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Author
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Topic: Splashdown-canceled Apollo insurance covers
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randyc
Member Posts: 779
From: Chandler, AZ USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 09-29-2011 12:32 AM
   
I've seen Apollo 16 insurance covers that were cancelled on the day of splashdown and was wondering, should these really be considered insurance covers or only crew signed covers that used the insurance cover envelope? By that I mean are the only real insurance covers cancelled on the day of launch (and perhaps moon landing) before anyone knew if the astronauts would make it back? If the cover was cancelled on the day of splashdown (since it could have been cancelled after their safe return) then it was known that the crew returned safely and therefore there was no need for the insurance. Even though the cover was signed before launch (and could have been sold uncancelled had the crew not returned) does the fact that it was cancelled on the day of splashdown make it less desirable from an insurance cover collectible standpoint? |
Ross
Member Posts: 472
From: Australia
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 09-29-2011 08:34 AM
I haven't seen an Apollo 16 example but are you referring to an Apollo 16 version of the Apollo 15 cover on my site? If so I'd be interested in seeing a scan or a reference to such a cover. |
randyc
Member Posts: 779
From: Chandler, AZ USA
Registered: May 2003
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posted 09-29-2011 09:12 AM
Here's an example: |
Ross
Member Posts: 472
From: Australia
Registered: Jul 2003
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posted 09-29-2011 09:57 AM
While I'll leave it to more experienced collectors for the final word, personally I would think the two important criteria would be when they were signed and why they were created. If they were signed before the flight and were meant to be sold if the astronauts didn't return then they are insurance covers irrespective of when they were postmarked. The fact that, in the end, the family knew that the astronauts had returned successfully is of secondary importance. The fact is, when the cover was signed (assuming there is sufficient evidence) it was uncertain as to whether they would return or not. It seems to me the actual postmarked date is of lesser importance. |
NAAmodel#240
Member Posts: 312
From: Boston, Mass.
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted 09-30-2011 09:05 AM
Agree with Ross (as evidenced by my support of the extensively debated Apollo 17 covers with commemorative postmarks) that signature before flight and intent are the two most important criteria. As the guy who mistakenly bid on the above cover, however, purists will continue to insist that the most "legitimate" Insurance covers sport a launch date. Glad (for once) I was outbid. |
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