COLONEL BUZZ ALDRIN - COLLECTION WITH NORMAN ROCKWELL - HFSID 276360

BUZZ ALDRIN and NORMAN ROCKWELL
Striking matted presentation of a letter from Aldrin saying that he admires Rockwell's artistic works, especially "the human touch his work portrayed in our space program", a signature of Rockwell, a reproduction of a Rockwell illustration of the Apollo 11 mission, two photographs of Aldrin on the Moon and a photograph of Rockwell in his studio, an illustration of the Apollo 11 mission to his right.
Comprises: (1) BUZZ ALDRIN. TLS: "Buzz Aldrin", 1p, 7x5¾. No place, but Woodland Hills, California, 1975 March 8. To "Dear Mr. Walton". In full: "I have admired Mr. Rockwell's artistic works for as long as I can remember and am greatly appreciative for the human touch his work portrayed in our space program. Very sincerely". Written on the back of a typed letter, probably from Walton (minor show through of type). Slightly creased with fold, not at signature. Fine condition. Accompanied by original, stamped mailing envelope, 9½x4, which is affixed in pouch on verso. 10-cent "We Hold These Truths" stamp affixed, postmarked U.S. Postal Service, California, March 9, 1975. Addressed by Aldrin to: "Donald W. Walton, 466 Caswallen Dr., West Chester, Pa. 193[illegible]". Imprinted address label affixed over Aldrin's imprinted return address. Ink smudged at the "lto" of Walton, ink stains have obliterated the last two digits of zip code. Lightly creased and soiled. Torn open at upper edge. Overall, fair condition. (2) NORMAN ROCKWELL. Signature: "Norman/Rockwell", 2¼x3¾. Fine condition. (3) [NORMAN ROCKWELL]. Printed Image, unsigned. Color, 6½x10¾. Reproduction of Rockwell's image of Aldrin descending down the ladder of the Lunar Module during the Apollo 11 mission. Facsimile signature imprinted at lower margin. Fine condition. (4) [NORMAN ROCKWELL]. Photograph, unsigned. B/w, 9¼x7¼. Depicts Rockwell sitting in his studio with a large illustration of Aldrin and Armstrong on the Moon is to his right and other space-related illustrations, including the one pictured at the center of this display, around the room. Minor surface creases and scratches (most not evident head on). Fine condition. (5) [BUZZ ALDRIN]. Photograph, unsigned. Color, 4¼x4¾. Imprinted caption affixed at lower left margin. In full: "Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin poses for a photograph on the surface of the moon, July 20, 1969. Fellow astronaut Neil Armstrong used a specially developed lunar-surface camera to take the photo. Armstrong's reflection can be seen in Aldrin's visor." Fine condition. (6) [BUZZ ALDRIN]. Magazine Photograph, unsigned. Color, 7x6½. Imprinted caption affixed at lower margin. In full: "Astronaut Aldrin walks on the surface of the moon near the leg of the lunar module during Apollo 11 extravehicular activity." Slightly creased. Fine condition. DONALD J. WALTON was the author of A Rockwell Portrait: An Intimate Biography, which was published in 1978. During the Apollo 11 mission, EDWARD EUGENE "BUZZ" ALDRIN, JR. (born in 1930) had piloted the Lunar Excursion Module, Eagle, and became the second man to walk on the Moon (July 20, 1969). Aldrin, a 1951 West Point graduate, had flown 66 missions in Korea, winning the Distinguished Flying Cross, and he flew F-100s in Germany before persuading the Air Force to send him to M.I.T. for a doctorate. Aldrin, who was among the third group of astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963, was aboard Gemini 12, the last Gemini flight, with Jim Lovell (1966). Aldrin, who set a new EVA record of five hours and 30 minutes on that mission, became a close friend of astronaut Ed White, one of the Apollo I astronauts who died in a launch pad fire. Aldrin and Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong left the patch from that ill-fated mission on the surface of the Moon. Noted American artist/illustrator NORMAN ROCKWELL (1894-1978) is best known for his realistic and humorous scenes of small town life in America. He painted over 300 covers for the "Saturday Evening Post" (1916-1965) after beginning his career at age 18 as an illustrator for "Boy's Life". Rockwell also painted politically significant works, such as his cover illustration of Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Four Freedoms" (1943), and of Presidential candidates and historical events, such as the Apollo 11 mission. Rockwell published his autobiography, Norman Rockwell, My Adventures as an Illustrator, in 1960. Seven items. Matted, not in the Gallery of History style, to 32¾x18¾.