Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins’ spacesuit is being auctioned for £50k ($62,815).
Command module pilot Michael Collins wore the NASA flight suit in the days and months following his return to Earth with the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969.
It was removed from his personal locker just six months after the historic flight following his retirement from NASA in January 1970.
The suit is among a collection of rare autographs and memorabilia going to auction with a starting price of £50,000. All items are being sold through a descending price ‘Dutch Auction’.
Other highlights include a unique love letter from Elizabeth Taylor to Richard Burton, with a starting price of £35,000, James Dean’s high school yearbook, signed by the actor, with a starting price of £9,500 and a unique set of Beatles autographs from 1963, starting at £9,950. The online sale at St Helier, Jersey began Wednesday.
Memorabilia dealer Paul Fraser Collectibles has said it is one of the first occasions rare artifacts of this caliber have been offered through a “Dutch Auction”.
In contrast to traditional “English” auctions, the prices of the rare items will drop daily until sold.
“This auction offers a unique opportunity to own important pieces of history. Every day, we reduce the price of each lot. And we keep reducing the prices until the autographs and memorabilia are sold.” Said Paul Fraser Collectibles’ CEO Mike Hall.
“It’s a great chance to acquire a rare artifact for far below market value.
“We’re expecting major interest. Especially as, unlike most auctions, there is no 25%+ buyer’s commission. So the price you bid is the price you pay.” He added.
Dutch Auctions get their name from the Netherlands’ love of tulips in the 17th century. Flower sellers needed a fast way to sell their tulips and the descending-price auction was the answer.
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