Apollo 9 Dave Scott’s flown scissors

Dave Scott’s flown scissors carried on board the Apollo 9 mission. Stainless steel surgical-type scissors, measure approximately 8″ long and were manufactured by Weck, with the part number “SDB42100059-202,” and serial number “S/N 1006,” printed near the hinge on one side, and "Weck U.S.A. Stainless," and "Wexteel" markings engraved on the handle. A small swatch of Velcro is affixed near the screw, and the scissors retain 12.5″ of their original braided lanyard. In fine condition, with good spring tension.

Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Dave Scott, which reads, in part: “I hereby certify that the Apollo 9 CMP surgical scissors included with this letter are from my personal collection and were flown aboard Apollo 9, March 3-13, 1969…During ingress into the CM [from an EVA space transfer from the LM], the CMP scissors were [the] only instrument (tool) available to cut any straps or connectors that might inhibit, preclude, or delay the ingress of either the CDR or LMP [each of whom had only 30 minutes of oxygen for survival during the transfer]…Fortunately, the scissors were not needed for these emergencies during any of the eight LM/CM Apollo missions—but the capability was successfully demonstrated during Apollo 9. Although they could have many other contingency uses during a flight, the key role of these scissors on Apollo missions was to open plastic spoon-bowl food pouches. During launch and EVAs, the scissors were stowed in a dedicated pocket strapped to the leg of the crew’s spacesuit. Each pair of scissors included a lanyard attached to the flap of the scissors pocket. The lanyard prevented the heavy scissors from being lost during EVAs and from becoming free-flying hazard in the spacecraft interior while being readily available…These scissors have been in my personal possession since the mission.” RR Auction COA.

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