German artist and cosmonaut Andreas Hoge has unique tastes in Soviet space memorabilia. His collection ranges from cosmonaut-themed penholders to space cigarettes to one of the rare "dog space suits" still in existence today.
On September 13th, members of the public will have the opportunity to take home pieces from Hoge's ensemble of artifacts. Some of the more memorable items on sale include a 1961 French cognac bottle that was consumed and signed by the first man in space and an autographed fragment from the space ship Vostok 1. The canine suit, however, is arguably the highlight of the event. Holding an estimated value of €8,000 (about $10,513), it is described as one of the few of its kind to have survived to the present day, and was reportedly used in the training of Belka and Strelka during the Sputnik 5 mission.
Asides from canine uniforms and alcoholic containers, the auction also features Hoge's own artistic creations, documents from the Soviet Space Program, a SOKOL KV2-model space suit, and a tube of coffee and milk. Berlin-based Auctionata is handling the event, which is also the company's first space artifact auction.
Bottle of Cognac, Consumed & Signed by Yuri Gagarin, USSR, 1967
Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin consumed this bottle of French cognac after being nominated as the backup commander of Soyuz 1. Starting bid of €1,200 (about $1,577).
Sokol KV-2 Space Suit in Model Size, Soviet Union, about 1988
Complete with terrifying doll head, this SOKOL KV2-model space suit is modelled on those developed for the flight to the space station Mir. Starting bid of €1,500 (about $1,971).
Fortis & Andora (b. 1958), Wristwatch ‘My Lifetime’, 2010
German artist Andora created this wrist watch in collaboration with Swiss watch maker Fortid. The edition is dedicated to the aviator cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov. Starting bid of €3,000 (about $3,942).
Juri Gagarin, Signed Piece of Wostok 1, USSR, c. 1960
This is a fragment taken from the space ship Vostok 1, which took Juri Gagarin into space. It has been autographed by the cosmonaut and comes shipped wita handwritten confirmation letter. Starting bid of €3,000 (about $3,924).
Andora (b. 1958), Proton Rocket Designs, Model, Photos, c. '92
This is a collection of rocket designs that came about when German artist Andora was commissioned by the Russian space program to paint a Proton rocket. Starting bid is €2,000 (about $2,628).
Vladimir Dzhanibekov (b. 1942), oil painting, cosmonaut, 1994
This painting was created by cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov, who also designed four stamps for the Soviet post office. Starting bid of €2,000 (about $2,628).
Andora (b. 1958), Mixed Media on Proton Rocket, Germany, 1992
German artist Andora collaborated with a number of other creative talents to paint a Proton rocket, which was later launched into space. This model is based on that historical moment. Starting bid of €1,500 (about $1,971).
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