Lot 408
Apollo 1, 1967, Ed White's "United States Military Academy" 1952 Class Ring. This ring was one of White's most prized possessions and he wore it almost continually after his graduation. It appears to have been returned to his wife, Pat, with his other effects after the Apollo 1 fire as indicated by a typed "Mrs. White" included in the black plush "Becker's" ring box.
The White family has a long and proud history of service in the various branches of the military. In addition to his father's career in the Air Force, two of Ed's uncles had solid careers in the Army and Marines. West Point had graduated two members of the White family and there was never a question of his attendance there. While attending West Point, White made the rack team as a hurdler and set a West Point record in the 400 meter hurdles. He barely missed getting a spot on the 1952 Olympic team and even met his future wife, Pat, while in school. This ring meant the world to White and it was rarely off his finger.
The gold ring is well worn and it is ornately engraved: "Edward H. White II / United States…." It contains a black stone that clearly shows heat discoloration from the fire across part of the surface (the astronaut's bodies were not burned during the fire). There is little doubt that White was wearing this ring during his 1965 "spacewalk" as part of GT-4 also.
An extremely important part of history and, to our knowledge, the first astronaut West Point class ring to be offered to collectors. It is certainly one of the most historic and important. A consignor's certificate of authenticity is included.
All of the proceeds will be donated to the Ed White Scholarship Fund at the University of Michigan.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 25,000.
Ex. the astronaut Ed White II Family collection.
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