Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage conditions may apply

This ladies handbag in the shape of Project Apollo Command and Service Modules (CSM) was designed by Henry Fenster of the Canadian company Mastercraft Leather Goods. Inspired at least in part by the mod clothing movement, this streamlined fashion accessory reproduced the CSM’s profile and color. The foot-long ladies handbag features gleaming silver handles and a silver clasp. The actual Apollo CSMs featured a thermal coating of silver Mylar that helped protect the astronauts from the extreme heat and cold of space.

Fenster, who signed his work as Mr. Henry, used silver-colored leather with a “Morocco” grain to evoke the real spacecraft’s appearance. A Holocaust survivor from Poland, he and wife emigrated to Montreal, Canada, in 1952. With his brother, he cofounded Mastercraft Leather Goods. In December 1969, Fenster presented the purses to the wives of the Apollo 11 astronauts as special mementos.

Michael Collins donated the purse to the Museum's collection in 1972.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin Canada Type MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture Manufacturer Mastercraft, Canada
 Dimensions 3-D: 30.5 x 15.2 x 20.3cm (12 x 6 x 8 in.)
 Materials Metalized/foil fabric, imitation leather, steel, brass
 Inventory Number A19731445000 Credit Line Gift of Michael Collins Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use. Deep dives Apollo 11: The Moon Landing You may also like Apollo Memorabilia: Command Module Handbag