A Soviet ORLAN-D spacesuit described as "perfect for the finest space memorabilia collections" will sell as one of the star lots in Regency Superior's January 15, 18-19 auction.
 The ORLAN-D spacesuit was designed for extra-vehicular activity, with its communications and life support system attached by an umbilical cord cable |
With a huge array of space and aviation memorabilia offered, the suit is one of the most highly valued lots, holding an estimate of $30,000-40,000.
Created between 1977 and 1984, the ORLAN-D suit is a modification of the original ORLAN spacesuit used by the Soviets, which was designed to support crew member extra vehicular activity (EVA) from the orbiting space vehicle.
The original ORLAN was never used in flight, but the ORLAN-D was. There were only 27 test and training suits such as this one made, and just seven flight models.
The spacesuit at auction has had its outer layer removed, exposing its life support inner components, and making for a fantastic display piece. On the inside lip of the backpack "ORLAN-D" has been engraved.
The top lot of the sale is a J-35-A-33 jet engine with afterburner assembly by Allison, which has been partially cut away for viewing the interior components. It is valued at $40,000-60,000.
Billed as a "real show stopper, museum ready", the engine was made in the early 1940s and used in America's XP-84, X-5, XB-47 and YB-49 aircrafts, as well as the top fighter planes of the 1950s, the F-84 and F-89.
 The entry for Neil Armstrong reads, 'He thinks, he acts, 'tis done' - a superb insight into his character |
No auction of space memorabilia would be complete without memorabilia from Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 crew. Regency Superior is offering Neil Armstrong's autographed high school yearbook from 1947 at $4,000-6,000.
Meanwhile, a flown US flag from the Apollo 11 mission is valued at $4,000-6,000.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has some great space and aviation memorabilia for sale, including fabric from Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St Louis and a complete set of Moonwalker signed photographs.
