For Flieger Friday I have a few items from the desk of Thomas O. Paine, head of NASA during the first manned moon landing. Paine was known to keep his desk clutterd with aviation models including this early Northrup target drone. I acquired much of Paine's estate, including his library, with thousands of autographed, astronaut signed, hilariously inscribed Arthur C. Clarke (must read!) and other aviation/space exploration books. The bright Hamilton Khaki Aviation Red Bull Air Race is one of the few pilot watches I have but it pairs well with the bright Chukar II Drone for today's WRUW. TGIFF!
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Jack McClary
I prefer in person gatherings over social media dialog and have a soft spot for vintage watches.
Southern California
Member since
Last active: 13 min ago
7.25” / 18.42 cm
That’s great. Some cool stuff. I would like a silver snoopy Speedmaster some day. I’ve worked at Kennedy Space Center my whole career from mid-Shuttle days to the present.
That is really cool Jack! To have that history is your possession is priceless. Have a fantastic weekend Jack!
You went all out for this Flieger Friday Jack! Thanks for the eye Candy and the little bit of history. Have a lovely Friday and an amazing weekend!
That’s great. Some cool stuff. I would like a silver snoopy Speedmaster some day. I’ve worked at Kennedy Space Center my whole career from mid-Shuttle days to the present.
I was into early Aviation and Space Exploration before I got into watches. My wife gifted me a Speedmaster (hesalite version) in 2019 because as space geeks we were celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing and it was that Speedy that led us into the watch rabbit hole.
It seems I go a little too deep for each new collecting chapter in my life but since we don't have children we get to splurge a little more on ourselves. I also have other deep collections of totally unrelated material such as early California history books, maps and ephemera.
You would have a field day with my aviation and space artifacts and perhaps you are in a unique position to appreciate them.
I've collected everything from Amelia Earhart's signed first edition book with a recording of her voice:
To a shuttle flown American flag:
And the declaration where President Nixon appointed Paine to head NASA:
Many other Astronuat and NASA personnel autographs too:
There is an auction house on the east coast that has been urging me for years to consign this material to them but I'm in no rush. It took me two years just to go through the Paine library!
Paine's family apparently never went through the material individually. I had to be careful and check each book where I would find inscriptions, autographs and artifacts such as parachute fabric from a capsule splash down recovery!
Happy I could share this glimpse with someone that would appreciate it!
No offense to the Cruncher (you know who you are) that believes I'm supporting the conspiracy that the moon landing was faked.😉
That is really cool Jack! To have that history is your possession is priceless. Have a fantastic weekend Jack!
Thanks D! I miss when many homes had a room dedicated as a "study" with books, artwork and various specimens. Hoping my next house will have a dedicated library since I already have all the material though I'm not ready just yet to pull the plug on L.A. and I do want to stay in Southern California. Have a great weekend!
You went all out for this Flieger Friday Jack! Thanks for the eye Candy and the little bit of history. Have a lovely Friday and an amazing weekend!
Not as all out as the new owner of a marvelous GS!!! Congratulations, you crushed it and improved an already promising weekend!
I was into early Aviation and Space Exploration before I got into watches. My wife gifted me a Speedmaster (hesalite version) in 2019 because as space geeks we were celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first manned moon landing and it was that Speedy that led us into the watch rabbit hole.
It seems I go a little too deep for each new collecting chapter in my life but since we don't have children we get to splurge a little more on ourselves. I also have other deep collections of totally unrelated material such as early California history books, maps and ephemera.
You would have a field day with my aviation and space artifacts and perhaps you are in a unique position to appreciate them.
I've collected everything from Amelia Earhart's signed first edition book with a recording of her voice:
To a shuttle flown American flag:
And the declaration where President Nixon appointed Paine to head NASA:
Many other Astronuat and NASA personnel autographs too:
There is an auction house on the east coast that has been urging me for years to consign this material to them but I'm in no rush. It took me two years just to go through the Paine library!
Paine's family apparently never went through the material individually. I had to be careful and check each book where I would find inscriptions, autographs and artifacts such as parachute fabric from a capsule splash down recovery!
Happy I could share this glimpse with someone that would appreciate it!
No offense to the Cruncher (you know who you are) that believes I'm supporting the conspiracy that the moon landing was faked.😉
I saved almost everything I came across or was given. I was in the firing room for most launches and I kept all the overlays. I also used to get a stamp cancelled on launch and landing day for each flight. Of course I kept my silver snoopy award pin. It flew on STS-134.
This is very cool Jack. Thanks for sharing 👍
I saved almost everything I came across or was given. I was in the firing room for most launches and I kept all the overlays. I also used to get a stamp cancelled on launch and landing day for each flight. Of course I kept my silver snoopy award pin. It flew on STS-134.
History is COOL! Now you MUST get the Snoopy Speedy. I've had the pleasure of handling a couple and they are the business! It's now also my wife's favorite Speedmaster so maybe somewhere down the line...
This is very cool Jack. Thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks! I geek out and nerd out on so many things but the WC never shames me!
Jack I've got to tell you I'm more than I little a jealous. Your space collection is outstanding from the bits and pieces I've seen here. Thanks for another glimps. Have a fun weekend at the swap meets. 💪💪
Jack I've got to tell you I'm more than I little a jealous. Your space collection is outstanding from the bits and pieces I've seen here. Thanks for another glimps. Have a fun weekend at the swap meets. 💪💪
Thanks, it's a crazy large collection but it was a generational opportunity. Unfortunately books are the new VHS tapes with the public in general losing interest. Before the lockdown I traded a few items plus some Hollywood memorabilia (a whole 'nother horde) for several vintage Rolex OP watches. My timing was just lucky but that's A-OK.
My jaw is on the floor. What a collection. I’m jealous!
Maybe make some of this into a longer post here on WC?
My jaw is on the floor. What a collection. I’m jealous!
Maybe make some of this into a longer post here on WC?
As long as I can tie it into watches perhaps. It was the acquisition that brought a Speedmaster into my life though so there's that!
Awesome artifacts Jack!
Looks like my Hamilton has at least a 4.7 earthquake rating. A lot of sirens outside but all is well here.
Thanks, it's a crazy large collection but it was a generational opportunity. Unfortunately books are the new VHS tapes with the public in general losing interest. Before the lockdown I traded a few items plus some Hollywood memorabilia (a whole 'nother horde) for several vintage Rolex OP watches. My timing was just lucky but that's A-OK.
Your a collector Jack. You're never done.
Wow it is so cool and priceless to have such a great piece of history in your possession! Thanks so much for sharing 🙏