September 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, September 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
Scarce Saturn C-5 model made by the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), circa early 1960s before NASA decided to use this rocket for the Apollo program and renamed it Saturn V. While Saturn V models are occasionally available at auction, Saturn C-5 models such as this one are virtually non-extant.
Model is housed in its original MSFC blue wooden case, with a partially torn NASA label addressed to a ''Dr. Joseph'' in Houston. As the model originates from an estate in Massachusetts, the recipient was possibly Joseph Shea, Deputy Director of the Office of Manned Space Flight, who joined NASA in late 1961 as a systems engineer and retired in Massachusetts.
Model is approximately 1/100 scale, measuring 42.75'' tall. Nearly all components are present: the S-IC with five F-1 engines, screwed to the wooden base and measuring 18.25'' tall and 4.25'' in diameter at top; piece connecting the S-IC and S-II measuring 3.125'' tall including transparent connecting rings; S-II measuring 12.75'' tall, featuring five silver and red J-2 rocket engines; S-IV B measuring 9.5''; slanted interstage measuring 3.75'' tall, missing the bottom connecting ring; service module measuring 2.5'' tall''; command module measuring 1.25'' tall; and finally, orange lunar excursion module landing stage with lunar legs, attached with tape underneath the launch stage, all measuring 3.25'' tall - this entire component is designed to fit into the slanted interstage. Set also includes two 2'' pins to fit pieces together. Wooden base measures 8.25'' x 8.5'' with metal plaque identifying the model as ''SATURN C-5'' from the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center. Original blue wooden carrying case measures 23.75'' x 15.5'' x 9.75'' tall, with a 3.5'' x 4.5'' photo affixed to interior showing the contents of model in box. Model is missing the launch escape system that tops the model, and the boost protective cover that fits over the command module. Part of the service module is missing, and one of the gray F-1 rocket engines is present but detached. Slanted interstage is starting to separate along seam. Additionally some isolated chipping to paint. Overall very good condition. An extraordinarily rare and early prototype for the Saturn V rocket, a historic memento from the early days of the Space Race.
Scarce Saturn C-5 Model Made by the Marshall Space Flight Center, Circa Early 1960s Before It Was Renamed Saturn V -- In Original Box Shipped to Houston
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