Author
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Topic: Signing history, experience: Buzz Aldrin
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Flying Dutchman Member Posts: 161 From: Heemstede Registered: Jan 2007
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posted 01-24-2009 01:02 PM
Can anyone tell me if and/or when Buzz Aldrin stopped signing for free through the mail?Can anyone tell me when he started his website and thus started to sell through autograph organisations? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 51279 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-09-2009 10:25 AM
BuzzAldrin.com first came online in 1996, in support of the release of his first novel, "Encounter With Tiber." At the time, he was still signing for free, as I recall his signing autographs for literally hundreds of people at the National Space Society's Race for Space, though he also attended his first space show that year (organized by The Space Source, then AVD, in College Park, Maryland). |
flight_plan Member Posts: 58 From: Lincs Registered: Apr 2009
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posted 04-29-2009 02:59 PM
I suppose if you add up all the autographs Buzz Aldrin has done over the last 40 years plus, I wonder how rare his actually is? |
mjanovec Member Posts: 3811 From: Midwest, USA Registered: Jul 2005
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posted 04-29-2009 07:43 PM
Not rare at all. But then again, neither is Neil Armstrong's autograph.The value we attach to these autographs on the marketplace is more a matter of supply and demand, not a judgement of rarity. |
Gary Member Posts: 11 From: Florida Registered: Apr 2002
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posted 05-04-2009 09:05 AM
Buzz Aldrin signed some moon surface lithos for me while he was here in Cape Canaveral this weekend for the Astronaut Hall of Fame Inductions. I was thrilled to add these lithos to my personal collection. He was a gentleman and very professional and I appreciate the time he took to do this for me it was an honor. |
SpaceSteve Member Posts: 442 From: San Antonio TX, USA Registered: Apr 2004
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posted 10-31-2009 08:23 PM
I drove up to Austin, Texas today (Oct. 31, 2009) to attend Buzz Aldrin's discussion and book signing at the annual Texas Book Festival, held inside, and on the grounds and immediate vicinity of the State Capital Building.Buzz came out and talked a bit about Apollo 11 and his life both before and after. Nothing really noteworthy or new, but an enjoyable 45 minutes. He seemed to be in good spirits. Afterwards, he began signing his book "Magnificent Desolation." He was in a very good mood, laughing, smiling, and making small friendly comments to all attendees, especially the kids. He was only signing "Magnificent Desolation," no other books or memorabilia. I saw a few people with photos, Life Magazines and such, and I had also brought my copy of "Voices from the Moon" by Andrew Chaikin, just in case. All-in-all, it was a good couple of hours. |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4540 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-18-2011 01:50 PM
I'd be interested to hear other members experiences at signing events attended by Buzz Aldrin. In particular, does he have an issue signing Edwin E. Aldrin as opposed to Buzz? |
Spacefest Member Posts: 1168 From: Tucson, AZ Registered: Jan 2009
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posted 03-18-2011 01:50 PM
Yes. He legally changed his name to Buzz. |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4540 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 03-18-2011 02:41 PM
Thanks for the feedback. It is a shame he will no longer sign "Edwin E" particularly as that is how he "signed" the plaque left on the moon. Such a signature would be historically more relevant. |
shadow1789 Member Posts: 16 From: United Kingdom Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 04-06-2012 10:15 AM
I was thinking of attending Autographica later this year (2012) until I read about the prices he charges for his signature. Why does he seem fit to charge? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 51279 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-06-2012 10:25 AM
Buzz Aldrin charges what he does because he can command those fees. His appearances are still met with a line of collectors desiring his autograph.And even if he didn't, like all astronauts, he is free to set his own signing policies. If you desire his autograph but cannot afford his direct price, you can usually find secondhand examples selling for less, depending on the type of item. If it's only the signature that matters to you, then that may be the best solution. |
Daugherty54 Member Posts: 621 From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 04-06-2012 05:34 PM
Buzz's fees are not really all that unreasonable. Considering the signature is of the second man ever to set foot on the moon on the first landing and it's probably a fair price. |
Kite Member Posts: 1101 From: Northampton UK Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 04-06-2012 05:57 PM
My suggestion is to take Robert's advice. I have been unable to justify paying the high prices for autographs but am just pleased to go to these events and meet these legends who without exception have been willing to shake hands, have a conversation and answer any questions I have asked even though I have informed them that I wont be purchasing a signature. Out of respect I try not to be too intrusive. Buzz Aldrin gave a talk at the Royal Festival Hall in London a few years ago and I bought his book which had his signature on a bookplate inside which I was more than pleased with. Although it is nice to have an autograph to me it is not the most important thing. I am just happy to have met them and feel honoured to have done so thanks to the people who make this possible. |
davidcwagner Member Posts: 1011 From: Albuquerque, New Mexico Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 04-07-2012 02:23 PM
Buzz signed for free at a 2001 space conference in Albuquerque. He was especially patient with children. Signed my item that had a really nice Armstrong signature for free without a blink.Paid $600 in 2008 for Aldrin to sign an Apollo model and add "Apollo XI LMP Columbia Eagle." It was a bargain. He cheerfully posed for photos with previously signed items like a flown Apollo 11 flight plan page. I may not get another item signed at the current prices but I am grateful for the opportunity to choose. |
garymilgrom Member Posts: 2130 From: Atlanta, GA Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 04-09-2012 12:24 PM
When I met Buzz at an ASF event he was very open and accomodating, talking about his personal life as well as Apollo and the specifics of orbital rendezvous.At an outdoor event (airshow) where autographs were not permitted he maintained his friendly demeanor, calling other astronauts together for a group portrait and posing several times as we in attendance futzed with our cameras. Overall a very positive experience. ![ASF Portrait](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6915301222_b6b132b6be.jpg) |
Critter New Member Posts: 2 From: Baltimore MD, USA Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 05-02-2012 11:34 AM
I have looked at several pictures of Buzz Aldrin but the picture (signed by all three) I have of the 'Prime Crew of Fifth Manned Apollo Mission' has his signature signed as 'Edwin E Aldrin Jr'. When did he stop signing "Edwin" and only sign "Buzz"? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 51279 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 05-02-2012 11:56 AM
Aldrin legally changed his first name to "Buzz" in the early 1980s, though he had gone by that name since childhood. He signed both as Edwin and Buzz during his astronaut career.By the time Aldrin took part in his first autograph show in 2004, he had already ceased signing "Edwin." |
RLK88 Member Posts: 101 From: Long Island, NY Registered: Jul 2012
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posted 05-11-2013 01:02 PM
I am glad we went today (May 11, 2013) to the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island today! Buzz Aldrin was absolutely amazing!He answered my question on politics and space in the lecture hall and then we proceeded to meet him at the book signing afterwards and he exceeded any expectation I had. He took the time to talk to us, shake my son's hand vigorously and smile for the camera! My son was so happy and I was elated that we were able to have such a nice encounter. The bottom line - He is a hero and a brilliant man. |
DChudwin Member Posts: 1121 From: Lincolnshire IL USA Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 05-12-2013 08:11 AM
Buzz Aldrin is a fascinating individual-- brilliant, in some ways eccentric (see what's on his wrists besides a watch), charming at times, and at times tone deaf to other people depending on the occasion.We are fortunate to have the chance to interact with such an historic figure because he is willing to be out among the public. |
schnappsicle Member Posts: 410 From: Houston, TX, USA Registered: Jan 2012
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posted 10-07-2013 08:19 AM
I got Buzz Aldrin to write the Apollo 11 plaque "Here men from the planet earth..." on my panorama photo for $850. I had him sign one two years before that with just his name and mission information. It always seemed so empty when I looked at it on my wall that I had to get another one with the plaque added. While I wasn't happy about the fee, I'm more than thrilled with the final product. To me, that's all that really matters.As for my meeting with Buzz, I have only good things to say about him. I've been to two of his shows and he's signed stuff for me at both shows. He was very nice both to me and my daughter. |
neo1022 Member Posts: 325 From: Santa Monica, CA Registered: Jun 2013
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posted 10-07-2013 05:14 PM
Last May (2013), I was heading to an interview at Northern Arizona University. My flight arrived into Phoenix late, and as a result, I just missed my connection to Flagstaff — the plane hadn't left yet, but the gate was closed and they wouldn't let anyone else on board.
As I was standing at the check-in desk trying to talk my way onto the plane, this old guy comes up behind me and starts raising hell with the gate clerk, demanding to speak to the pilot, cursing, etc. I turn around to see who's making such a commotion, and see this guy who looks an awful lot like Buzz. After shouting at the guy for a minute or two, he pauses. I look at him and ask, "Are you Buzz Aldrin?" He looks over at me and say, "Yeah I'm Buzz Aldrin, now get that damn pilot on the phone...!" Anyway, long story short, Buzz and I ended up renting a car together and I spent the next two hours driving him up to Flagstaff (where he was attending the IAA Planetary Defense Conference). On the drive up talked about lots of things: Mars missions, SpaceX, politics, and diving. I didn't have the nerve to ask him anything about Apollo XI or his experience on the moon mission, but he wasn't shy about giving his opinion on the current space program! A few times during the drive, I glanced out my driver's side window at the almost-full moon above the horizon. Then I'd glance over at the man who sitting next to me — amazed that I had ended up here, driving one of the very first moonwalkers through the Arizona night. An amazing evening indeed. Once we got to Flagstaff and dealt with the rental car, he gave me his business card and some contact information. As he handed it to me, I saw that it was a very cool Apollo XI card with the mission emblem and a little astronaut logo. I couldn't resist asking him to sign it for me (which he did). At the time I didn't know he was such a reluctant public signer — probably never would have asked otherwise. (Best moment: When we were waiting at the rental car place, he took out his iPhone to call his niece to pick us up in Flagstaff. He looked for the phone number in his contact book for a few seconds, then, having difficulty reading the small letters, he handed the phone to me: "What does that say...?" I looked at the phone number. "It says Neil Armstrong." Buzz paused a moment, looked at me, then said: "Don't think he's gonna be picking up any time soon..." Priceless!) |
jamato99 Member Posts: 150 From: Leesburg, VA USA Registered: Apr 2003
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posted 10-09-2013 03:24 PM
Wow!!! Now THAT'S a cool story!!! |
Skyguy48 Member Posts: 142 From: Scotland Registered: Jun 2011
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posted 10-09-2013 04:48 PM
What an amazing encounter... Now the check-in desk deserves a kiss rather than a punch. See how it all turns out? |
Ronpur Member Posts: 1260 From: Brandon, Fl Registered: May 2012
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posted 10-09-2013 07:08 PM
THIS would make a great movie! Planes, Rockets and Automobiles! |
SpaceyInMN Member Posts: 367 From: Andover, MN Registered: Dec 2013
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posted 04-26-2014 04:46 PM
Mr. Aldrin signed a copy of "Mission to Mars" for me today at the Go Boldly Expo in St. Paul. While it was still a thrill to see a member of Apollo 11 in person and have him sign something, I can't get past the feeling that Buzz simply didn't give a rip about the people who had come to see him at this event.Please don't get me wrong. I do realize that the book signing line was very long, and I certainly didn't expect a photo with him or to carry on a conversation, but he repeatly ignored the people in line who were thanking him for signing their book, for his service to his country, etc. Not a smile, nod of the head, or anything to acknowledge their sincere thanks. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 51279 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-26-2014 07:18 PM
I'm sorry to hear your experience with Buzz today wasn't ideal. I doubt he meant any disrespect. He's participated in a lot of these types of events over the years and sometimes he's personable with everyone who approaches, and other times he's focused on signing only. Buzz is today as dedicated to advancing humanity into space as he has ever been (perhaps even more so). His passion for the topic comes through clearly, even over the phone. I suspect that for a long time now, he's considered signing as a means to that end, and would enjoy it more if people took more interest in what is written in the book than what he writes on it. But that said, I think he genuinely understands the reasons why crowds turn out for his appearances and is appreciative for it, even if he may not always exhibit it. On edit: By the way, you mention "not a smile," but see this tweet. |
SpaceyInMN Member Posts: 367 From: Andover, MN Registered: Dec 2013
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posted 04-26-2014 08:48 PM
I'm happy to see that smile. I was near the front of the line for the book signing, and I can honestly say that he wasn't even making eye contact with people at that time. I will agree with you, though, on his passion for space exploration. He gave a couple presentations during the day and was very enthusiastic and passionate while giving them.I also can completely understand that signing hundreds of items at events like this over the course of 50 or so years would get very old and tedious. I'm glad he still does these events. I will be reading his book, although I have a few to get through before I start in on it. |
moonnut Member Posts: 280 From: Andover, MN Registered: Apr 2013
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posted 04-26-2014 11:08 PM
Jason, glad to see ya got out there. I was out there the whole day and thoroughly enjoyed the presentations. And yes Robert, Mr. Aldrin's passion is unrelenting and a thrill too see. I too did get a book signed and had the same experience. I was in the middle of thanking him for his contributions and he turned away mid-sentence. I was disappointed, but understanding at the same time. Hearing him speak was the thrill that I went for anyway. |
dwager Member Posts: 130 From: Augusta, GA Registered: Sep 2014
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posted 09-04-2018 09:13 PM
Does anyone have any recent experience on getting something signed? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 51279 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-04-2018 09:16 PM
Given recent events in Aldrin's personal life, I would suggest inquiring through Buzz Aldrin Ventures. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 51279 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 09-22-2018 09:27 PM
Buzz Aldrin Ventures now has listed for sale a number of autographed photos and canvases, as well as selection of signed memorabilia, including philatelic covers.They are not, however, accepting personal items for signature. |
yeknom-ecaps Member Posts: 845 From: Northville MI USA Registered: Aug 2005
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posted 09-26-2018 10:42 PM
Quite a variety of signature patterns on the site as well as being very different from the "classic" Aldrin signature. |
Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4540 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 06-25-2021 03:09 PM
quote: Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn: It is a shame he will no longer sign "Edwin E"...
Revisiting my question from 2011, I think it is common knowledge that Buzz no longer signs "Edwin E." even if paid to do so. Am I correct in suggesting that this only became "official" in the last 10 years or so and for how long prior to that did Buzz stop signing Edwin E. unofficially?The Antiques Roadshow last weekend repeated a show that included an Apollo 11 crew litho framed with individual crew signatures on index cards. The experts believed the signatures were genuine when they clearly were not (it was discussed on this forum after the show was initially aired a year or two ago). I posed the initial question about Edwin E. over Buzz in the hope that a known date for the switch would help authenticate or otherwise signed pieces such as the Antiques Roadshow "Edwin E." example obtained post flight circa 1969. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 51279 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 06-25-2021 03:14 PM
I don't know if it dates earlier, but Aldrin was not signing his former name by the time he took part in his first autograph show in 2004. |
Axman Member Posts: 235 From: Derbyshire UK Registered: Mar 2023
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posted 10-29-2023 11:14 AM
I have here a very nice Apollo 16 cover, with the Apollo 16 logo cachet in colour and postmarked by a KSC 'dark' slogan machine cancel on Apollo 16's launch day. It is hand addressed to Col. E E Aldrin Jr. at 5364 Palo Verde Dr. Edwards CA. 93523.Not knowing much about US addresses, I have no idea if this is/was a genuine postal address. So, basically, can anyone tell me: is this a legit address for Buzz Aldrin? ![](http://www.collectspace.com/review/axman/apollo_16_cover_aldrin_address01-lg.jpg) |
Ken Havekotte Member Posts: 3717 From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 10-29-2023 11:32 AM
It's the home address of Aldrin when he was commander of the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB. He had retired from NASA and the Air Force that same year. Additional add-on note: Yes indeed, that is Aldrin's own handwriting as the photo image above was not available when this posting was first made. |
Axman Member Posts: 235 From: Derbyshire UK Registered: Mar 2023
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posted 10-29-2023 11:36 AM
Wow. Thanks Ken.
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 51279 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 10-29-2023 11:50 AM
quote: Originally posted by Axman: It is hand addressed...
It appears to be self-addressed. The handwriting is Aldrin's. |
Axman Member Posts: 235 From: Derbyshire UK Registered: Mar 2023
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posted 10-29-2023 02:00 PM
I was hoping it might be. |