We love coming across space themed charms and this vintage gold opening Apollo 8 spacecraft charm is such a special and highly collectable one! It's the first we've ever found representing Apollo 8, the first human spaceflight to reach the moon. The successful spcaeflight of Apollo 8 in 1968 paved the way for Apollo 10 and Apollo 11. The charm is such wonderful piece of memorabilia, a wearable piece of history!
The charm is wonderfully detailed throughout with the bottom of the charm being marked 'APOLLO 8'. There are three tiny open-work detail windows and inside three tiny gold astronauts sat on seats to represent Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders - the first humans to witness and photograph the far side of the Moon and an Earthrise.
The charm is made of 9ct yellow gold. It has British hallmarks to the outside back for the maker 'HG&S', 9ct gold, Birmingham and the date letter 'u' for 1969. The base half of the spacecraft is also hallmarked for 9ct gold inside too.
The charm weighs approx 4.55g and measures approx 13.9mm tall (not including the jump ring) by approx 12.3mm wide by approx 14.2mm deep.
Condition - The charm is in good vintage condition with some light signs of age and wear, including light surface wear to the gold and two small notches to the edge of the base section. These look like they most likely are from when the charm was made. The hinge works well and the charm closes very firmly with a click. It is a little tricky to open as it stays so firmly closed but if you pop your nail between the two sections when opening we find it opens more easily. The gold jump ring is currently pushed closed. Please see photos.
*Please note the antique box and chain pictured are not included in the sale but the charm will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch.*
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Vintage 1969 rare 9ct gold opening Apollo 8 spacecraft charm
All items are carefully wrapped and packaged in a gift pouch. In the UK, we always post items via Royal Mail's Special Delivery service which is fully tracked and insured. Items sent outside of the UK are sent via Royal Mail's International signed for service, which offers insurance for up to £250 and tracking.