#403 - Apollo 11

A 6 x 5.75 swatch of Beta cloth, bearing a printed 3.25-inch diameter Apollo 11 mission emblem, signed above the emblem in blue felt tip, “Neil Armstrong,” and in black ink, “Buzz Aldrin,” and “Michael Collins.” In fine condition, with Armstrong’s signature slightly faded and a shade or two light, but still completely legible. Beta cloth is a type of fireproof woven fiber cloth used in the manufacturing of the space suit. Designed by Frederick S. Dawn, a scientist who worked with the Dow-Corning Company, the fabric was made to withstand temperatures exceeding 650°C and was used in all NASA space suits following the deadly launchpad fire of Apollo 1. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Steve Zarelli. RR Auction COA.