Flown Data File Clip carried to the lunar surface on Apollo 11. Clip measures approximately 2 x 2.25, and is constructed from two plates of aluminum with a spring mounted between the plates to provide tension to hold the plates closed and the ability to grip flight equipment. A one-inch square Velcro patch is attached above the etched part number which reads: "P/N SEB32100094-301, S/N 1122 ASSY." Accompanied by a signed certificate of authenticity from Buzz Aldrin which reads: “This is to certify that the enclosed Data File Clip was flown to the moon. The device held charts and checklists in the Lunar Module. Neil Armstrong, Mike Collins, and I flew the Apollo 11 mission from July 16 to 24, 1969. Neil and I made the first lunar landing on July 20. The clip was stowed in the LM. Part number SEB32100094-301 is listed in the Apollo Stowage List for Mission AS-506 as seen on the copy of page 39 above. The dark material in the Velcro most likely is moon dust from our space suits or other equipment." Upper portion of the certificate has a reproduction of the page mentioned, noting that four clips of this type were stowed onboard Lunar Module Eagle prior to launch. In fine condition. Provenance: Bonham’s, 2010.
The clip was a simple, yet effective tool to secure equipment such as checklist sheets, flight maps, and any loose articles floating in the weightless conditions while traveling to the moon or in the 1/6 gravity environment on the lunar surface. They were placed in the Data Card Kit of the Flight Data File (FDF) with the approximate weight stated as one tenth of a pound for each. Any flight equipment taken and used on the first lunar landing then returned is rare, the more so if available to private hands.
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Bidding for the Space & Aviation IV Auction opens Nov 15th & ends Nov 29th, 2012
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