Neil Armstrong's ‘rarest living’ signature takes giant leaps in US auction

Three photographs bearing the autograph of the first moonwalker outdid expectations this weekend

Regency Superior's auction featuring space and aviation memorabilia concluded over the weekend (January 28-30). The sale featured some exciting and unique pieces for collectors everywhere with a wide variety of autographs, memorabilia and even art devoted to everyone from the likes of the Wright brothers to recent shuttle mission.

For space autograph-hunters there were several examples of the rarest of them all: Apollo 11 moonwalker Neil Armstrong, and it's these which we'll focus on here.

We've often noted that Neil Armstrong's autograph has a tremendous draw for collectors. In fact, Armstrong's signature is the "world's rarest living" example. Since he stopped signing in the early-1990s, the value of his autograph has grown by 900% over 10 years.

Recently a flag bearing not just Armstrong's autograph but a warm inscription by him, alongside his crew members, was the top lot in RR Auction's much-trailed space sale.

Neil Armstrong signed lithograph (Click to enlarge)

The flag is affixed by its corners to a 10" x 12" certificate stating "This flag traveled to the moon with Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing, July 20, 1969," and signed in black felt tip by astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.

Armstrong's inscription reads, "To Rooster with sincere best wishes from Apollo 11." The piece sold for just under $40,000.

Indeed given the performance of Armstrong's signature in the PFC40 index, anything signed by him will make someone an excellent investment.

In the case of Regency Superior, the three signed photos on offer included an outstanding 8"x10" official NASA colour lithograph signed by Armstrong in fine tip blue marker. Autographed Armstrong lithographs in his white space suit are particularly sought after by collectors.

All three were expected to bring $2,000-3,000 and all surpassed this range to achieve $3,750, $4,000 and $4,500 respectively.

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Alongside the medals of two WWII pilots, early aircraft models and even propellers will be on offer

www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

Images: Regency Superior