Posts: 1512
From: Washington, DC, USA
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 01-04-2004 10:33 AM               

---

I've been in a mental block on if/what new astrophilatelic exhibit to try next. My "Muroc to the Millenium" exhibit had about run its' course. Every other thing I could think of to exhibit just didn't quite fit into the criteria for philatelic exhibits.

At the same time I was looking at and reading kudos for all the new websites put up by collectSPACE members.

Well, I finally put two and two together and voila' - why not put up a virtual exhibit of my favorite covers in my collection and be able to format and write what I want, instead of what will please a bunch of hardcore philatelic judges? Not being a real web whiz, I just modified one of my PictureTrail albums and voila' - here it is.

I've put up my favorite rocketplane, Mercury, and Gemini covers. Apollo will follow (Jeez, maybe I ought to try poetry! Not!!!). Hope you enjoy it as much as I have in putting it together, and I hope it is at least a little educational too. Keep checking back for updates.

Dennis Dillman

Posts: 503
From: Highland Heights, KY
Registered: Feb 2003

Posts: 1744
From: Atlanta-area, GA USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 01-04-2004 11:52 AM               

---

Breathtaking! It's a fabulous display of rare and significant space covers, Dennis. Great work and it's an appreciated and needed Website to show the variety and quality of space covers. It's great to see a Website devoted only to space covers, and about time, and your efforts and dedication should be noticed and applauded by all space collectors. We're looking forward to seeing your Apollo covers displayed next.

Those of us who collect space covers and autographed space covers can especially appreciate and admire what you have accomplished and displayed on your new website.

Posts: 1512
From: Washington, DC, USA
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 01-04-2004 12:32 PM               

---

Thanks for the kind words, Evan and Bob!

Evan, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet.

For Bob - this is indeed high praise coming from a collector of your stature. I don't know if you remember, but you gave me a lot of help and guidance over the years on a lot of astrophilatelic questions. Couldn't have done it without you.

Posts: 1744
From: Atlanta-area, GA USA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 01-04-2004 12:44 PM               

---

This is your day, Dennis. You deserve all the credit and your dedication and efforts have obviously paid off in an impressive, world-class presentation. Those of us who have collected space covers and autographed space covers for years can especially understand and appreciate what you have accomplished. Congratulations.

Your website also serves to show that there is a lot more to space collecting than colorful lithos and Apollo WSS portraits.

Posts: 1096
From: Lincolnshire IL USA
Registered: Aug 2000

Posts: 577
From: Ohio
Registered: Mar 2001

Posts: 1512
From: Washington, DC, USA
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 01-06-2004 10:38 PM               

---

Thanks to all of you for your kind words.

I just added 9 of my favorite Apollo covers in, so please feel free to check it out!

Posts: 48
From: Great Neck, NY
Registered: Dec 2001

posted 01-07-2004 12:25 AM               

---

Dennis, I want to thank you for sharing your collection. It is also interesting to read the background behind how you obtained the covers and autographs. Your passion for collecting really comes through.

I am also a member of the Space Unit and I have had the opportunity to trade and acquire some nice signed covers at local events that they sponsored.

I really appreciate the items that you have acquired and shared on your website. It is a wonderful collection which should be acknowledged by all collectors.

Posts: 503
From: Highland Heights, KY
Registered: Feb 2003

Posts: 3307
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2001

posted 01-07-2004 09:18 AM               

---

Thanks for sharing, Dennis. Those are great items...and beautiful scans, too!

I read your description of the Apollo XI insurance cover. These were offered for public sale in the late 80's for $150 each?? Arrghhh!

Posts: 1512
From: Washington, DC, USA
Registered: Apr 2003

posted 01-07-2004 12:31 PM               

---

Phil - Have we met at the Space Unit show in Queens that happens every April?

Evan - If you want to join the Space Unit, the website is here.

Scott - Yup, $150 for an Apollo 11 insurance cover back in the late '80's. And I balked. Should'a hocked the car and bought the whole stock...

Posts: 48
From: Great Neck, NY
Registered: Dec 2001

posted 01-07-2004 08:57 PM               

---

Yes, the Space Unit gathering in Queens was what I was referring to. Since the venue is small I am sure that we had the opportunity to meet. At the last one, I picked up some great signed covers as well as some unsigned Mercury covers which I had signed by Carpenter and Schirra in Washington, DC.

Although this gathering is small, it provides an opportunity to meet and gossip with some great collectors amd see some wonderful collections. Another interesting aspect of the Space Unit are the member auctions. An alternative to ebay, dealers, etc, and a great way to pick up items at modest prices.

Posts: 2913
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001

posted 01-14-2004 06:51 PM               

---

Dennis, enjoyed your cover displays and thanks for helping promote our beloved astrophilately hobby. You have certainly "expanded the envelope" so-to-speak with your wonderful assortment of selected space-related covers.

Collecting space covers isn't always your standard cachet productions, postmarks, or even autographs applied to various issues that may enhance a particular space theme/mission/project.

Another unique area that Dennis has already hit upon, one of my favorite space-collecting categories, is the collecting and/or specializing of "carried/located/flown" philatelic-related creations. It can be quite challenging, educational and very rewarding when a project becomes successful -- even historical in some instances. But most importantly ...it can be a lot of fun!!!