11-02-201711-02-2017
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
November 2, 2017 10:00 AMCalender
105

Taken by a Camera Aboard the Apollo 7 Spacecraft

Sell one like this
$615$500
Auction: American & European Works of Art - 3048MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: November 02, 2017 10:00AM

Description:

Taken by a Camera Aboard the Apollo 7 Spacecraft
Two photographs showing the first TV transmissions from an American-crewed spacecraft, Apollo 7, October 1968. NASA HQ captions on the verso. Vintage gelatin silver prints, image sizes to 7 3/4 x 9 3/4 in. (19.5 x 24.6 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Minor handling creases.

N.B. Crewmembers Donn Eisele and Walter Schirra are depicted in the first image, and Walter Cunningham can be seen in the second image. Although Gordon Cooper had experimented with a "slow-scan" TV camera during his 1963 Mercury flight, the picture quality was very poor, and the images were shown on a delayed basis. For Apollo, the RCA corporation had developed a 4.5 pound black and white camera that, while still a slow-scan unit, provided much better images (Bizony, p. 16). There were seven telecasts which lasted only a few minutes each, but gave millions on Earth their first view of living in space.

Literature: Reynolds, p. 78 (first image).
Estimate $300-500


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

RCA CORPORATION, Gordon Cooper, Walter Cunningham, Walter Schirra, N.B. Crewmembers Donn Eisele