Lot #4216

Apollo 13 Crew-Signed Presentation with Flag, Beta Patch, and Netting [Attested as Flown by Bill Whipkey]

Description

Triple Apollo 13-flown artifact presentation, fully signed by the heroic crew

Unique Apollo 13 crew-signed display, featuring a 6˝ x 4˝ American flag, 3.5˝-diameter Apollo 13 Beta patch, and 1.75˝ x 2˝ section of mesh webbing carried on the mission (as attested to by NASA engineer Bill Whipkey), applied to a 7.5˝ x 9.75˝ mount, signed on the mount in black felt tip by the complete crew: "James Lovell," "Jack Swigert," and "Fred Haise." Framed without glass to an overall size of 10.5˝ x 12.75˝. In fine condition.

Accompanied by a brief provenance note signed by former NASA Production Control Engineer William R. Whipkey, in full: "This Flag, Beta Cloth Patch, and White Mesh Webbing are flown items from Apollo 13." Among his other duties, Whipkey was responsible for purchasing the items that were carried on the Apollo missions, including flags foreign and domestic. A skilled woodworker, Whipkey also created many displays and presentation pieces for the astronauts using flown materials, and often received flown items in return as tokens of their appreciation.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Space Exploration and Aviation
• Dates: #691 - Ended April 25, 2024