Space Cover 744: That Image Looks Familiar, Goldcraft Cachet SourcesThe above cover was cancelled in the Bahamas at the West End post office on May 5th, 1961, representing a location close to Freedom 7's historic landing in the Atlantic Ocean. As important as Alan Shepard becoming the first American in space is as an event, the focus of this week is on the cachet maker who produced this cover.
This cachet was printed by George H. Goldey (1923 – 1994), his company Goldcraft Cachets was instrumental in documenting early launches through philatelic covers. Goldey is far and away my favorite cachet maker, his designs executed in bold ink, typically one, but sometimes two or three colors which are all striking and a pleasure to collect.
Goldey worked in the newspaper business as an editor and photographer for the Tyler Courier-Times-Telegraph (Tyler, Texas) and Canton Herald (Canton, Texas). So, when I first obtained this cover, its line drawing style instantly reminded me of illustrations I had seen in newspapers covering all matter of topics. With some online sleuthing, I was able to find its original source, an AP newswire illustration, identical to the one on the cover. Well, identical expect for one detail, can you spot it?
In the lower left corner Goldey replaced the AP symbol with his signature Goldcraft Cachets logo. Hmm…
Thanks to the power of digital archives online, I decided to see if I could find any more originals to match up with covers in my collection. Goldey was passionate about obtaining and creating covers and I find it fascinating to see where he drew inspiration for his cachets, from photos he had access to at his place of work to those he received in the mail from post officers or other collectors. I'll share a few examples of my discoveries below and look forward to seeing any favorite covers you've got.
Source: Photo, United Press, February 10th, 1958, Thor launch.
Source: Photo, Associated Press, April 5th, 1956, Snark launch.
Source: artist Ralph Dyer, National Postage Stamp show Cinderella stamps, November 20, 21, 22, 1959.
Source: artist Carl Swanson, Wallops Island rubber stamp cachet, one early example April 14th, 1961, Aerobee 150-A launch.
Source: artist CFM, Associated Press.
Source: artist Ben Valdivieso, Associated Press, July 25th, 1971, Apollo 15 mission.
posted 03-10-2024 08:43 AM
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