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Lot 245
[Apollo 11] THE FIRST-EVER PHOTOGRAPH ON THE SURFACE OF ANOTHER WORLD TAKEN BY HUMANS Neil Armstrong, 16-24 July 1969
14 – 28 April 2025, 12:00 CEST
Paris, Avenue Hoche€7,000 - €10,000
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[Apollo 11] THE FIRST-EVER PHOTOGRAPH ON THE SURFACE OF ANOTHER WORLD TAKEN BY HUMANS
Neil Armstrong, 16-24 July 1969
Printed 1969.
Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS11-40-5850].
With "A Kodak Paper" watermark on the reverse (issued by NASA / North American Rockwell, Downey, California). (North American Rockwell was NASA's prime contractor for the Apollo Command and Service Modules)
20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.)
Historical context
One of the most historic photographs ever taken. As Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface, he proclaimed his immortal words: 'That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.' Inspired by the surreal beauty of this new world and the profound significance of exploring the unknown, Armstrong deviated from the mission plan—which prioritized collecting a contingency sample—and instead requested the camera from Buzz Aldrin aboard the Lunar Module Eagle via the Lunar Equipment Conveyor, declaring: 'I'll step out and take some of my first pictures here.'
This exceptionally rare first photograph taken by Neil Armstrong on the Moon was neither released after the mission nor initially recognized for its extraordinary historical significance. At that moment, photography became the very first human activity on another world, underscoring its vital role in documenting humankind's giant leap.
Printed 1969.
Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS11-40-5850].
With "A Kodak Paper" watermark on the reverse (issued by NASA / North American Rockwell, Downey, California). (North American Rockwell was NASA's prime contractor for the Apollo Command and Service Modules)
20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.)
Historical context
One of the most historic photographs ever taken. As Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface, he proclaimed his immortal words: 'That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.' Inspired by the surreal beauty of this new world and the profound significance of exploring the unknown, Armstrong deviated from the mission plan—which prioritized collecting a contingency sample—and instead requested the camera from Buzz Aldrin aboard the Lunar Module Eagle via the Lunar Equipment Conveyor, declaring: 'I'll step out and take some of my first pictures here.'
This exceptionally rare first photograph taken by Neil Armstrong on the Moon was neither released after the mission nor initially recognized for its extraordinary historical significance. At that moment, photography became the very first human activity on another world, underscoring its vital role in documenting humankind's giant leap.
Footnotes
According to the mission plan, Armstrong was supposed to prioritize collecting a contingency sample of lunar material in case of an emergency return. However, he instead chose to transfer the camera from the LM and photograph his arrival on the Sea of Tranquillity with the Hasselblad 500EL Data Camera mounted on the RCU (Remote Control Unit) bracket on his chest. This image, the first of a panoramic sequence shot by Armstrong from a position west of the ladder in the shadow of the LM, captures the golden-covered landing leg of the Lunar Module (Eagle), a transfer equipment bag connecting the Eagle to the lunar surface, one of the metallic breakaway probes embedded in the lunar surface behind the LM leg, the Sea of Tranquillity horizon and the ink-black lunar sky.
From the mission transcript when the photograph was taken:
109:30:23 Armstrong: The (Hasselblad) camera is installed on the RCU bracket. (Pause) And I'm storing the LEC (Lunar Equipment Conveyor) on the secondary strut. (Long Pause)
109:30:53 Armstrong: I'll step out and take some of my first pictures here.
109:31:05 McCandless (Mission Control): Roger. Neil, we're reading you loud and clear. We see you getting some pictures and the contingency sample.
Literature
Apollo: The Epic Journey to the Moon, Reynolds, p. 113
Watch more
CLICK HERE: Apollo 11 Moonwalk Part 1 of 4