Author
|
Topic: Ira & Larry Goldberg April 2008 auction
|
connoisseur New Member Posts: From: Registered:
|
posted 01-07-2008 11:46 PM
Now that the new year is upon us, it is again time to begin thinking about cleaning out those closets and making room for new treasures. Preparation for the April Goldberg Coins and Collectibles' space memorabilia auction is well underway and is shaping up to be an outstanding sale. There will be an outstanding 300+ lot collection of pioneer rocket mail, major space memorabilia from a variety of Astronauts and NASA Administrators as well as a large collection of virtually never-before-seen space posters from Eastern Europe. You have till mid-February to get your memorabilia in my hands. All descriptions and lotting has to be done by mid-March. The sooner you contact me about your consignment, the sooner I can get it into the schedule. Even if you decide not to consign for this sale, have a Happy and Healthy New Year. Hope to hear from you soon. Michael |
connoisseur New Member Posts: From: Registered:
|
posted 03-02-2008 03:24 PM
Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctions is pleased to announce that they will be holding their unreserved Space and Aviation auction on April 11 (Friday), beginning at 10 a.m. PDT. Bidding will be accepted by phone, mail, internet, eBay, etc.Highlights of the sale include: - one of the largest holdings of Pioneer Rocket Mail to have come on the market in decades - including virtually complete runs of the later rocket flights from both Great Britain and the US (these don't catalog much, but are almost never available)
- a Soviet Lunar Spacesuit showing the hard torso interior unique to the Soviet Lunar Program (the US chose the soft torso option)
- an extensive selection of seldom-seen contractor models including a 6-foot Martin Marietta rocket model (clear lucite with metal interior components)
- an exact replica model (?) of the largest lunar rock returned to earth by Apollo 17 - presented to the Head of the Lunar Receiving Lab on his transfer to another position
- extensive NASA red ID color photos including Deke Slayton's ASTP photos (virtually complete in number order from a number of different cameras - probably unique)
- an extensive space poster and blueprint section
- flown memorabilia and flags from virtually all Apollo flights, and
- over 150 lots from the files of astronaut and Astronaut Office Head, Deke Slayton
Complimentary copies of the catalog should be in the mail by mid March. If you aren't already on the mailing list to receive a copy, let me know. This sale contains numerous unique items (i.e. a panel from Slayton's ASTP Simulator presented to him by the Simulator team after the flight) that you won't want to miss out. |
connoisseur New Member Posts: From: Registered:
|
posted 03-22-2008 11:10 AM
Heads up!! The catalog is in the mail AND on the GoldBergCoins.com website. It will be on eBay early next week. Save some money in the other sales as there is some outstanding material in this sale also.Michael |
connoisseur New Member Posts: From: Registered:
|
posted 03-24-2008 10:30 AM
Many thanks to Stephen Smith who pointed out that that the Randall Knife, lot 330, WAS NOT, flown. Guess I should have paid more attention to the collectSPACE message board. I have asked that the change be made to the Goldberg web site and to eBay. Sorry about my mistake.Michael |
divemaster Member Posts: 1376 From: ridgefield, ct Registered: May 2002
|
posted 03-28-2008 09:04 PM
Michael- Lot 689 - the Deke Slayton pocket date books - what is in them besides appointments? That is the one lot that has thrown me a bit. Can you give us a bit of a verbal thumb through besides what's written as the description?Thanks tracy |
connoisseur New Member Posts: From: Registered:
|
posted 03-30-2008 10:03 AM
Tracy - They are filled with notations re launches, training, meeting, etc., all having to do with his position as a Mercury astronaut and then as Head of the Astronaut Office. There are don't appear to be any "personal" appointments listed, that I noticed, such as "buy milk", "wash car", "dentist", etc. until perhaps after he left NASA to start SSI, and perhaps not even then (I didn't spot check the later years). He lead a busy life as an asto and in the Astro Office and used these books to keep his schedule straight. Due to the volume, I only had a chance to skim them lightly prior to describing the lot, but if you appreciate handwritten, original documents from an astronaut whose finger was directly on the pulse of the Gemini, Apollo and Shuttle Programs, these schedules are for you.We can send you some photocopies of pages to give you an overall idea if that would help, but given the volume involved. they would of necessity, have to be only a snapshot picture of what is there. Needless to say, he was one busy fellow. Michael |
NAAmodel#240 Member Posts: 312 From: Boston, Mass. Registered: Jun 2005
|
posted 04-01-2008 09:08 AM
Lot 274 was not FLOWN. The USS Barbero envelopes that lack a date and time in the cancel were used for public relations and were not carried on the missile. |
Apollo8 New Member Posts: 4 From: Registered: Apr 2008
|
posted 04-02-2008 09:22 PM
Hi there fellow patch collectors. Goldberg Auctioneers on eBay have listed Deke Slayton's personal Apollo Soyuz crew patch - Item number: 320232200991 quote: Apollo Soyuz, Deke Slayton's "Personal" Crew Patch. This 5" patch is virtually identical to the normal crew patch except for the addition of orange "DKS" initials at the bottom. Beautifully sewn and rarely available. A great addition to any collection. Estimated Value $750 - 1,000.
With a starting bid of only $375 |
DCCollector Member Posts: 227 From: Washington, DC USA Registered: Dec 2006
|
posted 04-03-2008 06:55 PM
What do others think of Lot 354, the Gemini 4 signed photograph (ebay item # 320232197792)? I noticed the lot description itself somewhat timidly states "The autographs appear to be original (not plate signed) and are bold." |
cddfspace Member Posts: 609 From: Morris County, NJ, USA Registered: Jan 2006
|
posted 04-03-2008 08:48 PM
quote: Originally posted by DCCollector: What do others think of Lot 354, the Gemini 4 signed photograph (ebay item # 320232197792)?
I was looking at the same item (in my endless pursuit for an Ed White signed photo) and was scratching my head on the same line in the description. Really does not give a lot of confidence to a potential bidder! |
connoisseur New Member Posts: From: Registered:
|
posted 04-04-2008 09:25 AM
First of all, let me thank all of you for your input (both public and private) re: description mistakes, (ie. Lot 274 which is definitely unflown and lot 616 which is, again, obviously a Mercury Redstone and not a Mercury Atlas model). Me Culpa. Re: the latest comments re: 354, you are all correct in that I wrote the description in a timid manner. I was fairly certain that the signed photo is a genuine piece BUT, given the firestorm that some of you kick up about questionable autographs (I don't object to your pointing out catalog errors, just the vehemence and relish with which you do it), I felt it best to be slightly hesitant with this piece since, due to the fading and the boldness of the autographs, perhaps it was secretarial or another variation. I don't mind having mistakes pointed out in one of my catalogs, but it gets rather old after 15 year of writing two catalogs a year, to be savaged constantly. So what did I do in this case, I was timid about a description and didn't claim to be all knowing and I still got dumped on and had the validity of the sale questioned. Anyway, I think that, on average, most of you are commenting favorably about this sale (which, I think, you should, as the sale has hidden depths that are not apparent at first glance). For those of you who bid, "Good Luck". For those of you who don't bid, also a "Good Luck" and remember, being polite doesn't cost any extra. Michael |
DCCollector Member Posts: 227 From: Washington, DC USA Registered: Dec 2006
|
posted 04-04-2008 04:25 PM
quote: Originally posted by connoisseur: So what did I do in this case, I was timid about a description and didn't claim to be all knowing and I still got dumped on and had the validity of the sale questioned.
I hardly think anyone was "dump[ing]" on you by asking questions about the White/McDivitt signatures. In fact, your response makes it clear that you are one of those who "question" the validity of the lot. If you, representing the auction house, have doubts as to whether the signatures are secretarial or "ano[t]her variation" how can you be indignant over others who share your doubts? |
connoisseur New Member Posts: From: Registered:
|
posted 04-04-2008 08:56 PM
Your question about the lot was more than justified. My "dumping" comment was aimed less at you than at the other gentlemen who used the question to question the rest of the sale. I apologize for tarring you with the same brush. Since I admit that I was less than positive about the autographs, if the shoe were on the other foot, and there was no time to send photos to other knowledgeable collectors (which there wasn't) for their opinions, would you have run the lot?I decided that the preponderance of evidence said that the lot was good and ran it. Is there a consensus among the Group? Should I withdraw the lot as not being genuine? Michael |
mjanovec Member Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 04-04-2008 10:06 PM
If I had to place a bet on the Gemini IV piece, I'd say that the signatures are authentic (assuming, of course, they aren't pre-prints). They definitely don't appear to secreterials. I see a few tells that I look for in an authentic White signature here, even if the start of the "W" is a little atypical in nature (though that trait has been seen in other authentic signatures). Of course, this is just my opinion. I urge any potential bidders to seek other opinions. |
taneal1 Member Posts: 230 From: Orlando, FL Registered: Feb 2004
|
posted 04-05-2008 09:10 PM
Opinions on this item would be greatly appreciated: 366: Apollo 7, 1968, Schirra, Eisele & Cunningham Autog |
Michael Member Posts: 309 From: Brooklyn New York Registered: Jun 2002
|
posted 04-10-2008 04:38 PM
Are there any fakes in this auction? Does anybody see any?Just asking, Mike |
capoetc Member Posts: 2169 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
|
posted 04-10-2008 05:30 PM
quote: Originally posted by Michael: Are there any fakes in this auction? Does anybody see any?
Based upon the ruckus from another recent thread, I'm guessing you won't hear much in that regard.------------------ John Capobianco Camden DE |
mjanovec Member Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 04-10-2008 06:36 PM
quote: Originally posted by capoetc: Based upon the ruckus from the Regency-Superior thread, I'm guessing you won't hear much in that regard.
I agree. I suspect most of the seasoned collectors are finding out that offering advice on auctions in a public forum is a pretty thankless task. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 04-10-2008 10:42 PM
quote: Originally posted by mjanovec: ...a pretty thankless task.
Were they doing it for the praise or because they wanted to help the community to which they belong? I suspect that most fall into the latter category, in which case, it shouldn't really matter if anyone ever stops to thank them (not that that was ever a concern, as their praises have been sung multiple times over in many threads).Further, I would guess that their help would be met with even greater gratitude now, simply because of the recent discussions. On edit: Offering opinions, in any case, shouldn't be seen as a "task". Presumably, the reason why anyone posts here is because they already have an interest in the topic, thus its more of a pastime than a chore. |
Ken Havekotte Member Posts: 2915 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
|
posted 04-10-2008 10:42 PM
Honestly such observation calls, while only speaking for myself, were never done because of any personal praise or even a "thank you," but as Robert pointed out (and I think Robert knows my intentions quite well), a big part of my response to this question provided me a way to possibly help fellow space collectors; yes--if you will, a way to help give back to the space community of collectors and enthusiasts that has been so good to me. Another reason why, believe it or not, was that I was simply asked to do so by several cS members. I started collecting space memorabilia as a young teen in an exciting era of space exploration that witnessed men riding rockets to the moon and back! My sincere interest, passion, dedication, and avid enthusiasm for space travel provided me with many wonderful experiences and life-time opportunities to do what I enjoy so much; working professionally as a full-time "space collector," if you will. |
freshspot unregistered
|
posted 04-11-2008 06:44 AM
This thread is drifting a bit from the original intent as a place to discuss the Goldberg auction, but I wanted to toss in my thoughts:I started collecting about five years ago. Like everyone who starts out, I was excited, but don't know much. I got burned. I made my mistakes. However, here's what's something important. Without Ken and others like Larry McGlynn and Scott Schneeweis freely offering me their opinions, there is no doubt that I would not be collecting today. This is a community and that is an important part of the overall experience. It's not just stuff. |
mjanovec Member Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 04-11-2008 04:20 PM
The bidding has been very interesting to watch. Some items are fetching healthy prices, while I saw many items sell for "bargain" prices. Some items sold for less than half of what I expected. Maybe it's because they are the new kid on the block for space items. |
spaced out Member Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
|
posted 04-11-2008 05:11 PM
I think your "Gus" ISP was a good buy Mark. The bargain that struck me was the Apollo 8 flown Texas flag at $1800 (inc fees) - an amazingly low price for a great item.Personally I am very happy to have finally got myself an Apollo 17 flown flag. With three on offer (the best of which was obviously the Deke version) the prices were something of a bargain, especially considering these were surface flown. [Correction: lunar orbit flown, sorry]. |
poofacio Member Posts: 268 From: United Kingdom Registered: Oct 2006
|
posted 04-11-2008 05:45 PM
I bought the Deke one, what makes you think they are surface flown?David |
4allmankind Member Posts: 1043 From: Dallas Registered: Jan 2004
|
posted 04-11-2008 07:54 PM
Hi Dave,The A17 flag cert's all say they were carried aboard America so that would make them orbit, no? Just for the heck of it...if the winner of lot 373 (A9 flag) sees this and would like to part with it, feel free to write me. Best, Jay |
mjanovec Member Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 04-11-2008 11:05 PM
quote: Originally posted by spaced out: I think your "Gus" ISP was a good buy Mark.
Thanks Chris. I am quite pleased to add this signed Grissom litho to my collection...and one with excellent provenance to boot! |
Michael Member Posts: 309 From: Brooklyn New York Registered: Jun 2002
|
posted 04-11-2008 11:50 PM
Can somebody post the auction results... for example I would like to see this Gus Grissom litho and see how much it went for. All I get is the prices realized, not the picture of the item. Is there a way of doing this? |
mjanovec Member Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 04-12-2008 12:08 AM
On eBay, you can view the completed lots for the Goldberg auctions (including non-space auctions). Click on the link I've provided, then in the left hand column, selected "completed listings." You may need to be registered with eBay to view the completed lots, however. |
spaced out Member Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
|
posted 04-12-2008 01:33 AM
quote: Originally posted by 4allmankind: The A17 flag cert's all say they were carried aboard America so that would make them orbit, no?
Sorry, of course these A17 flags were lunar orbit not lunar surface. Not... enough... sleep.The oversize STS-1 flown flag presentations both made out to Deke were also very nice items, with the second example selling for regular flown flag prices. |
gliderpilotuk Member Posts: 3398 From: London, UK Registered: Feb 2002
|
posted 04-12-2008 02:01 AM
quote: Originally posted by spaced out: The bargain that struck me was the Apollo 8 flown Texas flag at $1800 (inc fees) - an amazingly low price for a great item.
Slightly low price IMO but weak signatures and the fact that it was a state flag probably kept the price down.I was staggered by the $1250 Roosa Kodak Did the "unflown" knife sell at $2499, or was it pulled with no bids? Happy to come away with one of the Holy Grail Books - a mint copy of The Long Lonely Leap - Bring on Regency & Swann. Paul |
poofacio Member Posts: 268 From: United Kingdom Registered: Oct 2006
|
posted 04-12-2008 04:00 AM
quote: Originally posted by gliderpilotuk: I was staggered by the $1250 Roosa Kodak
Supply and demand, been looking for over a year!David |
stsmithva Member Posts: 1933 From: Fairfax, VA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
|
posted 04-12-2008 07:44 AM
Clicking on the above link to see completed items now requires one to click on "Advanced Search" and then check "Completed Items" (unless I missed something). Then the list appears, with the item number in a middle column. I was outbid on what I thought was a neat item: 346. It's a 1963 12-page "Draft Publishing Contract" between the Field Enterprises Educational Corporation (publisher of World Book Encyclopedia) and the Group 2 astronauts and their attorney. The front page has been initialed by astronauts, Neil Armstrong, Frank Borman, Pete Conrad, James Lovell, Elliot See, Tom Stafford, Ed White and John Young. Only James McDivitt has not initialed at the top right. Deke Slayton wrote "Return to Slayton" at the top. (Or is that not his handwriting? The listing didn't mention it.) A 1963 working document, signed by a Mercury 7 astronaut (and from his estate) and then read and initialed by all but one of the Group 2 astronauts, for $260? As is my SOP for when I am the next-highest bidder and lose out by just a few dollars, I will tell myself that the highest bid was $900 higher than mine. I was tempted by another item, but then decided that it was actually too much of a good thing: 387. It's a card signed by Neil Armstrong with "Apollo XI" after his name, Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin Jr., Michael Collins, Richard Nixon, Patricia Nixon, Lyndon B. Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson, Harry S. Truman, and Bess W. Truman. Oh, and Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, with the date 1969. I can see matting something signed by the Apollo 11 crew and Nixon together with that photo of him visiting them in the "Hornet +3" Mobile Quarantine Facility. But would the others then be a distraction? Or was something signed by a WWI aviator, three presidents and First Ladies, and the Apollo 11 crew a great buy at $1,550? Heck, that's an OK price for something signed by just the crew. And finally, someone got a good buy on item 583. It was a collection of various notes, documents, and covers from Slayton's estate with a variety of autographs including Wally (Schirra), Slayton (x6), John (Glenn), Leonov, Gene (Cernan), Al Worden, Michael Collins, and Gordon (Cooper. The Leonov item particularly intrigues me: even if it were just a "Nice to see you last week" note, or an inscribed cover, if it was to Slayton that is a great connection. The top bid was $190. Steve |
4allmankind Member Posts: 1043 From: Dallas Registered: Jan 2004
|
posted 04-12-2008 08:16 AM
The other item from Slayton's estate that I think was a real sleeper was the ASTP Egress Button presentation plaque (lot 499). For $875, someone got a heck of an item. Not a flown item of course, but certainly unique. A neat piece of Cape history.In just briefly glancing at the realized prices, I think that a couple of the flown flags sold for well below their true value (in my eyes that is). I dont usually go after flags, but I picked up two of them myself in this sale because of the great provenance. I was not the winner on it but the Apollo 8 state flag for $1500 was a fantastic bargain. Jay |
spaced out Member Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
|
posted 04-12-2008 08:27 AM
Seems to me that there should be some sort of limited time post-auction offer system where people can make offers to the buyers of items over and above the closing price.The buyer would have the right to refuse anything but if they take the offer they get the delta amount, and the new buyer pays for the item as usual from the auction house. The auction house of course takes the larger seller and buyer fees. I reckon there's a lot of items that people would be willing to pay more for in retrospect. Also, sometimes people hold back on things they're interested in because they're holding out for a special item late in the auction. If they're outbid on the later item they're left with lots of funds but nothing to spend it on. |
mjanovec Member Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 04-12-2008 12:06 PM
quote: Originally posted by stsmithva: Deke Slayton wrote "Return to Slayton" at the top. (Or is that not his handwriting? The listing didn't mention it.)
In my opinion, it appears to be Slayton's writing. |
mikeh Member Posts: 147 From: Registered: Feb 2008
|
posted 04-13-2008 11:20 AM
Why was there was such a difference in the prices between these Apollo 11 crew signed covers - Lots 383 & 386 at $5750 each versus Lots 385 at $3,700 and 384 at $3,300?Thanks, |
spaceflori Member Posts: 1499 From: Germany Registered: May 2000
|
posted 04-14-2008 02:43 AM
The launch cover with mission patch is rarely seen these days and the last one has a perfect Houston postmarker you can't really see on 384+385.Simply a question of condition of the postmarker here. Florian ------------------ Flown artifacts, autographs and more ! www.spaceflori.com |
mjanovec Member Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
|
posted 04-18-2008 01:24 PM
Have invoices been sent out yet for last week's auction? Just wondering... |
rjurek349 Member Posts: 1190 From: Northwest Indiana Registered: Jan 2002
|
posted 04-18-2008 08:13 PM
My invoice was received (and paid) just moments ago. So they are on their way out....can't wait to get my lots. |