11-02-201711-02-2017
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsMarlborough MA
November 2, 2017 10:00 AMCalender
263

Alan Bean (American, b. 1932)

Sell one like this
$246$200
Auction: American & European Works of Art - 3048MLocation: MarlboroughDate / Time: November 02, 2017 10:00AM

Description:

Alan Bean (American, b. 1932)
Two photographs of the Surveyor 3 robot spacecraft standing on the lunar surface and its footprint in lunar soil, EVA 2, Apollo 12, November 1969. The first numbered 'NASA AS12-48-7121' (NASA MSC) in black on the recto u.r. margin, NASA MSC caption on the verso; the second with a NASA HQ caption on the verso. Vintage gelatin silver prints, image sizes to 7 5/8 x 7 3/4 in. (19.2 x 19.5 cm),unmatted.
Condition: Subtle scratch in first print u.l.; minor creases in sheet corners of the second.

N.B. 'Apollo 12's assignment was to land the LM near the location of Surveyor 3, a picture-taking robot that had landed in the so-called Surveyor Crater thirty months earlier. It was a golden opportunity for NASA engineers to examine spacecraft parts which had been exposed to lunar conditions for a relatively long period of time, information which would someday be of use in designing space stations and lunar bases. Conrad and Bean spent forty minutes to examine the robot spacecraft and the marks it had made when it landed. The Surveyor had three footpads, an arrangement that increased the chances that the spacecraft would remain upright no matter where it landed as long as the descent was vertical' (ALSJ: https://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/a12/a12.html). The NASA negative number of the second photograph is AS12-48-7110.
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.

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