Need Help - Neil Armstrong...what do I have here?

[David Atkatz]

How did you come by those Veteran's Administration documents, Richard?

[RichardSimon]

One of my good friends on 54 told me that David has posted this question for me on this thread. Since I have him on block I did not see it.
I bought those docs at the Manhattan Antiques Center from a dealer in that mall or did I break into the VA in the middle of the night and steal them?? .

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by RichardSimon

...or did I ... steal them?? .

Someone did. I'm sure you realized that when you purchased them for resale.

[RichardSimon]

David,
I am honored once again that you are up at 2:30 in the morning to post a question about me. What an obsession it is. Scary actually. It has lasted for years.
I certainly knew it was possible but old papers, contracts and letters are disposed of all the time. There are numerous legit stories in the hobby of people finding things in dumpsters that were tossed by various entities.
They were in a showcase and I bought them. Period. End of story.
Apparently you might own one now. If you bought one yourself did you think it might be stolen?
Or perhaps that document is "not yours."
Once a PITA, always a PITA.

[RichardSimon]

Bye David. Back on block again.
And I have told my friend to not tell me anything else that comes out of your keyboard.

[darkhorse9]

Wow, this took a turn I didn't expect. Sorry to dredge up old wounds.

I was just curious for input about what I had....not really interested in old debates. If anyone has input on the original item in question I would appreciate getting back on topic.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by darkhorse9

I was just curious for input about what I had....not really interested in old debates. If anyone has input on the original item in question I would appreciate getting back on topic.

There's not much more to tell, Mark. It's an ALS, meaning a signed letter written entirely in the hand of the signer. Steve Zarelli--who is the acknowledged expert in space-related autographs--told you that it's not a particularly valuable ALS, as it's post-NASA, on "foreign" letterhead, and is of mundane content. Unlike the DS (document signed) pictured above, your letter has immaculate provenance (history), though. I'm sure Steve could give you a good estimate of its value.

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by darkhorse9

Wow, this took a turn I didn't expect. Sorry to dredge up old wounds.

Not a problem. Don't sweat the tiny stuff.
Enjoy that piece.

[David Atkatz]

Originally Posted by RichardSimon

I certainly knew it was possible but old papers, contracts and letters are disposed of all the time. There are numerous legit stories in the hobby of people finding things in dumpsters that were tossed by various entities.

Keep telling yourself that. I'm sure you'll come to believe it.

Apparently you might own one now. If you bought one yourself did you think it might be stolen?

Not when I purchased it. From you. But it certainly has crossed my mind since then.