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Lot #9496
Charlie Duke's Slide Rule

Charlie Duke’s personal slide rule—which took him from MIT to the lunar surface

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Estimate: $2000+
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Description

Charlie Duke’s personal slide rule—which took him from MIT to the lunar surface

Charlie Duke's personally-owned slide rule, used from his college days through his career at NASA, signed on the box in felt tip, "My slide rule used at MIT, USAF TPS, and NASA, Charlie Duke, Apollo 16." The box also bears two older printed ballpoint signatures, "C. M. Duke." The Aristo Multilog slide rule, made in Germany, is constructed of plastic, with a clear cursor, with four marks on one side and two on the reverse, and has 24 scales. This high-end slide rule is even equipped with small 'feet' on one set of edges so it can be used while laying on a desk. The scale comes with its plastic conversion table and original box. In fine condition, with general wear from use.

Charlie Duke took his primary flight training in 1958, graduated from MIT in 1964 with a degree in Aeronautics, and went on to graduate from the Aerospace Research Pilot School in 1965. He would join NASA as a Group 5 astronaut, and was Capcom during the Apollo 11 mission, speaking the first words to the lunar module after it touched down on the moon. One can imagine this important tool saw much use, perhaps even at his post during Apollo 11.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Space Exploration and Aviation
  • Dates: #664 - Ended April 20, 2023