Space Race Appraisal

Framed Apollo 11 Commemorative Display

This is a framed commemorative display celebrating the Apollo 11 mission and the first moon landing. The display is housed within a dark brown wooden frame with a visible wood grain, suggesting a traditional or classic aesthetic. The contents are mounted on a dark, possibly black or very dark grey, background material. Prominently featured at the top left is a black and white image of the moon, with 'TRANQUILITY BASE' and a crosshair marking a specific location. To the top right, a rectangular plaque or print showcases two globes representing Earth and text that reads 'HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON JULY 1969, A.D. WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND' along with what appear to be facsimiles of signatures from the Apollo 11 astronauts. A notable element is an Apollo 11 'First Man's First Landing on the Moon' commemorative envelope with a 'First Day of Issue' stamp, dated 'SEP 9 1969' and further marked with two circular postmarks, indicating its philatelic significance. Below the envelope, a section provides 'OFFICIAL APOLLO 11 MISSION AND FLIGHT DATA', detailing key mission milestones such as 'LIFTOFF CAPE KENNEDY', 'TOUCHDOWN ON MOON', 'FIRST STEP ON MOON', 'LIFTOFF FROM MOON', 'SPLASHDOWN NEAR HAWAII', and 'DISTANCE TRAVELED'. To the left of the flight data, two small rectangular images, presented as film strips, depict scenes from the moon's surface. The overall condition appears good, with no obvious major damage to the frame or the contents, although some light reflection is visible on the protective covering (likely glass or acrylic). The item functions as a historical keepsake, presenting a curated collection of factual information and memorabilia related to a pivotal moment in human exploration. The arrangement suggests professional mounting, aiming for a high-quality presentation, thus indicating good craftsmanship.