The photographic laboratory of North American Rockwell space division processed and printed the photos immediately after the Apollo missions or in the years that followed, for documentation, analysis, and public relations purposes. They were of great scientific significance to provide a visual record of the achievements of the missions and evaluate the performance of the spacecraft. Thus among the beloved classics, this sale features many uncommon and rare prints which will be appreciated by space history connoisseurs.

Step into the shoes of those remarkable individuals who dared to defy gravity, pushing the limits of human potential. With these rare and treasured artefacts, you have the chance to hold a tangible connection to those awe-inspiring moments that shaped our collective dreams and ambitions. From the timeless beauty of Earthrise witnessed from Apollo 8 (Lot 113) to the mesmerising lunar surface encounters of Apollo 11 (Lot 186), every photograph in this collection tells a story of courage, innovation, and mankind's insatiable desire to explore the unknown.

Apollo 11 'Planet Earth'

Lot 168 is one of the most iconic images of our planet. Taken as the spacecraft headed for the Moon, at about 98,000 miles from the Earth. It shows most of Africa and portions of Europe and Asia can be seen in this spectacular photograph taken from the Apollo 11 spacecraft during its trans-lunar coast toward the moon.

Apollo 8 'Earthrise'

Lot 113, is the most celebrated image of the Earth rising above the Moon's horizon. This is the first Earthrise witnessed by humans (from moon’s orbit) and captured in colour on camera. In its original vintage format with “A Kodak Paper” watermarks, this is the one piece every space connoisseur wishes to have in their collection.

Apollo 8 'The Moon'

Stunning near-full Moon as witnessed by the Apollo 8 crew during the homebound journey, Lot 123, is the first whole Moon image photographed by humans from a previously inaccessible perspective.The right side of the photograph features landmarks never visible to humans from the Earth, while those which can be observed from the Earth - the Sea of Tranquillity, Fertility, Crises and Nectar, as well as Theophilus crater - are clearly delineated in this photograph. From the collection of a technician at North American Rockwell.

Apollo 10 'Command Module ‘Charlie Brown’ over in lunar orbit'

Lot 149, is a rare and exceptionally detailed image of the Command Module shown against the background of the moon. This is the first time a spacecraft was photographed in lunar orbit. From the collection of a technician at North American Rockwell.

Apollo 11 The celebrated 'Visor' portrait of Buzz Aldrin standing on lunar surface

The most iconic image from the Apollo 11 mission. Lot 189, is a portrait of Buzz Aldrin with the Lunar Module and the photographer (Neil Armstrong) reflected in his gold-plated visor.

Apollo 11 'The ‘Eagle’ station-keeping after the first successful moon landing'

Lot 210 is an extraordinary image capturing the moon, earth and the spacecraft returning from the surface of the moon was captured by Michael Collins who orbited the moon while waiting for Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to complete their exploration of the moon.

Lot 310 Apollo 17 'Blue Marble'

The crew of the last moon landing mission, Apollo 17, witnessed and photographed this view of Earth fully illuminated by the sun, Lot 310. This large format presentation print is very uncommon. Large format prints were usually printed and gifted only to officials visiting NASA.

Auction Details

Thursday 29 June 2023 | 12:00 BST

Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

Virtual viewing by appointment. Viewing in person on the dates below.

• Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 June, 10am - 4pm