surface.