Astronaut Neil Armstrong’s Belongings Brought in Millions in Auction Bids, But Some People Aren’t Happy About It– Here’s Why
Neil Armstrong, the first man to ever step on the moon, is one of the most well-known people in modern history. Thus, it’s no wonder that many people are interested in his life including some of the things he used to own when he was alive. After all, having a piece of world history isn’t an opportunity that many people have.
Armstrong’s Collection
Recently, a series of three auctions held by Heritage Auctions showcasing items once owned by the legendary American astronaut fetched a total sum of more than $12.1 million. This further proves Armstrong’s lasting legacy on the American public’s mind. Held beginning in November of last year up to July of this year, the auctions featured items like a gold Apollo 11 medallion which fetched a whopping $2 million.
There’s also a plaque which featured an identification plate from the lunar module which ultimately went for $468,500. Another item that Armstrong took with him to the moon and was later auctioned is a part of one of the propellers from the Flyer, the first powered airplane made by the Wright brothers. The item was reportedly sold for $275,000. The latest of the three auctions was held to commemorate 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission.
With the success of the first three auctions, the Dallas-based Heritage Auctions is gearing for a fourth one which will be held on November 14 and 15 of this year.
Auction Controversy
But amidst the success of the auctions, there are people who don’t approve of them. People who personally knew the late astronaut said that Armstrong would find these attempts to gain profits from his fame as ‘unseemly’.
What more, The New York Times reports that none of the items sold at the auctions were actually offered by his second wife, Carol Held Knight. The Times also emphasized how Armstrong even stopped signing autographs for people in 1994 because he found out that some were selling these afterward. He has also turned down other offers made to him to cash in on his fame and celebrity status.
However, there were also those who defended the auctions. Mark Armstrong, one of the astronaut’s sons, said that what really matters is what they do with the money in the end. For example, Mark and his brother Rick Armstrong have reportedly donated around $2 million worth of cash and artifacts to museums.
Final Days
It’s also worth noting that even Armstrong’s death has been the subject of controversy. The astronaut died in 2012 just weeks after having heart surgery. His sons then contended that their father died because of the ‘incompetent’ care that he got after the operation. The matter ended with a settlement where the accused hospital reportedly paid the family $6 million to avoid negative publicity.
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