Lot 175

Gemini 8 Flown Heatshield Encased in Lucite, Plus Display Stand

Previous image preload Next image preload

Gemini 8 Flown Heatshield Encased in Lucite, Plus Display Stand

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000

Current Bid: $1,000

(1 Bid)

January 29, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Gemini VIII
n.p., March 16, 1966
Gemini 8 Flown Heatshield Encased in Lucite, Plus Display Stand
Relic
A genuine heatshield flown on the Gemini VIII Capsule, launched March 16, 1966. The relic, encased in clear lucite and modeled after the Gemini spacecraft, has been engraved at the base with authentication from The Space Collective Ltd. The encased figure measures approximately 4.75" tall, with its widest diameter being 2.25". The black acrylic base stands to an overall size of 4.75" x 1.5" x 3.5". With expected surface weathering to the heatshield- otherwise, a fine example.

The embedded heatshield came from Neil Armstrong and Dave Scott's first spaceflight, Gemini VIII. The mission was to be the first to link two spacecraft together in Earth orbit utilizing the Agena Target Vehicle, and while their docking was successful, the mission nearly ended in disaster when their spacecraft began to tumble out of control. Armstrong worked to regain control of the spacecraft, which led to them detaching from the Agena Target Vehicle, but this only made matters worse, and their capsule began to spin more rapidly. The crew was in mortal danger as their spacecraft was spinning at one revolution per second, causing their vision to become blurred. It was Armstrong's quick thinking that led him to turn off the entire Orbit Attitude and Maneuvering System and then use the spacecraft's re-entry control system thrusters to regain control and stop the spin, saving both of their lives. This piece of heatshield is from this famous mission.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

#SpaceAstronaut

    Dimensions:
  • 4.75" tall
  • Artist Name:
  • Gemini VIII
  • Medium:
  • Relic

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000