Lot 9
  • 9

Bible in English, Lunar Bible Text Fragment (Apollo 14 Mission to the Moon, 1971)

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description

  • microfilm
A 50-page microform fragment from the King James version of the Bible (1/4 x 1/4 in.; 50 x 50 mm), Cleveland and New York: World Publishing Co., ca. 1964, housed in a silvered and gilt metal modern Fabergé egg, applied with gilt bows and swags and surmounted with an amethyst finial, the reeded stem applied with gilt floral swags and 3 small agate cabochons. Blue velvet box (3 1/4 H. x 4 1/2 W. x 4 1/2 D. in.; 85 x 115 x 115 mm), with shaped interior,a brass plaque affixed to the front of the box that reads  "Apollo 14 | Lunar Surface Bible Text Fragment | 50 Pages."  Accompanied by: A letter of certification signed by Jame W. Stout of the "Apollo Prayer Governing Committee"and astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell dated 2 June 2001.

Provenance

Reverend John M. Stout (transported to the lunar surface and returned to Rev. Stout by astronaut Edgar D.Miitchell)  — James W. Stout (gift from Rev. Stout) — David Frohman (private purchase) — Peachstate Historical Consulting, Inc.

Literature

Frohman, David. The Story of the First Lunar Bible. www.spacerelics.com/apollo

Condition

A 50-page microfilm fragment from the King James version of the Bible (1/4 x 1/4 in.; 50 x 50 mm), Cleveland and New York: World Publishing Co., ca. 1964, housed in a mother of pearl interior of a silvered and gilt metal modern Fabergé egg, the upper and lower half of the egg applied with gilt bows and swags and surmounted with an egg-shaped amethyst finial, the reeded silvered stem applied with 3 gilt floral swags and 3 small agate cabochons, gilt beaded collar and base. Blue velvet box (3 1/4 H. x 4 1/2 W. x 4 1/2 D. in.; 85 x 115 x 115 mm), shaped interior with a white satin pillowed ceiling gilt-stamped "Fabergé" and the firm's logo of a Russian Imperial eagle the top of the box similarly blind-stamped, a brass plaque affixed to the front of the box that reads "Apollo 14 | Lunar Surface Bible Text Fragment | 50 Pages," 4 brass corners at the edges of the lid and base of the box. Accompanied by: Glazed bugundy leather portfolio stamped in gilt on the upper cover, containing a letter of certification signed by Rev. Stout and Dr. Mitchell dated 2 June 2201 and a copy of the affadavit of Rev. Stout dated 3 February 2005 regarding the fragments.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

One of only 32 astronaut flight-certified  text fragments from the first Bible carried  to the surface of the Moon. Of the 100 complete Bibles flown to the moon which Dr. Mitchell returned to Rev. Stout, an unknown quantity were later segmented into 50-page and 2-page text fragments in order to maximize distribution. This text fragment is one of a small number personally presented by  Rev. John M. Stout  to James W. Stout, his younger brother.   The lot is accompanied by a letter of certification signed by both James W. Stout and Dr. Edgar D. Mitchell dated 2 June 2001. For the comprehensive and definitive work on the Lunar bible Project entitled "The Story of the First Lunar Bible" by David Frohman, please visit www.spacerelics.com/apollo