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Lot 403
[Apollo 16] JOHN YOUNG WITH THE LUNAR HAMMER ON THE RIM OF PLUM CRATER AT STATION 1 Charles Duke, 16-27 April 1972, EVA 3
14 – 28 April 2025, 12:00 CEST
Paris, Avenue HocheSold for €384 inc. premium
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[Apollo 16] JOHN YOUNG WITH THE LUNAR HAMMER ON THE RIM OF PLUM CRATER AT STATION 1
Charles Duke, 16-27 April 1972, EVA 3
Printed 1972.
Vintage gelatin silver print on fibre-based paper [NASA image AS16-109-17804].
Numbered "NASA AS16-109-17804" in black in the top margin (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas).
20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.)
Historical context
A Dramatic Scene on the Steep West Rim of Plum Crater
John Young prepares to break a sample off a partially buried boulder using the lunar hammer. Measuring 40 metres in diametre and 10 metres deep, Plum Crater posed a serious challenge, requiring careful navigation. As Duke later recalled:
"Plum was smaller but no less dangerous than its bigger brother, Flag."
—Charles Duke (Constantine, p. 93)
The Lunar Rover is visible on the east rim, while the deployed gnomon in the Centre provides scale and reference for scientists back on Earth. A bright reflection near Young's visor, caused by light bouncing off the camera lens, adds an almost theatrical intensity to the scene.
Printed 1972.
Vintage gelatin silver print on fibre-based paper [NASA image AS16-109-17804].
Numbered "NASA AS16-109-17804" in black in the top margin (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas).
20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.)
Historical context
A Dramatic Scene on the Steep West Rim of Plum Crater
John Young prepares to break a sample off a partially buried boulder using the lunar hammer. Measuring 40 metres in diametre and 10 metres deep, Plum Crater posed a serious challenge, requiring careful navigation. As Duke later recalled:
"Plum was smaller but no less dangerous than its bigger brother, Flag."
—Charles Duke (Constantine, p. 93)
The Lunar Rover is visible on the east rim, while the deployed gnomon in the Centre provides scale and reference for scientists back on Earth. A bright reflection near Young's visor, caused by light bouncing off the camera lens, adds an almost theatrical intensity to the scene.
Footnotes
Young and Duke approached their fieldwork with enthusiasm. As Young wielded the hammer, Duke eagerly narrated the moment, a mix of scientific precision and light hearted camaraderie:
123:57:44 Duke: Okay, Tony, this is a subrounded boulder that's a metre to a metre and a half across.
123:58:06 Duke: And it's partially buried.
123:58:35 Duke: Ah, here he comes, folks! He's got the hammer out. I knew he couldn't resist.
123:58:46 Young: I don't know if this will work or not, Charlie, but I couldn't pick a better spot.
123:58:56 England (Mission Control): Here we go.
123:58:58 Duke: Going to do it.
123:58:59 Duke: There's a piece. Let me hold you down a little bit.
123:59:05 Duke: Hot dog! He did it. It's a very friable rock, apparently, Houston.