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  370910332568: Apollo employee moon patch

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Author Topic:   370910332568: Apollo employee moon patch
Space Shuttle Endeavour
unregistered
posted 10-07-2013 02:40 PM           Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I just bought an Apollo suit patch and it arrived today and is about the size of the ones for the moonwalkers. This one is grey and says "Moon." Does anyone know what this is? Thanks.

JBoe
Member

Posts: 960
From: Churchton, MD
Registered: Oct 2012

posted 10-07-2013 04:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for JBoe   Click Here to Email JBoe     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Not to burst your bubble, but the is in my opinion a name tape patch (last name) that is common on U.S. Navy dungarees and formerly utilities (chambray shirts). Being prior Navy from 1997-2002, this is what I would wear on my uniform shirts.

While it is possible that this could be a name tape from a NASA employee, I think it's a Navy enlisted member's name.

Space Shuttle Endeavour
unregistered
posted 10-07-2013 04:33 PM           Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Oh, he said it was from a NASA employee's estate. Thanks for your input and your service in the Navy.

p51
Member

Posts: 1642
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011

posted 10-07-2013 05:54 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for p51   Click Here to Email p51     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I agree with JBoe, but it could be any branch, as the color is hard to tell from the photo.

That pattern of lettering wasn't being used in the Apollo era at all. They used a typeface that is best described as more 'compact' of a sans-serif typeface. You really start seeing that specific lettering style (and manner of embroidering) much later. I'd say this is no earlier than the mod 1980s or so.

Space Shuttle Endeavour
unregistered
posted 10-07-2013 06:46 PM           Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Do you think it would be worth returning to the seller as it was advertised as part of the Apollo era?

JBoe
Member

Posts: 960
From: Churchton, MD
Registered: Oct 2012

posted 10-07-2013 07:12 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for JBoe   Click Here to Email JBoe     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thank you for your kind words.

I'm not sure what the policy is regarding "misrepresentation" and in the end it's your decision. I'll agree that the lettering type and fabric is different in that it's more "rugged" fabric which could have been used on duffle bags (not sea bags or parachute/helmet bags) and possibly not on uniforms. This item definitely appears to be military issue, specifically Navy in my opinion.

If this was a name tape used on uniforms the lettering would be smaller size which would be characteristic of bell-bottomed dungarees, typical during the Apollo-era until the late 1990's. The larger font size would be characteristic after the late 1990's. I have both styles since the navy was in transition in uniform styles while I was in.

p51
Member

Posts: 1642
From: Olympia, WA
Registered: Sep 2011

posted 10-07-2013 07:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for p51   Click Here to Email p51     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Space Shuttle Endeavour:
Do you think it would be worth returning to the seller as it was advertised as part of the Apollo era?
I would. My primary hobby is collecting US military uniforms and I know for certain that there's no way this type of nametape was being used during the Apollo era.

JBoe
Member

Posts: 960
From: Churchton, MD
Registered: Oct 2012

posted 10-07-2013 07:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for JBoe   Click Here to Email JBoe     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
To be fair, the misrepresentation may not be malicious, but what was passed down and described to the seller at the time. With that said, it's probably a good idea to see what the return policy is.

crash
Member

Posts: 318
From: West Sussex, England
Registered: Jan 2011

posted 10-07-2013 07:29 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for crash   Click Here to Email crash     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have had some experience with the seller and would recommend that you contact him with your concerns. He seems a genuine chap who should not give you any problems.

JBoe
Member

Posts: 960
From: Churchton, MD
Registered: Oct 2012

posted 10-07-2013 07:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for JBoe   Click Here to Email JBoe     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I too have many positive experiences with this seller, I would agree that contacting him with your concerns may put you at ease.

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