Title:
Deke Slayton Personal Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) Crew Patch – With Signed Provenance Letter from Bobbie Slayton

Description:
Offered here is an original Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) crew patch, attributed to the personal collection of astronaut Deke Slayton. The embroidered patch features a vivid and detailed design depicting the historic docking of the American Apollo spacecraft and the Soviet Soyuz capsule in orbit above Earth, with a radiant starburst symbolizing international cooperation in space. The outer border includes the names of the crew: “Stafford, Brand, Slayton” and “Leonov, Kubasov,” along with the mission designation “Apollo/Soyuz.”

Accompanying the patch is a signed provenance letter from Bobbie Slayton, wife of Deke Slayton, dated February 5, 2005. The letter reads in full:

“To Whom It May Concern:

This is to certify that this Apollo Soyuz crew patch belonged to my husband, Deke Slayton. It was locked in his safe deposit box along with other space memorabilia. This patch is genuine in all respects.

Bobbie Slayton
2-5-05”

Also included is an informational display sheet titled “Deke Slayton’s Personal ASTP Crew Patch,” which provides historical background and is signed by Sandy Clarkson of The Right Stuff Space Memorabilia, further supporting the artifact’s provenance.

The patch remains in excellent condition, with strong colors and intact stitching. The accompanying documents are likewise well-preserved, showing only minor handling wear.

Historical Context:
The Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP), launched in July 1975, marked the first joint space mission between the United States and the Soviet Union, symbolizing a significant thaw in Cold War tensions. The mission successfully demonstrated international cooperation in space, culminating in the docking of the Apollo and Soyuz spacecraft and the now-famous handshake between astronauts and cosmonauts in orbit.

Deke Slayton (1924–1993), one of NASA’s original Mercury Seven astronauts, was initially grounded due to a heart condition but later returned to flight status. ASTP marked his only spaceflight, where he served as Docking Module Pilot alongside Thomas Stafford and Vance Brand. His participation represented a triumphant culmination of a long and influential career in the U.S. space program.

Artifacts directly connected to Slayton, particularly those with family provenance, are highly desirable, as they link to both the earliest days of NASA and one of the most diplomatically significant missions in space history.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This item is accompanied by a signed provenance letter from Bobbie Slayton, certifying that the patch originated from Deke Slayton’s personal collection. Additional authentication is provided via a signed display document from Sandy Clarkson of The Right Stuff Space Memorabilia. The piece is not slabbed or encapsulated by a third-party authentication service.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This exceptional offering combines historical importance, visual appeal, and direct personal provenance from one of NASA’s pioneering astronauts. As a tangible relic of the groundbreaking Apollo-Soyuz mission and Deke Slayton’s legacy, it represents a rare and meaningful acquisition for collectors of space exploration memorabilia.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.