RR Auction

About RR Auction

RR Auction is one of America's premier auction houses for historical autographs, space memorabilia, rare manuscripts, and significant artifacts. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the firm has conducted over 600 auctions since its founding and has established itself as the definitive marketplace for space exploration artifacts, a category that has grown explosively over the past decade.

History

The company traces its origins to 1976, when 19-year-old Bob Eaton purchased $1,800 worth of sports memorabilia, including a Babe Ruth baseball and Red Sox World Series programs, with help from his grandfather, then sold the items for ten times his purchase price. In 1980 Eaton formally launched the company by sending out his first mailing list from Newton Centre, Massachusetts. The firm moved from retail sales to auctioning in 1995, and launched online bidding in 2004, opening its sales to a worldwide audience.

The pivotal moment came in 2010, when the firm ventured into space-related memorabilia, beginning with a headset worn by astronaut Charlie Duke. Since then, RR Auction has generated over $60 million in total space-related sales, handling artifacts from the Mercury missions through the Apollo moon landings and the Space Shuttle era.

Landmark sales

In 2022, astronaut Wally Schirra's 18K gold Omega Speedmaster Professional 1969 Apollo 11 commemorative watch sold for $1.9 million. Moonwalker Dave Scott's watch achieved $1.625 million, while Edgar Mitchell's Apollo 14 flown Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi watch realized $2.16 million. An Apple II instruction manual signed by Steve Jobs sold for $787,484, setting the world record for a Steve Jobs signed item. RR Auction also regularly sells presidential autographs and letters by Einstein, Darwin, and other scientific figures.

Specialist departments

Beyond space memorabilia, RR Auction maintains strong departments in historical autographs, rare manuscripts, pop culture artifacts, and fine memorabilia spanning American history, science, music, and technology.

Buying and bidding

RR Auction conducts both live and timed online auctions throughout the year. Its timed auctions typically run for several weeks, allowing bidders ample time to research lots and place their bids, and the website provides detailed lot descriptions, high-resolution photography, and provenance information for every item offered. The authentication process is rigorous, with in-house experts examining every autograph and artifact before it reaches the auction block, and for items of particular significance the firm engages third-party authentication services to provide additional assurance to buyers.

The buying process at RR Auction is designed to be straightforward and accessible. Registration is free and can be completed online in minutes, and bidders can participate from anywhere in the world through the firm's website, with real-time bidding updates and automatic notifications. The firm also accepts phone bids and absentee bids for those who prefer not to bid online.

Selling with RR Auction

RR Auction charges a 25% buyer's premium on all lots sold in both timed and live auctions, with an additional 3% processing fee applying to credit and debit card payments through Authorize.net. For sellers, the firm offers free consignment evaluations and competitive commission rates, and its monthly auction schedule and active buyer base ensure that consigned material reaches the market quickly and is seen by the right collectors.

The firm's expertise also extends to appraisal services for insurance, estate, and donation purposes. Its team of specialists can evaluate autographs, manuscripts, space memorabilia, and historical artifacts, providing written appraisals that meet the requirements of insurance companies, the IRS, and estate attorneys. RR Auction has built its reputation on deep subject-matter expertise, particularly in space memorabilia and historical autographs, rigorous authentication standards, and a loyal, global collector base that drives strong competitive bidding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does RR Auction offer purchase options outside of auctions?

Yes, through its private sales division.

Does authentication cover all of the firm's categories?

Yes, with specialized experts for autographs, space items, and historical documents.

Is international shipping available?

Yes, with full insurance and secure packaging worldwide.