Jewellery

Apollo Jewellery Set

Acquired from E-bay seller

Collection Number LMCT-10

The set contains Command Module cufflinks, Command Module tie clip & a Saturn V tie pin

Apollo Lapel Pin

 Acquired from Facebook Space Memorabilia Group Member                                                                                            

Collection Number NOV-1

An enamel lapel pin, sold as late sixties-early seventies vintage

Turtle Lapel Pin

 Acquired from Facebook Space Memorabilia Group Mem     

 Collection Number NOV-2

This is another item that unless you are a "Space Buff" you would probably not know why this would be included in a collection of space memorabilia.

It is because of one of the early NASA astronauts Wally Schirra. Wally was a well known prankster, who was also a member of the Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles, which was started life as an informal drinking club amongst WWII pilots. Members of the club wore turtle lapel pins. To gain admission you had to answer four questions without being vulgar. The questions asked implied a vulgar answer that sprung to mind easily, but there always was a polite bland answer if thought was given to it. If a member asked another member "Are you a turtle", the correct answer was "You bet your sweet ass I am". If that answer could not be given because for example you were with a lady or a small child and it would not be appropriate to use the word ass then you would have to buy the asker of the question a drink. There were a few instances during the space program when Wally was asked the question, and because he was "flying a rocket" and had a worldwide audience could not give the required response. 

This example was purchased from the estate of a man who was member of the club in the sixties.