Venera 4 spacecraft model has $20,000 estimate at Regency Superior
A superbly-realised model of the 1967 Soviet Venera 4 spacecraft is expected to provide one of the highlights of the space memorabilia lots at Regency Superior's October sale.
The $20,000-valued model will auction at the 69th Annual Stamp Exhibition of Southern California (SESCAL) at Los Angeles Hilton Airport Hotel between October 3 and 6.
The Venera 4 achieved the first confirmed landing on another planet
Russia's Lavochkin Design Bureau produced the 1:10 metal and plastic scale model of the pioneering spacecraft in 1967, in the same year that the real thing achieved the first confirmed landing on another planet: Venus.
Also on offer is a signed rarity: an Apollo 1 photograph that features the autographs of all three crewmembers - Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee.
It has a $15,000 high estimate, with only some minor edge faults and soft corners affecting its quality.
The three crewmembers died in a fire during a launch pad test in January 1967, just days before the first Apollo mission was set to launch.
Also featuring are seven stamp covers, each signed by a different member of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger crew - their spacecraft exploding just moments after takeoff.
The Apollo 1 crew died in a launch pad test fire
At Paul Fraser Collectibles we have our own range of stunning space memorabilia for sale, including a complete collection of all 12 Moonwalker signatures.
As befitting an auction taking place at a philatelic event, the sale will also include a fine array of rare stamps for sale. Look out for our review of the stamp lots tomorrow.
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