Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #139
Gemini 5

Flown patch with the mission’s controversial slogan

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

Flown patch with the mission’s controversial slogan

Flown embroidered Gemini 5 mission patch, 4″ in diameter, picturing a Conestoga wagon with the motto “8 Days or Bust.” Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Charles Conrad which reads, in part: “This patch flew aboard Gemini V during the period of 21 August to 29 August 1965…The Administrator of NASA, Mr. James E. Webb, felt that if one objective of the flight was not achieved, the inscription, ‘Eight Days or Bust,’ would not have been appropriate. The decision was made so late that he only allowed the suit patches to be flown with canvas sewn over the wagon cover so as to remove the words.” Letter is also signed by Gordon Cooper, Gemini 5 Command Pilot. In fine condition. This patch was the first US manned space flight to feature an astronaut crew-designed mission cloth patch. All of the previous six Mercury and prior two Gemini space flights never had a crew patch designed by a crew, therefore, none were flown.

Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Space and Aviation Auction
  • Dates: #429 - Ended May 22, 2014





This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $50.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.