Lot 417

Wernher von Braun Eulogy Signed By Colleague Ernest Stuhlinger: "he was a pathfinder and problem solver …[who] lighted up many dark chasms on the road to the stars"

Previous image preload Next image preload

Wernher von Braun Eulogy Signed By Colleague Ernest Stuhlinger: "he was a pathfinder and problem solver …[who] lighted up many dark chasms on the road to the stars"

Estimate: $300 - $400

Current Bid: $100

(1 Bid)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Wernher von Braun
[Washington, D.C.], ca. June 16, 1977
Wernher von Braun Eulogy Signed By Colleague Ernest Stuhlinger: "he was a pathfinder and problem solver …[who] lighted up many dark chasms on the road to the stars"
TDS

A 3pp typed document, being a eulogy for Wernher von Braun (1912-1977), the German-American rocket scientist, written and signed by Ernest Stuhlinger (1913-2008), fellow German émigré and longtime colleague. Stuhlinger has signed the speech as "Stuhlinger" at the upper right corner of the first page, and signed it in print as "Ernest Stuhlinger" near the top of the third page. Ca. June 16, 1977. [Washington Cathedral, Washington, D.C.] Stapled in the upper left corner. Expected wear including toning, isolated foxing and edge darkening, a few stray pencil marks, and some non-rusted paperclip impressions. A small area of abrasion to the upper right edge of the sheets. Else near fine. 8.5" x 11".

Wernher von Braun's colleague Ernest Stuhlinger prepared these remarks after von Braun had died of pancreatic cancer at age 65 in mid-June 1977. Von Braun and Stuhlinger shared many similarities, including their emigration to the United States as part of Operation Paperclip, and their passionate interest in science, technology, and Space exploration. Stuhlinger had worked closely with von Braun for many years, first in Nazi Germany, and later in the United States. After emigrating, Stuhlinger worked on von Braun's research team developing U.S. Army missile guidance systems well into the 1950s.

Stuhlinger here strikes a perfect balance between heralding von Braun as a brilliant scientist - the legendary "father of rocket science" - but also describing him as a very nuanced human being. He wrote in part:

"How can we fathom this life full of prophetic vision and supreme accomplishment, of human warmth and engineering marvels, of romantic poetry and clockwork precision, of grandiose space exploration and minute technical detail? … Wernher's life, from its very beginning, has been distinguished by an obsession to give only the very best. As a youthful astronomer, as a volunteer helper of rocket pioneer Hermann Oberth, as a student of physics, and particularly as a rocket engineer in Germany and then in the United States -- he always wanted to hive his very best… he was a pathfinder and problem solver, and he always overflowed with an exuberant joy of life that lighted up many dark chasms on the road to the stars…

When he was asked in later years what it takes to go to the Moon, he answered: 'The will to do it!' Wernher certainly had the will to do it, but he possessed even more: An irresistible personal charm, couple with almost magic powers of persuasion, which helped him conquer many hesitant or doubtful minds… Wernher von Braun took space exploration as a way for man to find his place and destiny in the universe. With a deep-rooted interest in philosophy and religion, he saw no conflict between scientific knowledge and religious faith. 'The natural sciences,' he often said, 'deal with creation; religion deals with the creator. The two are complementing each other perfectly…

For us who stay behind, Wernher von Braun will remain alive in the minds and hearts of many, many friends whose lives were enriched by his life far more than we may realize today.

Ernest Stuhlinger."

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!

  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: TDS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, 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 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