Apollo 11 Mission Gear Up For Auction

Sample Return Bag Lunar rocks were placed in an aluminum box for return to Earth; this Beta cloth cover went over the box, to contain the dust and any stowaways. courtesy Bonhams

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To commemorate the 40th anniversary of man's landing on the moon, you can buy yourself a little piece of space history. On July 16, the auction house Bonhams is conducting an auction of lunar memorabilia. The sale includes a number of items that the Apollo 11 mission crew carried onto the moon's surface on the history-making trip. Lunar dust still covers some of the lots.

Included are the checklists that the astronauts used as they proceeded through the landing (estimated price: $125,000-$175,000), flight plans, star charts, models, specimen collection cases, and more. It includes items from the collection of spacecraft engineer Dr. Maxime Faget, and many pieces used and autographed by Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon.

Since the Apollo astronauts were unable to get life insurance, they prepared for their loved ones' welfare by autographing and postmarking postal covers, which could be sold by the families in case of disaster, to provide some financial support. These covers are also up for auction.

Check out the gallery for a closer look at what's available