Buzz Aldrin

The American Flag at Tranquility Base

July 15-24, 1969

Vintage chromogenic print on fiber-based Kodak paper with red NASA MSC number “AS11-37-5545” and “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso.
20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in)

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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This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd

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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.