There is something unique and special about NASA and the Apollo program, it still stands as testament to the possibility of human achievement. The complexity of the the moon missions cannot be underestimated, if Earth was a basketball and the Moon was a tennis ball, they would be 23.5 feet apart, and the Apollo capsules were aiming for area the size of a pinhead.
Apollo 14 was the fifth mission to reach the moon, and the third to land. Crewed by Al Shepard, Stuart Roosa and Ed Mitchell, it was a largely scientific mission, with a 9 day length, and almost two days of Shepard and Mitchell on the lunar surface. They would arrive back on earth three days later, February 9th 1971, splashing down in the South Pacific, 900 miles south of American Samoa. There to meet them was the USS New Orleans, and a UDT Seal team of swimmers to recover the pilots!
This particular jacket belonged to Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate C. W. Holmes, a member of the crew of the USS New Orleans, and part of the recovery force. Try as I might, I haven't managed to find his full name - there is far more research to be done, but I have found a photo of him on the New Orleans in a 1969 cruise book, the photo is in the listing (sitting front right) and the book viewable here. There is an Apollo 14 Recovery Cruise book, but unfortunately I can't find a copy. The jacket itself is a 1969 Martin Lane, patched with his name, a lovely original NASA meatball to the left sleeve, and USS New Orleans patch to the right sleeve. On the left chest is a very rare Apollo 14 mission patch, but this very is notable for not having the crew names on it. One the back is another very rare Apollo 14 recovery mission patch. I've only ever seen two other groups of these patches, one belonging to the recovery helicopter pilot, and another to a marine stationed on USS New Orleans.
Needless to say, items that are connected to the early space program are unbelievably rare, much sought after, and very infrequently available for sale. The patches on this alone are valuable, and to find so many on a jacket, and in such amazing condition is a rare find indeed. This is a fleeting chance to own a small piece of mankind's greatest achievement.
Condition:
This jacket is in amazing condition. The fur collar is thick and very pliable, the cuffs and waistband are perfect and leather very soft & supple. Everything is original and the leather has never been fed. There is some moth damage to the knits, both cuffs and waist, but nothing too extensive.
Size:
- Tagged size 46
- Fits like a modern large - XL
- Pit to pit 24" (expands slightly across the back)
- Shoulder to shoulder 19"
- Shoulder to cuff 26"
- Collar to hem 25"