posted 12-10-2003 07:11 AM               

Hello All,

This is my first time to post a question so forgive me if I do something wrong. I am 44 and I have been a fan of the space program from the mid 60s but I have just gotten into collecting. I have an e-bay auction that I would like for you guys to take a look at.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3255991501&category=413

This auction was just listed as "Set of 12 Apollo Lunar Mission Patches". When I first saw the image of these patches I recognized the Apollo 8 patch as a Lion Brothers Patch. I then started to look for the hidden numbers in the 12 through 17 patches. I could see the numbers in the 15 and 16 patch but that was all. The image was too dark on the Apollo 14 and 17 patch and the numbers on the Apollo 12 patch are too small to be seen in this image. I knew the Apollo 13 patch was not a Lion Brothers patch. Even through I could not see the hidden numbers on the other patches I thought maybe I could compare other details of these patches. I went to the webpages at
http://www.spacepatches.info/apollo/
http://genedorr.com/patches
http://www.lunarlegacies.com/patches.htm

These are great pages and I want to thank you guys for detailing the Lion Brothers patches. I spent about an hour at these webpages and I convinced myself that the Apollo 1 and the Apollo 7 through 11 patches were also Lion Brothers patches. I placed a bid on the auction and I won them. I received the patches today and I can see the hidden numbers on the Apollo 12 through 17 patches with the exception of the Apollo 13 patch.

I have ordered a copy of the third edition of Relics of the Space Age but the book was just placed in the mail on Monday. I have heard good things about this book and its section on patches so it should confirm the Apollo 1 and 7 through 11 patches.

I would like your opinions on this set of patches.

Do you guys think these are Lion Brothers patches?

None of these patches have an plastic or glue or anything on their backside. The Apollo 1 has brown stitching on the service module. The Apollo 7 has a purple background. The escape tower on the Apollo 9 extends almost all of the way to the red boarder. The upper stage of the lunar lander on the Apollo 10 is tilted. The background on the Apollo 11 is very dark blue or even black.

Do you guys know who made the Apollo 13 patch? It is 4" in diameter and it does not have any plastic or glue on the back of the patch. The back of the patch looks alot like the backs of the other patches. It shows the course or loose cross threads. The horses are three different colors. There seems to be a silver metalic thread weaved in the outer edge or rim of the patch. This outer edge of the patch shines and sparkles with reflected light. Is this a late 60s or early 70s AB emblems patch?

Do you guys think I got a good deal on this auction?

Thanks for your imput.

posted 12-10-2003 08:15 AM               

Mike, I think that goes beyond a "deal" and into the "steal" classification!

Congratulations! Nice find, and welcome aboard!