posted 04-28-2010 03:41 PM               

This catalog identifies over 2300 patches of the space programs. Up to 14 pictures per page, has a table of contents, item location index and a source for patches. The Foreign section has 574 patches from Australia to Russia, it has sections for Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, STS and ISS, 22 sections in all.

posted 04-29-2010 12:35 AM               

I do hope 'reprints' / additions will be possible in the future, based on reader's comments. That way, for instance, meaningless patches such as the fake TMA-14 variant I see appear in one of the example pages without any commentary, could be explained.

Maybe, by adopting the numbering system this book is introducing, we could discuss patches in forums like this in a better way.

posted 05-10-2010 09:53 AM               

Appearance: The book is printed on regular xerox type paper, printed with color bubblejet - so not very sharp. Images are not very large either (the size of large stamps). Sometimes it is hard to make out the differences between multiple versions of a patch. Typical characteristics, such as stitch direction and techniques (just think of the Lion Brothers' NASA worm versus the AB Emblem) are not visible.

Three holes have been shot through all pages, so the book can be put into a 3-ring binder by the user him/herself. Maybe for international customers, it is better not to do this. I happened to be lucky and have some leftover 3-ring binders from past projects, but this is a typical US system. In my country for instance, 4 or 23 ring binders are the common thing. 3-ring binders are not even available.

Contents: First of all, let me say that I really appreciate the effort by David and Iris Duke. I think we all agree some sort of catalogue should be put together to capture our common knowledge for future generations. It would be a nightmare to see, in maybe 100 years or so, fake patches being considered as real. This book is a nice initiative in that respect.

The book of David and Iris Duke, I am sorry to say, is not (yet?) the ultimate catalogue I envision. There are too many mistakes and omissions. This, and the realization that so many patches exist (the book is very thick and holds still only a fraction of the patches I know, so at least it is very good in getting that message across!) does convince me that a catalogue like this should better be realized as an online database, as a joint effort by multiple collectors.

It would make it possible to have quick discussions and correct mistakes instantly, so these do not start to live their own lives on a bookshelf. Also, larger pictures, showing more detail, would be very useful for collectors. Maybe it is not commercially attractive, but with all the work the Dukes put in printing and mailing these out, I do not think that is what they want to achieve in the first place.

As for the numbering system adopted, I do not think it is the most logical approach. Why not call several variations of the STS-6 patch STS-006-A, STS-006-B etc, instead of 1F-9, 1F-9A, 1F-9A1 etc.

Also, many of the patches do not list their designers. Whenever a designer is known, it would be nice to have that information available.

Then, for me, there are some unpleasant surprises, mostly connected to the fact that I see a lot of my own work of the past years copied and pasted (including my own mistakes). To narrow it down to one example: there is a page called "Where can you get these patches?" that is copied directly from our website spacepatches.nl. In itself, this is not a problem. But in this case, it is a page that is no longer accessible online, for a reason. It is some 10 years old. Some of the sources mentioned, like Space Country Souvenirs, even asked us to be removed from the list, because they moved or do no longer have their shop.

Now, again, I think David and Iris have started something that can grow into something very useful for space patch collectors. A lot of work still has to be done though to achieve that. I am not sure many of us are willing to keep paying up to 40 dollars for (low quality) printed updates several times before that goal is reached.

My advise: move online and seek the help and knowledge of your fellow collectors!

Erik
Spacepatches.nl

posted 05-10-2010 10:28 AM               

Of course there's a strong temptation to publish a book of some kind because it's a potential source of income for what can be a very expensive hobby. As I've built up my space patch sites over the years I've often considered this myself but in the end I've stuck with the online versions, even if it does mean no financial return for my efforts (such as they are).

posted 05-10-2010 10:53 AM               

My comments:

1. Numbering system is too complicated.
   
2. Show patches only once.
   
3. Remove metal insignia.
   
4. Remove non-space insignia (F-15, other military aircraft)
   
5. Explain acronyms and provide a brief write up on programs with patch. For example, explain what TDRS is and what it does/did.

I've also heard Bisney is working on a patch book. I don’t really know what he is putting together. It could be full of details or a simple identification guide. I think this Duke work would do very well to focus on being an identification guide.

posted 05-11-2010 10:53 AM               

1. show the patches bigger.
   
2. remove non-space insignia
   
3. add bullion type patches (I have a number of space related patches)
   
4. I would add to the write ups