Soviet Orlan-D spacesuit to lead LA auction at $40,000

A 1977-84 Soviet Orlan-D spacesuit is expected to lead a varied LA sale on June 9

An eclectic sale, which is to be held on June 9 in Los Angeles, is expected to feature a rare Soviet Orlan-D EVA spacesuit as top lot.

One of only 34 models ever made

The auction will star the spacesuit and other space memorabilia items alongside a collection of rare US stamps.

The Orlan spacesuit was first developed by the Soviet space program in 1977 and has since been used by its successor, the Russian space program, as well as NASA. Only 27 test models and seven flight models of the semi-rigid Orlan-D suit were ever made.

This particular suit, which was designed to support crew members while conducting a space-walk or EVA (extra-vehicular activity), is in good condition despite missing its outer cover layer. It is estimated to sell for $30,000-40,000.

Further highlights include an Apollo 11 flown United States flag in pristine condition, which is to be accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Buzz Aldrin's stepson. The flag will go to auction with a valuation of $6,000-8,000.

Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering collectors the chance to own a Buzz Aldrin signed Apollo 11 training suit, which is accompanied by a letter of provenance from the man himself.

Items from the Apollo 11 mission continue to display their perennial worth at auction, with the PFC40 Autograph Index reporting a 6.15% pa increase in value for signed photographs from 2010 to 2011.

Also featuring among the space memorabilia in the sale will be a lightweight wooden prototype of a camera that was used onboard the Apollo 7 mission. The prototype boasts slightly faded signatures from the three Apollo 7 astronauts, Donn Eisele, Wally Schirra and Walt Cunningham. It is expected to sell for $4,000-6,000.

See Paul Fraser Collectibles' full range of space and aviation memorabilia here.

Recent and related articles

·  Gemini 5 log book provides rare glimpse of life in space | 10 May 2012

·  Apollo 11 Robbins medals to reach astronomical bids in space auction? | 7 May 2012

·  Charles Lindbergh Spirit of St. Louis signed photo to auction | 6 May 2012

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