Details
The American flag at Tranquility Base, the lunar module thruster in the foreground, a television camera beyond, July 16-24, 1969
Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper, 20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in), numbered 'AS11-37-5472' in red on top margin on recto, with 'A Kodak Paper' watermarks on verso
Special notice
This lot is offered without reserve.
This lot has been imported from outside of the UK for sale and placed under the Temporary Admission regime. Import VAT is payable at 5% on the hammer price. VAT at 20% will be added to the buyer’s premium but will not be shown separately on our invoice.
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Lot Essay

The planting of the American flag on the lunar surface - televised to millions back on Earth - was described by Mission Control in Houston to astronaut Michael Collins while he was orbiting the Moon.

110:09:05 McCandless (Mission Control): The EVA is progressing beautifully. I believe they are setting up the flag now.
110:09:14 Collins: Great!
110:09:18 McCandless: I guess you’re about the only person around that doesn’t have TV coverage of the scene.
110:09:25 Collins: That’s all right. I don’t mind a bit. (Pause) How is the quality of the TV?
110:09:35 McCandless: Oh, it’s beautiful, Mike. It really is.
110:09:39 Collins: Oh, gee, that’s great! Is the lighting halfway decent?
110:09:43 McCandless: Yes, indeed. They’ve got the flag up now and you can see the stars and stripes on the lunar surface.
110:09:50 Collins: Beautiful. Just beautiful.

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