A remarkable sheet of notes made by Buzz Aldrin on the surface of the Moon have sold for $68,750 to lead Bonhams' Space History auction, held on April 8 in New York.
 The pen that Aldrin used to write the notes saved the life of both himself and Neil Armstrong |
The sheet is one of the most extensive sets of notes ever made while on the Moon, containing critical data that allowed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to leave the lunar surface after the Apollo 11 mission touched down.
Signed by Aldrin, the notes detail the preparations made by the astronauts prior to lift off. However, Buzz Aldrin noticed that a crucial switch on the engine had broken off and they would not be able to escape the desolate surface until it had been repaired.
The pen with which Aldrin wrote these notes was subsequently jammed into the breaker switch, allowing the first manned lunar exploration mission to return home to the expecting crowds.
The notes have been in Aldrin's personal collection since 1969, so their provenance is unquestionable.
 The patch is particularly valued for its provenance from the collection of Michael Collins |
Also featuring in the sale was a highly desirable flown Apollo 11 crew emblem, which was mounted and signed by all three members of the historic mission - Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins.
It made $62,500, complete with a letter of provenance from Collins.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has an exceptional collection of space memorabilia for sale.
