Space and aviation market - 2013 auction review

2013 saw a rise in the quantity of space memorabilia being consigned to auction, due to a landmark piece of US legislation that gave former astronauts and NASA employees the right of ownership to souvenirs they had collected during their careers.

The space agency also announced it had no plans to return to the Moon, effectively capping the market for NASA flown memorabilia - for now. 

The launch of China's first Moon rover in 2013 is likely to lead to heightened Chinese interest in space memorabilia in 2014.

Top space and aviation sale of 2013

Gipsy Moth plane Bonhams
The 1929 American Moth Corp Gipsy Moth was the top selling aviation lot of 2013

  • A 1929 American Moth Corp Gipsy Moth was the top selling lot of the year, realising $270,000 in February - a record for a Gipsy Moth. The plane appeared in the 1985 film Out of Africa, and was described as "unsurpassed" in terms of its aesthetics.  

2013's important space and aviation sales

X-15 rocket engine
The X-15 was the first jetplane to hit the upper reaches of the atmosphere, in 1962-1963

It was a breakout year for…

It was a year to forget for…

  • The thousands of people who bought fake Neil Armstrong autographs this year. A large number of fakes are on the market, as fraudulent sellers attempt to capitalise on the rise in value of Armstrong's autograph. It is crucial to ensure you buy autographs from a reputable dealer - one who offers you a lifetime moneyback guarantee of authenticity.

One you may have missed…

Neil Armstrong toy plane
The toy plane belonged to a young Neil Armstrong

  • A toy plane owned by Neil Armstrong during his childhood, confirmed as genuine by his mother, achieved $10,775 in April - proving that collectors of space memorabilia are not immune to whimsy.

 

View our space and aviation memorabilia for sale.


Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock