^Lot 370 Apollo 11

Color vintage semi-glossy 19.75 x 16 photo of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, with Buzz Aldrin descending to the moon’s surface, signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “To Art Salkin, With best wishes, Buzz Aldrin, July 20, 1969,” “Neil Armstrong,” and “Michael Collins.” Top edge of the photo is affixed to a cardstock mount of the same size. Light circle of toning to top left from a previously affixed Apollo 11 patch (included), scattered creasing, heavier to top left), rippling and surface marks from possible exposure to moisture, a few trivial areas of surface loss at the edges, and trimmed edges, other wise very good condition.

Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Art Salkin was a World War II veteran who moved to Los Angeles after the war to work for Technicolor in their sales and PR departments. He joined the reserves, handling public relations for the Air Force before reporting for full-time duty during the Korean War Conflict and remained in the reserves until he retired from the Air Force circa 1969-1970. Salkin continued working in the film industry, as well as providing PR work through the Air Force with NASA. This signed 1969 photograph by the Apollo 11 flight crew was gifted to him for work he had done for NASA from a colleague. Large and particularly striking, this image was taken on the first day of the lunar landing, making it especially rare and highly-desirable, with an exceptionally bold Armstrong signature.