NASA Color Photo Signed and Inscribed by Wernher Von Braun Fetches $14,400 in Weiss Auctions Sale
Day 1 featured historical memorabilia, Hollywood collectibles and advertising and Day 2 was dedicated to stamps and coins. Overall, the auction grossed more than $600,000.
- (1888PressRelease) February 04, 2022 - Lynbrook, NY - Weiss Auctions burst into the New Year with a two-day, two-session sale on January 26th and 27th, with many lots sailing past their high estimates. A NASA photo signed by German-born American engineer Dr. Wernher Von Braun sold for $14,400, while a collection of 1916-1930 Standing Liberty quarters soared to $161,000. Prices include the buyer’s premium.
“2022 started just as 2021 ended – with a strong auction, one that topped $600,000,” said Philip Weiss of Weiss Auctions. “Day 1 featured historical memorabilia, Hollywood collectibles and advertising. Day 2 was dedicated to stamps and coins. In all, we registered more than 3,000 bidders for the online-only sale. Next up is a comic and comic art sale slated for February 23rd.”
The NASA photo signed by Wernher Von Braun had a conservative pre-sale estimate of $400-$600, but bidders fought fiercely for the 11 inch by 14 inch color photo showing a view of the Earth from the Apollo 8 spacecraft in orbit around the moon. It was inscribed, “To Dr. Herbert Friedman with highest regards, Wernher Von Braun.” The photo was the top earner of Day 1.
While in his 20s and early 30s, Dr. Von Braun worked in Nazi Germany's rocket development program. He helped design and co-developed the V-2 rocket during World War II but was never charged with any war crimes. To the contrary, he was secretly moved to the United States, along with 1,600 other German scientists, engineers, and technicians, as part of Operation Paperclip.
The collection of 1916-1930 Standing Liberty quarters, missing only the 1927-S quarter, was expected to bring six figures and it did not disappoint, besting the $120,000 high estimate by another $40,000. The circulation issue set was PCGS graded and was listed as one of the top ten sets on the PCGS/NGC Registry (under “EMPIREAA”). It was the auction’s overall top lot.
Following are additional highlights from the auction. Internet bidding was provided by Weiss Auctions’ updated website (www.WeissAuctions.com) with Next Lot for interactive bidding. Bidding was also available through LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Telephone and absentee bids were also accepted. All prices quoted in this report include the buyer’s premium.
Another Day 1 lot that stormed past its pre-sale estimate (of $100-$200) was a group of 15 Russian military medals, representing various dates and events, that was sold on behalf of the New York County Public Administrators Office, from the estate of Rene Fuss. Once again, eagle-eyed bidders and collectors pounced on the group, driving it to a final price of $11,500.
A circa 1570 close helmet – approximately 14 inches tall and almost certainly English, possibly attributed to an Earl – sold within estimate for $9,300. Close helmets were worn by knights and other men-at-arms in the Late Medieval and Renaissance eras. They were a fully enclosing helmet with a pivoting visor, used by pistol-armed cuirassiers into the middle of the 17th century.
For more information about Weiss Auctions and the Comic & Comic Art auction slated for Wednesday, February 23, visit www.WeissAuctions.com.
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