Number |
Ship |
Hull Event |
Date |
Comments Click on Photos |
842 |
USS Rathburne |
DE-1057
Commission |
/ /MAY/16/1970
Number produced: 357
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $4.26
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $1.59
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $ .99
2022 $2.59
2023 $
2024 $3.09
2025 $
|
|
843 |
USS Dwight D Eisenhower |
CVAN-69
Keel Laid |
AUG 15/AM/1970
Number produced:
Not recorded
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $4.24
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013 $3.50, $3.50
2014
2015
2016
2017
$4.75
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $2.74,$6.00
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $3.00, $5.25
2025 $
|
Beck’s Cover Log shows #843 was originally
scheduled for USS Nashville LPD-13,
commissioning on 14 February 1970.
Beck’s log book does not show a quantity for
cover 843, but given the
covers
near that series, the
approximate quantity
is about 350
covers.
There could have been some
lack of information about the
actual planned date for the
commissioning of
the Nashville because Beck’s log
shows “not sent” which
means that
he
probably didn’t
have time to produce the
covers and send them.
Note
that
#842 was postmarked in
May of 1970.
Link to Beck’s Cover Printing Log
Also, in Beck’s Cover Printing Log, #843 is
crossed out and “Nimitz CVAN 68” is
written in.
The final 843 cover was
for the Nimitz class aircraft carrier
USS Eisenhower
CVAN-69 Keel
laying on August 15, 1970. At the
time (early 1970) the actual name of
CVAN-69 wasn’t even
known. The
events and results make sense with
the timing.
|
844 |
USS Frederick |
LST-1184
Commission |
APR/11/1970/PM
Number produced: 347
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $3.25
2010 $3.50
2011 $
2012
2013 $2.99, $2.99
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $1.59
2019 $3.23, $4.50
2020 $
2021 $2.70, $6.00
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $4.15, $2.50
2025 $
|
|
845 |
USS Schenectady |
LST-1185
Commission |
JUN/13/1970/AM
Number produced: 345
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $3.50
2009 $
2010 $3.50, $2.50
2011 $2012
2013
2014
2015 $5.00
2016
2017
2018 $1.59
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $1.98
2023 $
2024 $5.45
2025 $
|
RS cachet front or back
Here is another example. Scan courtesy of Larry Johnson
|
846 |
USS Vreeland |
DE-1068
Commission |
13/JUN/1970/AM
Number produced: 316
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $4.26, $3.50
2011 $7.00
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $1.59
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $2.70
2022 $4.09, $4.09, $4.50
2023 $
2024 $3.75
2025 $
|
Small round RS cachet on front.
Scan courtesy of Charlie Hamilton
Signed by CO Added 7/2018
|
847 |
USS Blakely |
DE-1072
Commission |
JUL/18/1970/AM
Number produced: 306
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $3.50, $2.00
2011 $2012
2013
2014 $2.59
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $4.09
2023 $3.00
2024 $2.75
2025 $
|
|
848 |
USS Francis Hammond |
DE-1067
Commission |
JUL/25/1970/AM
Number produced:
Beck's Log shows "not sent"
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $3.50, $1.50
2011 $2.00
2013
2014 $2.99
2015 $5.00
2016
2017
$1.36
2018 $1.59
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $3.00
2025 $
|
|
849 |
USS Nashville |
LPD-13
Commission |
FEB/14/1970/AM
Number produced: 357
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $3.50, $2.95,
$2.50,$2.25
2011 $2012
2013
2014 $3.99
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $2.75
2025 $
|
Most cancels are poor quality |
850 |
USS Reasoner |
DE-1063
Planned for Reasoner
but never
serviced for
original event. |
Number produced:
Beck's log
shows "not sent"
|
The above cover submitted by
Paul Huber of Fairwinds was used for the
decommission of the Reasoner in
1993. A collector probably had the 20+ year
old Unserviced
envelope saved for the decommission.
Larry Johnson found this unserviced
envelope. Note that the seal is
missing in the cachet. Added 4/2018
Scan submitted by Charlie Hamilton.
This cover is postmarked for the decommissioning in 1993, over 20 years
after
Beck printed the cover.
Signed by the CO CMDR Steven J Sonntag
|
851 |
USS Peleliu |
LHA-5
Not serviced |
Number produced: 491
|
Scan not available.
No examples observed.Les Winick's
1995 Beck
Handbook lists #851
as USS Peleliu.
The contract to build USS
Peleliu was given
in 1970.
The KL was in 1976. (The
Peleliu was originally named
USS Da
Nang). There is a possible change
of contract or name that
made the 851 cover
obsolete.
It was never serviced or
returned. Also see Beck cover 995.
|
852 |
USS Cayuga |
LST-1186
Not serviced |
August 9 1970
Number produced: 341
|
No samples observed. Not Serviced. |
853 |
USS Bowen |
DE-1079
Commission |
MAY/22/1971
Number produced: 429
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $4.33
2010 $
2011 $2012
2013
2014
2015 $4.00
2016
2017
2018 $3.00$1.59
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $3.50
2023 $6.50
2024 $
2025 $
|
Some may have small round RS
cachet on front or back.
|
854 |
USS Ouellet |
DE-1077
Commission |
15/DEC/AM/1970
Number produced: 390
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012 $3.00
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $3.25
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Note the small red rubber stamp
on the cover applied by the ship.
Scan courtesy of Larry Johnson |
855 |
USS San Jose |
AFS-7
Commission |
OCT/23/1970/AM
Number produced: 360
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $3.50, $2.50
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $2.59
2015 $5.00
2016
2017
2018 $1.59
2019 $
2020 $2.25
2021 $2.25
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
|
856 |
USS Tuscaloosa |
LST-1187
Commission |
AM/OCT/24/1970
Number produced: 368
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $3.50, $4.99
2009 $3.50
2010 $9.49
2011 $3.75
2012
2013
2014 $2.59
2015
2016
2017
$4.25
2018 $2.50
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $2.70, $13.25
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
|
857 |
USS Savannah |
AOR-4
Not serviced |
Number produced:
Beck's log
shows "not sent" |
This is the only one we have seen for B857.
We feel that the cover probably
isn't genuine.Actual commissioning date is Dec 5, 1970
Above scan is courtesy of Charlie Hamilton
Envelopes exist
without being serviced
|
858 |
USS Badger |
DE-1071
Not serviced |
Dec 1 1970
Number produced:
Beck's log shows
"not sent"
|
No samples observed.
Not Serviced. |
859 |
USS Joseph Hewes |
DE-1078
Commission |
MAY/18/AM/1971
Number produced: 334
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $8.00
2010 $2.25
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Actual comm. date is
April 24 1971 |
859 |
USS Joseph Hewes |
DE-1078
Commission |
MAY/20/AM/1971
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $2.59
2015 $1.99
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $3.00
2025 $
|
Actual comm. date is
April 24 1971 |
860 |
USS Blue Ridge |
LCC-19
Commission |
Machine cancel is
Philadelphia
NOV 17/PM/1970Fancy cancel is
November 14 1970
Number produced: 330
eBay Prices Realized
(covers with machine Cancel)
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $3.50
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $2.59, $9.00
2015 $1.99
2016
2017
$3.50
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $2.75
2025 $
|
Ships fancy cancel on front with correct date for commission. November
14, 1970.
This is the only cover we have observed with only the fancy
cancel.
Others observed also has the machine cancel, shown below.
Scan courtesy of Larry Johnson.
This cover is addressed to Ronald Reeves who produced some counterfeit
covers.
We are not sure about this one. Ron worked in Phila so
he might of had this
postmarked during the commissioning.
Scan courtesy of Charlie Hamilton
|
861 |
Kennedy Space Center |
Apollo 14 |
FEB 9/PM/1971
eBay Prices Realized
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $ |
Added 8/2020 Scan courtesy of Mark Burton |
861 |
Kennedy Space Center |
Apollo 14 |
FEB/9/1971 eBay Prices Realized
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $ |
Added 8/2020 Scan courtesy of Mark Burton |
861 |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Apollo 14 |
9/FEB/1971/AM
Number produced: 986
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $16.21
2009 $11.77
2010 $ $6.50
2011 $
2012
2013 $28.00 CO autog,
$24.50, $9.00
2014
2015 $43.00 autog helo crew,
$7.50 autog recovery pilots
$ .99
2016 $10.00,
$23.00 w/CO autog,
$3.35, $9.00,
$55.00 w/CO autog,
2.93
2017
$7.50
2018 $33.00
(autog CO) $10.26,
$12.00
2019 $5.50, $4.75
2020 $2.96, $3.99
2021 $4.00. $27.25, $4.50
2022 $
2023 $3.00, $5.00
2024 $3.01, $9.00
2025 $
|
Prime recovery ship.
Another example with
Ships CO autograph |
861 CREW |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Apollo 14 |
9/FEB/1971/AM
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $150.00*
2011 $
*Autographed
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $43.50
2021 $
2022 $54.06
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Sold on eBay $43.50. Added 10/20
ADDED June 2008
This scan was sent to us by Dr. Ross
Smith. Prior to seeing this
scan,
it wasn't verified that a CREW cover existed for this ship for Apollo
14.
As Dr. Smith said,
"it might not be a pretty cover
but I am VERY
happy
to have found it." Another mystery was solved
when this cover was
identified. There
are many
Beck CREW covers that
haven't been found yet. We
know From
Mr. Beck that he
sent the printed envelopes
without the cachet number
(CREW)
to the ships for
space events. What
happened to some of them is
a
mystery. Another mystery
recently solved was for
880
Ticonderoga.
Scan courtesy of Martin
Schwebs Rasmussen
Sold on eBay in July 2022 for $54.06
|
|
|
|
|
SEE Listing for B841
for similar covers.
|
862 |
USS Ponchatoula |
AO-148
Apollo 14 |
FEB/9/1971/A.M.
Number produced: 882
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $3.00, $3.00, $3.00
2010 $7.99
2011 $
2012 $3.00
2013 $1.25, $1.25
2014 $2.99
2015
2016 $8.50, $5.00
2017
$3.34
2018 $4.00, $4.48, $4.00
2019 $
2020 $2.25, $2.68
2021 $5.00, $1.98, $9.50, $4.75, $3.00, $5.00
2022 $8.00, $3.80
2023 $5.00
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan courtesy of RJIPhilatelics.
Genuine autograph of
Astronaut Dr Lenoir.
Any color variations in the
scans are from scans.
The
cachets are
same and colors
are the same.
Scan courtesy of RJIPhilatelics.
Dr. Ross Smith reports seeing several covers
postmarked with the February
3 date on RSC covers only.
No February 3
dates have
been seen on Beck printed
covers B862.
Watch for B862 with Feb 3
1971 date
Beck B862 Missing the background color
|
862 CREW |
USS Ponchatoula |
AO-148
Apollo 14 |
FEB/9/1971/A.M.
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $4.00
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Crew Cover.
Beck cover without number.
|
863 |
USS Spiegel Grove |
LSD-32
Apollo 14 |
FEB/9/PM/1971
Number produced: 1059
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $9.95
2009 $5.50, $4.75,
$4.00, $3.00
2010 $7.99, $76.00 autog
2011 $
2012
2013 $2.79, $4.00, $2.79
2014 $3.99, $9.50, $4.75
2015 $2.50, $2.00, $9.50
2016 $8.24, $12.50
2017
$7.00, $2.75, #9.99
2018 $4.00
2019 $1.98, $3.00, $13.60
2020 $1.80, $2.25,$2.25
2021 $1.98, $4.50, $4.75, $2.85, $26.39
2022 $3.00
2023 $3.00, $2.50
2024 $6.35
2025 $
|
|
863 CREW |
USS Spiegel Grove |
LSD-32
Apollo 14 |
FEB/9/PM/1971
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2010 $29.55
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $20.50
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $2.00, $9.55, $2.56
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith
Crew Cover.
Beck cover without number.
Added 2/2010
|
864 |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Apollo 14 |
9/FEB/1971/AM
Number produced:426
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $3.50
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $1.00
2016 $12.99
2017
$10.50, $2.99
2018 $4.99
2019 $
2020 $39.25, $28.00 Helo Autog, $8.75
2021 $
2022 $2.77
2023 $
2024 $9.00, $3.50, $17.01
2025 $
|
Prime recovery ship. Note how low the number
as compared to the
others in
this series. B861-864.
Another Example |
865 |
USS Spartanburg County |
LST-1192
Not serviced |
Not serviced
Number produced:
Beck's log shows "not sent" |
These covers for B865 were not serviced by the ship. We don't know
what
happened. The second example of B865 below show the envelopes being
used
by Mr. Beck for correspondence.
Scan courtesy of Charlie Hamilton
Scan courtesy of Larry Johnson.
|
866 |
USS Marvin Shields |
DE-1066
Commission |
APR/10/1971/AM
Number produced: 343
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $2.59
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $4.09, $1.98
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
|
866 |
USS Marvin Shields |
DE-1066
Commission |
APR/10/1971
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $4.50, $2.49
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
#9 Cancel.
Scan courtesy of Charlie Hamilton
|
867 |
USS Elmer Montgomery |
DE-1082
Not serviced |
Not serviced
Number produced:
Beck's log
shows "not sent"
|
This cover is a mystery because Beck's log
shows B867 as "not sent".
The cover shown
above is a possible
suspect or back dated
cover.
The ship was commissioned October 30,
1971.
This is the only commissioning cover we
have seen.
Back of cover
Above scans courtesy of Charlie Hamilton
Beck used unserviced envelopes to send notice to customers |
868 |
USS McCandless |
DE-1084
Not serviced |
Not serviced
Number produced:
Beck's log
shows "not sent"
|
Envelopes exist without being serviced |
869 |
USS Boulder |
LST-1190
Commission |
JUN/4/1971/AM
Number produced: 314
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $2.50
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
$7.00, $1.52,
$1.55, $3.00
2018 $1.59
2019 $
2020 $2.70
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
|
870 |
USS Aylwin |
DE-1081
Commission |
SEP/18/AM/1971
Number produced: 300
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013 $1.99
2014 $2.99
2015 $4.75, $2.49, $4.00
2016
2017
2018 $3.74, $3.00, $1.59
2019 $
2020 $5.97
2021 $2.70
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $3.00
2025 $
|
Ships fancy cancel on front
|
871 |
USS Mt. Vernon |
LSD-39
Commission |
13/MAY1972/AM
Number produced: 293
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $2.25
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $6.00, $2.75
2023 $
2024 $5.45
2025 $
|
|
872 |
USS Peterson |
DD-969
Keel Laid |
APR 29/1974/PM
Number produced: 440
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $4.99
2009 $2.50
2010 $2.25
2011 $
2012 $2.50
2013 $4.75
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $4.09, $
2022 $4.09
2023 $
2024 $4.09
2025 $
|
Fake Cancel on Genuine Beck Cachet.
See August 2008 USCS Log for more
information. The Hand Cancel from Pascagoula, MS is FAKE.Rich compiled and presented
information on Fake and
Fraudulent Naval Covers.
The cover shown at
bottom
right is a sample of a Fake
cancel on a genuine Beck.
Somehow a dealer/collector
obtained unserviced
envelopes from Mr. Beck
and
applied the fake cancel. That
person was expelled from the
USCS.
Scan courtesy of Rich Hoffner
The correct cancel for this
event is a machine cancel.
This is the only Beck cover that we have observed with a FAKE cancel for this event.
There are
likely others.
Again, thanks goes to USCS Member
Rich Hoffner for researching and
reporting
this information.
|
873 |
USS Okinawa |
LPH-3
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/AM/1971
Type I
Ships name at bottom of cancel
Number produced: 2057
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $9.00, $27.00 *
2010 $6.50, $18.50,
$62.90 autog
2011 $18.50 CO autog
2012 $1.99
2013 $2.85, $14.50,
$24.50 autog
2014 $6.00
2015
2016 $15.00, $17.00,
$50.00
2017
$2.59, $2.93, $1.93,
$5.04
2018 $6.99. $10.00, $6.50
2019 $11.45, $15.75
2020 $2.68
2021 $7.24, $3.50
2022 $5.95, $4.25
2023 $3.75. $12.50, $6.49, 12.00, $6.49
2024 $5.25
2025 $
|
Prime recovery ship.
Correct cover for this number.
Another example of B873. This cover is
autographed by Commander Coakley,
the
Helo Recovery Pilot. Cover sold on eBay for
$27 in April,
2009.
Sold by FlagShipGallery.
Scans courtesy Dr R Smith
Both covers signed by CO.
Each cover has different cancel.
|
873 |
USS Okinawa |
LPH-3
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/1971/AM
Type II
Ships name at top of cancel
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2005 $26.00
2007 $50.00 w/SA stamps
2010 $
2011 $15.50
2012
2013 $$17.50 Conrad autog,
$12.50, $10.00
2014 $20.00
2015
2016
2017
2018 $6.99, $10.00
2019 $2.98, $1.78, $3.25, $4.75
2020 $2.50, $5.85, $2.60, $4.75, $7.00, $3.79, $2.68, $11.50, $4.65
2021 $
2022 $6.54, $99.99 autog
2023 $5.00, $6.47
2024 $9.50, $4.09, $5.25, $5.15, $3.50, $9.50
2025 $
|
Prime recovery ship.
Correct cover for this number.
Another example.
Scan courtesy of Steve Durst
The following information
was revised January 10, 2011 to
remove the reference
that this
cover was
cancelled on the
FDOI of the space
achievements stamps. This interesting cover
with
two cancellations has the
Space
Achievement Stamps
that were issued by the USPS
on August 2, 1971.
|
The cover above might be one-of-a-kind.
It was sold on
eBay in April 2007 for
nearly
$50. Courtesy RJI Philatelics.
See Ray Cartier's book for more
information. According to Cartier's
book,
these
stamps were flown to the Okinawa
and were used on the Captain's covers.
This printing error cover was sold on eBay in February 2021 for $112.50
Missing the GREEN
|
873 CREW |
USS Okinawa |
LPH-3
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/1971/AM
Type II
Number produced:
see above
eBay Prices Realized
2014 $52.00,
$19.99
2015 $21.50
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $9.75
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan courtesy of Martin
Schwebs Rasmussen
Added 2014
|
873 |
USS Kawishiwi |
AO-146
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/AM/1971
Number produced:
See above
|
Reported but not observed. Note that this line is
for Beck 873 USS Kawishiwi. The Kawishiwi cover below is 874. |
873 |
Houston, TX |
Apollo 15 Apollo 16 Date
|
APR/16/AM/1972
Date of Apollo 16 Launch |
Apollo 15 Beck Cachet with Apollo 16 postmarked at Houston.
Scan courtesy of Simon Cronk
Added November 2020 |
874 |
USS Kawishiwi |
AO-146
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/AM/1971
Number produced: 1885
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $4.00
2010 $3.50, $3.50, $3.50,
$3.24
2011 $6.50
2012 $6.00
2013 $6.99, $1.50, $6.99
2014 $6.99, $1.99
2015 $7.00, $2.50, $2.80,
$2.00
2016 $8.55
2017
$10.00 poor cancel,
$1.75,
$3.34, $4.33
2018 $2.25, $4.00,
$2.25 poor cancel
2019 $1.60
2020 $2.00, $4.00, $6.75
2021 $2.98, $4.48, $2.98, $4.50, $4.75, $3.98
2022 $2.98, $2.34
2023 $5.00, $4.50
2024 $9.45, $3.01
2025 $
|
Above: Normal Beck cachet.
Correct cover for this number
Scan courtesy of Tom Steiner. This Beck cover is missing a color (green)
Above: Cachet printing error.
Black color missing.
Only green and Red printed.
See more information HERE
Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross J Smith
More examples. Airmail envelopes are popular with collectors
|
874 CREW |
USS Kawishiwi |
AO-146
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/AM/1971
Number produced:
See above2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Added 12/2019 This is the first CREW
cover observed for B874 (USS Kawishiwi)
Scan courtesy of Anthony O'Brien |
874 |
USS Okinawa |
LPH-3
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/AM/1971
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $22.00
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $4.75, $2.00-poor
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Morris W Beck cover B874,
for Apollo
15, Prime Recovery Ship, USS
Okinawa.
This is the first one
we have
seen. We heard that this cover existed,
but have never seen
it. Scan courtesy of
Dr. Ross J. Smith.
Scan added Aug 2008.
|
874 |
USS Okinawa |
LPH-3
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/1971/AM
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012 $8.00
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $11.20
2020 $8.75
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $98.56
2025 $
|
Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard
Learn. Added 5/09
This cover sold
for $98 on eBay. Added 8/24
The B874 Okinawa with ship's name at top of cancel is VERY scarce.
|
874 |
Houston, TX |
Apollo 15 Apollo 16 Date |
APR 16/AM/1972
Date of Apollo 16 Launch |
Apollo 15 Beck Cachet with Apollo 16 postmarked at Houston.
Scan courtesy of Simon Cronk
Added November 2020 |
874 |
Miami FL
33152 |
Cachet is Apollo 15-wrong Date |
DEC/31/1976 |
American Freedom Train
|
874 |
Unknown |
Apollo 15 |
Unknown |
This Beck 874 cover from Apollo 15 does not have a date or city in the
postmark.
|
875 CREW |
Kennedy Space Center |
Apollo 15 |
AUG 7/PM/1971
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
|
875 CREW
|
Unserviced |
Apollo 15 |
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Unserviced
Scan courtesy of Martin S Rasmussen Added 2014
|
875 |
USS Austin |
LPD-4
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/PM/1971
Number produced: 1953
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $3.00
2010 $
2011 $
2012 $6.00
2013 $5.99, $3.50
2014
2015 $3.75
2016 $4.44
2017
$3.48
2018 $7.25, $4.00, $2.00
2019 $2.98, $1.11
2020 $2.00, $4.00, $2.60, $3.98,
$2.49, $2.56, $2.68,$4.32
2021 $5.66, $2.98, $4.75
2022 $2.51
2023 $5.00, $4.50, $4.00
2024 $4.25
2025 $
|
Correct cover for this number. Cancel Variety. No periods.
Another example. Sold on eBay 3/21 $5.66
|
875 |
USS Austin |
LPD-4
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/P.M./1971 With PERIODS
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $7.95
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012 $1.99
2013 $ .99, $6.50
2014
2015
2016 $3.98, $1.92 (poor cancel)
2017
$ .99,
2018 $
2019 $3.00
2020 $2.30 poor
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $5.50, $1.00, $3.00,$4.00,
2024 $
2025 $
|
Correct cover for this number. Cancel Variety. Periods |
875 |
USS Austin |
LPD-4
Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/PM/1971
HAND TOP
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016 $2.25
2017
$1.75
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $3.00
2024 $
2025 $
|
Correct cover for this number. Cancel Variety. Ship's name at top of cancel.
|
875 CREW |
USS Austin |
LPD-4 Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/PM/1971
HAND BOTTOM
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2015 $11.50
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Ships name at BOTTOM of Cancel.
No Beck number = CREW cover
|
875 CREW |
USS Austin |
LPD-4 Apollo 15 |
AUG/7/PM/1971
HAND TOP
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Ships name at TOP of Cancel
No Beck number = CREW cover
Scan courtesy of Steve Durst
|
875 CREW |
PAFB |
Apollo 15 |
AUG/ 7/P.M./1971 |
Scan courtesy of Charlie Hamilton Added
6/2024 Cataloged as B875 |
876 |
Norfolk VA |
N/A
Apollo 15 |
AUG 7/PM/1971
Number produced: 1868
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $3.00
2010 $3.50
2011 $1.50
2012
2013 $4.75, $2.00, $5.99, $1.50
2014 $1.86, $3.00
2015 $3.75
2016 $1.98, $1.98, $4.15
2017
$1.93, $ .99, $4.15, $4.25,
$28.01 autog
2018 $10.00 autog, 3.00, $ 4.00,
2019 $2.27
2020 $3.48, $1.03, $4.00, $4.25, $2.68
2021 $4.66, $4.75
2022 $2.04, $2.22, $2.82, $4.00
2023 $5.00
2024 $3.36, $3.50
2025 $
|
Naval Air Station
|
877 |
USS Kinkaid |
DD-965
Launching |
JUN 1/1974/AM
Number produced: 435
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $4.39
2009 $3.25
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $2.49
2016
2017
$1.00
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $1.98
2022 $1.98, $2.49
2023 $
2024 $5.45
2025 $
|
|
878 |
USS Caron |
DD-970
Keel Laid |
JUL 1/1974/PM
Number produced: 535
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $3.00
2010 $ .99
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $2.99
2015
2016
2017
$3.59
2018 $4.00, $1.59
2019 $3.00
2020 $2.24, $2.24
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
|
878 |
USS Caron |
DD-970
Keel Laid |
JUL 1/1974/PM
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $3.50
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
ERROR-cachet incorrectly numbered 928
|
879 |
USS Mississippi |
DLGN-40
Keel Laid |
FEB 22/AM/1975
Number produced: 440
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $2.75
2009 $2.75
2010 $3.00, $2.25
2011 $
2012 $2.50, $
.99, $ .99,
$1.49
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $1.59, $2.74
2019 $
2020 $2.24, $2.24
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $2.00
2024 $
2025 $
|
|
880 |
USS Ticonderoga |
CVS-14
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/AM/1972
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $4.95
2009 $4.95
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013 $14.00
2014 $3.00, $7.50
2015
2016 $4.00
2017
$3.34 label damage,
$2.99
2018 $5.55, $6.97
2019 $
2020 $2.75
2021 $2.50, $4.50, $6.75, $3.50, $2.80
2022 $3.50
2023 $
2024 $3.50
2025 $
|
Correct cover for this number. Hand
cancels were applied in Hawaii.
MC was
left on board for crew. No Beck's known
with MC.
Number produced: Beck's
printing log
states "missed count on these"
Interesting envelope, seldom seen |
880 CREW |
USS Ticonderoga |
CVS-14
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/AM/1972
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $14.99, $31.00
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $15.00
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
CREW cover. Beck 880 cachet
with out printed
number is a crew cover.
Added June 2008
Number produced: Beck's
printing log states "missed count on these"
For years, we have watched for an example or
scan
of this cover.
It is one
of the few covers
that we
couldn't find but
believed it
had to exist.
Don Hensley a
non-collector found our Web
site while
researching his
covers.
He wrote us saying
that his uncle was a postal
clerk on the Ticonderoga
during the
Apollo 16 flight and
was on board during the
recovery.
His uncle, now
deceased, apparently got a
hold of some or most
of the
CREW
covers that Beck
sent for this event. Don sent
us scans of over a dozen
different 880 CREW
covers
from the Ticonderoga with the
HAND CANCEL.
|
880 |
Agana GU |
N/A Apollo 16 |
APR/28/A.M./1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard
Learn.
Added 5/09
Beck's
printing log states "missed count on these" Previously unlisted.
|
880 |
Bolivar NY |
N/A Apollo 16 |
APR/27/PM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan of cover from the collection of
Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard
Learn.
Added 5/09 Beck's
printing log states "missed count on these" Previously unlisted.
Bolivar, NY was not an official Apollo tracking station. Probably a
one of a kind cover.
|
880 |
FDC/ KSC |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
MAY 21/ / 1981
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
FDC for 18c Exploring
the Moon stamp.
Beck's
printing log states "missed count on these"
|
880 |
Fort Collins CO |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR 27 PM/1972
eBay Prices Realized
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $ |
This is the only one we have seen.Scan courtesy of Tom Steiner
added 12/19
|
880 |
Houston TX |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR 27/PM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan of cover from the collection of
Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard
Learn.
Added 5/09 Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
|
880 |
Kennedy Space Center FL |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR 16/PM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
April 16 was the launch date for Apollo 16.
Added to this list 6/2013
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
|
880 |
Kennedy Space Center FL |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR 27/PM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard
Learn.
Added 5/09 Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
|
880 |
USS Kitty Hawk |
CVA-63 Apollo 16 |
AM/APR/27/1972 |
Added 2/2020
One observed
Scan courtesy of Charlie Hamilton |
880 |
Norfolk VA |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR 27 PM 1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $4.95
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck RS cachet applied to back by Navy.
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
|
880 |
USNS Vanguard |
T-AGM-19 |
PM/ 27 APR/1972 MT
Number produced: unknown
eBay Prices Realized
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Added 12/2021 Scan courtesy of Joe Volutza Also see 881 882 883
|
880
CREW |
Norfolk VA |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
PM/ /APR 27/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Added 2014
Previously unlisted Scan courtesy of Martin
S Rasmussen,
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these" |
880 |
Moon KY |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/PM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $114.06
2025 $
|
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
Sold on eBay 5/24 $114.06 B880 Also see B881
|
880 |
Moon, VA |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/PM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $10.00
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Need Scan
|
880 |
Patrick AFB, FL |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/1972/PM
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan courtesy of
Ken Hanson as offered on eBay.
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these" |
880 |
Any City |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
|
Other cancels are reported. |
880 |
USS Alacrity |
MSO-520
Apollo 16 |
PM/ /25 APR/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $1.00
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Purchased on Space Unit Auction. CC commander. Emboss seal.
Only one observed. Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
|
880 |
Unserviced |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
2018 $6.50
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $ |
Unserviced EnvelopeAnother example of the 880 below:
Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith.
Also see similar cover for Beck 881. The Navy imposed a two
cover per collector limit on
space flights. If
a collector
sent more than two envelopes
the Navy returned the covers
to the
collector in a separate
envelope. This explains why
we see some space
covers
with stamps and not serviced.
Beck's printing log does not
indicate a quantity for Apollo
16. He wrote
a note in the printing log
saying "Missed Counts on
these" He must have printed an
excess number of covers for
a special request or
dealer
because of the numerous
covers postmarked in various
cities.
Any difference in the color of the cachets is due to the scans.
|
881 |
USS Ticonderoga |
CVS-14
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/AM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012 $77.00 w/Helo
Crew Auto
2013 $2.99, $18.50
2014 $7.99
2015 $7.00, $4.25
2016 $ .97, $8.00, $2.93
2017
2018 $14.50
2019 $10.00, $62.00 Duke Auto
2020 $4.50, $4.00, $6.00
2021 $
2022 $10.00, $13.87
2023 $
2024 $5.50, $41.25, $40.00
2025 $
|
Correct cover for this number. All Hand cancels were applied in Hawaii.
Only a
Machine Cancel was left on board. No Beck's known with MC.
Another example This one has autograph
of Charles Duke.
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
B881 on the popular airmail envelope theme.
B880 and B881 have many different cancels and locations.
Added 8/2021 Scan courtesy of Charlie Hamilton
|
881 |
USS Alacrity |
MSO 520 Apollo 16 |
PM/ /25? APR/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $2.59
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan courtesy of Luc JallotAdded 12/2009
Beck's
printing log states
"missed count on these" A B881 from Apollo 16 with
the
corner card of the
previously unlisted Beck cover
for USS Alacrity.
We've seen
this corner card on Navy RS
cachets, but this is the first on
a
B881.
Take a look at the
other Beck covers from
Apollo 16 mission and
it is
clear that Beck supplied the
cached envelopes to one or
more dealers
or collectors.
|
881 |
USS Constellation |
CVA-64 Apollo 16 |
APR/26/1972 Added October 2011
|
Scan courtesy of Dr RJ SmithDr. Ross J Smith reports
purchasing a
previously unlisted Beck 881 Apollo 16
cover postmarked on USS
Constellation
CVA-64 on April 26, 1972.
The cover
sold on eBay for
$36. The cover is
addressed to the well-known cover
dealer-collector
Harry Gordon. Previously unlisted. Note the
date is one day before the
actual
splashdown.
Number produced: Beck's
printing log
states
"missed count on these" |
881 |
Apollo, PA |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/P.M./1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck's
printing log states
"missed count on these" |
881 |
Honolulu, HI |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/1972/AM
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck's
printing log states
"missed count on these" |
881 |
Kennedy Space Center |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR 16/PM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $26.00 w KSC RS
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck's
printing log states
"missed count on these"
|
881 |
Kennedy Space Center |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
#9 cancel
Added 8/2020 Scan courtesy of Mark Burton
|
881 |
Kennedy Space Center |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR 27/PM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Added 8/2020 Scan courtesy of Mark Burton
|
881 |
USNS Vanguard |
T-AGM-19 |
PM/ 27 APR/1972 MT
Number produced: unknown
eBay Prices Realized
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Added 12/2021 Scan courtesy of Joe Volutza Also see 880 882 883
|
881 |
Moon, KY |
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/PM/1972 eBay Prices Realized
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $3.50
2025 $ |
Added 4/2024 |
881 |
Moon, VA |
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/PM/1972 eBay Prices Realized
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $ |
Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie
Bizub via the estate of Richard Learn.
Added 5/09 Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these" |
881 |
Pago Pago Samoa |
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/1972/AM
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Another example appears below. The
date is hard to read, but it
appears to be
April 28.
Beck's log states
"missed count on these" |
881 |
Cape Canaveral, FL |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/PM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these" |
881 |
Agana, GU |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
APR/28/A.M./1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2022 $290
2023 $261
2024 $
2025 $
|
eBay $290
added 4/2023 on eBay
|
881 |
Titusville, FL |
Apollo 16 |
APR/27/P.M./1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
This Apollo 16 Beck cover
postmarked at
Titusville, FL on the recovery date is one
of several
different cities serviced by
collectors and dealers.
These covers were printed by Mr. Beck
and sent to various collectors and
dealers upon
request. The collectors
and dealers sent the printed
covers to
various cities for postmarking.
This
specific cover is
addressed to George
Goldey, a very well-known space cover
dealer.
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
Thanks goes to Steve
Durst
for sending us this
cover to
put on the site.
|
881 |
|
N/A
Apollo 16 |
|
Other cancels are reported.
|
881 |
Unserviced |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
|
Unserviced Envelope
Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith
The Navy imposed a two
cover per collector limit on
space flights. If
a collector
sent more than two envelopes
the Navy returned the covers
to the
collector in a
separate
envelope. This explains why
we see some space
covers
with stamps
and not serviced.
Beck's printing log does not
indicate a quantity for Apollo
16. He wrote
a note in
his printing log
saying "Missed Counts on
these"
He must have printed an
excess number of covers for
a special request or
dealer
because of the numerous
covers postmarked in various
cities.
|
882 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
PM/ / 27 APR/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $2.50
2010 $5.50, $3.25
2011 $3.25
2012
2013 $2.99
2014 $4.00, $3.00
2015
2016 $3.30, $3.00
2017
$3.75, $3.00, $2.99
2018 $4.49, $6.97
2019 $
2020 $1.25, $2.68
2021 $4.75
2022 $3.26
2023 $5.00, $6.00, $6.00, $7.50
2024 $5.75, $4.50
2025 $
|
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these" |
882 |
USNS Vanguard |
T-AGM-19 |
PM/ 27 APR/1972 MT
Number produced: unknown
eBay Prices Realized
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Added 12/2021 Scan courtesy of Joe Volutza Also see 880 881 883
|
882
CREW
|
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
PM/ / 27 APR/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $13.50
2016
2017
2018 $4.48
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $9.50
2025 $
|
From the collection of Steve Durst.
Same as the cover above except
this has
no Beck number. This is considered a
CREW cover.
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
|
883 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Apollo 16 |
PM/ / 27 APR/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $5.50, $3.50, $5.65
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $1.49
2015 $3.25, $5.00
2016 $7.00
2017
$4.93
label damage, $1.00
2018 $4.00. $2.99, $3.98
2019 $3.98, $6.75
2020 $2.60, $2.00
2021 $2.25, $4.75, $2.42
2022 $4.09, $2.98, $3.00
2023 $5.00
2024 $4.75
2025 $
|
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
|
883 |
USNS Vanguard |
T-AGM-19 |
PM/ 27 APR/1972 MT
Number produced: unknown
eBay Prices Realized
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Added 12/2021 Scan courtesy of Joe Volutza Also see 880 882 883
|
884 |
USS Ticonderoga |
CVS-14
Apollo 17 |
DEC/19/AM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $7.50
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $4.00
2015 $11.50
2016
2017
$27.00 AM env
2018 $3.49
2019 $7.50,$99.97Cernan Autog, $7.35
2020 $8.70, $21.99
2021 $27.49
2022 $27.00
2023 $
2024 $5.00
2025 $
|
Prime Recovery Ship. Correct cover for
this number. All Hand cancels
were
applied in Hawaii. Only MC was left on
board but not used until day
after.
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
|
884 CREW |
USS Ticonderoga |
CVS-14
Apollo 17 |
DEC/19/AM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $11.50
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these" |
885 |
USS Ticonderoga |
CVS-14
Apollo 17 |
DEC/19/AM/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $9.99
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $3.95, $15.50,
$7.00, $3.56
2016 $5.25
2017
2018 $3.98, $2.98
2019 $6.53
2020 $11.50, $4.00
2021 $27.00
2022 $10.00, $21.99
2023 $11.88
2024 $24.95
2025 $
|
Prime Recovery Ship. Correct cover for
this number. All Hand cancels
were
applied
in Hawaii. Only MC was left on
board but not used until day
after.
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these" |
886 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Apollo 17 |
PM/ / 19/DEC/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $5.50, $3.50, $2.25
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $2.59
2015 $3.00, $3.00, $7.00,
2016
2017 $.50
2018 $7.00, $4.49
2019 $3.00
2020 $2.60
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $6.74
2024 $2.50
2025 $
|
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these"
An example of Beck B886 with Gordon text stamp
Scan courtesy of Charlie Hamilton
|
886 CREW |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Apollo 17 |
PM/ / 19/DEC/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $3.50
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $8.00
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $45.74
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan courtesy of Steve Drust.
This CREW cover is Beck cachet 886.
We
designate it as 886 because this is
the first usage of the printed
cachet.
Only 886 and 887 have this cachet
design for the Atlantic
Recovery Force.
We have not seen any postmarks on 886
or 887 other
than Norfolk, VA.
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these" |
887 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Apollo 17 |
PM/ / 19/DEC/1972
Number produced:
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $3.20, $3.00, $3.00
2010 $3.50
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $2.00, $1.50
2015 $15.00
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $4.00, $6.00, $2.00
2020 $2.68, $2.60, $6,00, $7.00
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $3.50
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck's printing log states
"missed count on these" |
887 |
USNS Vanguard |
T-AGM-19 |
PM/ /27 APR/1972 MT
Number produced: unknown
eBay Prices Realized
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Added 12/2021 Scan courtesy of Joe Volutza
|
888 |
USS Ticonderoga |
CVS-14
Skylab II |
JUN/22/AM/1973
Number produced: 1200
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $9.99
2010 $3.95, $5.65, $5.65
2011 $5.74
2012
2013 $7.50, $3.00
2014 $4.25, $3.74, $4.00
2015 $1.98
2016 $8.49, $3.58
2017
$7.49, $1.25
2018 $3.95, $5.20
2019 $3.50, $17.50, $4.00, $3.65
2020 $5.00
2021 $3.50, $5.00, $3.50, $5.00
2022 $2.02
2023 $3.60, $4.25
2024 $4.00
2025 $
|
Prime recovery ship. Correct cover for
this number. All Hand cancels were
applied in Hawaii. Only MC was left on
board but not used until day after.
No
Beck's known with Machine Cancel.
Any color variations in the
scans for B888 and 889
covers
are from scans.
The
cachets are same and colors
are the same.
B888 and B889 are Green,
Black and Red.
B890 and B891 are Blue,
Orange and Brown
|
888 CREW |
USS Ticonderoga |
CVS-14
Skylab II
|
JUN/22/AM/1973
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan courtesy of Don HensleyWe have designated this
cover as B888
because it is the first
number in the series
where this
Pacific
cachet was used.
Scan courtesy of Martin
Schwebs Rasmussen |
889 |
USS Ticonderoga |
CVS-14
Skylab II |
JUN/22/AM/1973
Number produced: 992
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $ .99
2011 $
2012
2013 $33.00 CO autog
2014 $6.00
2015 $3.50
2016 $4.14, $6.50
2017
$2.75
2018 $3.48, $1.10 poor
2019 $
2020 $2.60, $4.20, $2.85, $3.94,$5.00, $3.50
2021 $4.00, $4.00
2022 $3.30
2023 $3.50, $4.00, $6.50, $6.50
2024 $5.74, $9.27, $6.75, $4.75
2025 $
|
Prime recovery ship. Correct cover for this number. All Hand cancels were
applied in Hawaii.
Only MC was left on board but not used until day after.
No Beck's known with Machine Cancel.
|
890 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab II |
AM/ /22 JUN/1973
Number produced: 1076
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012 $2.25
2013
2014 $1.90
2015 $2.00
2016 $1.02, $3.00, $3.95
2017
$10.00 autog Admiral
2018 $
2019 $16.28
2020 $5.00, $2.25, $3.00, $2.98
2021 $6.74
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $5.00, $7.00
2025 $
|
Machine Cancel. Most are cancelled with the machine cancel.
Scan courtesy of Norm Ferguson
Added 12/2021 Scan courtesy of Joe Volutza
Any color variations in the
scans for B888 and 889
covers
are from scans.
The
cachets are same and colors
are the same.
B888 and B889 are Green,
Black and Red.
B890 and B891 are Blue,
Black and Red
|
890 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A Skylab II |
JUN/22/A.M./1973
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $2.00,
$15.50 Airmail Env
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $2.50
2020 $
2021 $5.00, $5.00
2022 $4.09, $1.98
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Seldom seen Hand Cancel.
Scan courtesy of Ken Hanson. 11/07 |
890 CREW |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A Skylab II |
AM/ /22 JUN/1973
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $16.50
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $12.50
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Added 2014
Scan courtesy of Martin S Rasmussen |
891 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab II |
AM/ /22 JUN/1973
Number produced: 927
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $2.50
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013 $2.99
2014 $3.00
2015 $1.99, $1.53
2016 $10.00
2017
$4.23, $3.23
2018 $
2019 $2.00 poor cancel, $2.99 poor, $4.00
2020 $11.99, $6.00, $5.00, $4.50
2021 $5.00, $3.50, $2.25
2022 $1.75
2023 $
2024 $6.74, $5.74, $3.61, $3.87
2025 $
|
Known for poor cancels
|
892 |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Skylab III |
SEP/25/P.M./1973
Number produced: 1010
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $8.00, $ .99
2011 $
2012 $ .99
2013 $5.00, $33.00 CO autog
2014 $6.52, $6.50
2015
2016 $5.99
2017
2018 $
2019 $15.06,$11.20
2020 $21.75, $4.25, $2.25,$4.50
2021 $3.98, $10.25
2022 $4.00, $4.00, $19.99 autog, $3.04
2023 $11.50, $8.74
2024 $3.75
2025 $
|
Prime recovery ship. Correct cover for this number. Cancels
applied in Hawaii. |
892 CREW |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Skylab III |
SEP/25/P.M./1973
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012 $135.50 w/insert
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Prime recovery ship. Correct cover for this number. Cancels
applied in Hawaii.
Beck cover without number=CREW
Added 2012
This Beck CREW cover sold on eBay for an amazing price
of $135.50 after 13 bids. At Right: The envelope stuffer
card was what
made this
cover so desirable.
We have
never seen this stuffer
card
produced by Mr. Beck.
We have no idea how many
he made of this item or any
similar covers.
|
892 |
Kennedy Space Center FL |
Skylab III |
NOV 16/AM/1973
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie
Bizub via the estate of Richard Learn.
Added 5/09
Cover is
postmarked at Kennedy Space Center on the launch date of the mission.
|
893 |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Skylab III |
SEP/25/P.M./1973
Number produced: 801
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $5.95
2009 $3.75
2010 $3.95, $3.24
2011 $6.50, $10.03
2012 $5.77
2013 $5.00,
2014
2015 $15.50 Airmail Env,
$1.76, $3.95, $6.50, $2.25,
$8.50, $8.50
2016 $3.50, $8.50
2017
$3.23
2018 $7.46, $4.48, $5.00, $
2019 $15.50, $21.25
2020 $5.85, $5.85, $4.10
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $3.50
2025 $
|
Prime recovery ship. Correct cover for this number. Cancels
applied in Hawaii. |
894 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab III |
PM/ /25 SEP/1973
Number produced: 812
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $1.50
2010 $3.50, $ .99
2011 $
2012
2013 $3.80
2014
2015 $1.28
2016
2017
$4.98
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $2.60, $5.00
2021 $3.50, $6.74
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
|
894 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab III |
PM/ /25 SEP/1973
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $1.50, $1.50
2015 $ .98
2016
2017
$3.50
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $1.75
2023 $5.32
2024 $1.00
2025 $
|
Two cancels on same cover. HC is SEP/25/PM/1973 |
894 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab III |
SEP/25/PM1973
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016 $8.49
2017
$2.32 label damage
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $2.51
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Hand cancel only |
894 CREW |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab III |
PM/ /25 SEP/1973
Number produced:
See Above
eBay Prices Realized
2014 $19.99
2015 $12.50
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Added 2014Scan courtesy of Martin
S Rasmussen
|
895 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab III |
PM/ /25 SEP/1973
Number produced: 708
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014 $6.00, $2.50
2015
2016 $6.50
2017
$3.23
2018 $4.03
2019 $17.50
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $4.25, $5.45
2025 $
|
Two cancels on same cover. HC is SEP/25/PM/1973Scan courtesy of Larry Johnson
|
895 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab III |
PM/ /25 SEP/1973
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $8.49
2016
2017
$4.98
2018 $
2019 $2.60
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $2.00, $2.32
2023 $
2024 $5.75
2025 $
|
|
896 |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Skylab IV |
FEB/8/A.M./1974
WAVY LINES
Number produced:1615
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $4.95
2009 $
2010 $4.00
2011 $
2012
2013 $4.00
2014 $4.00, $5.00, $3.50, $13.95 Postcard
2015 $30.00, $2.40, $7.00
2016 $5.50, $4.25
2017
$6.53, $8.00, $2.25
2018 $4.48
2019 $2.60, $3.96
2020 $6.26,$15.15, $6.50
2021 $10.50
2022 $2.86, $4.00, $5.00
2023 $5.32, $29.99 (autog), $2.25
2024 $3.50, $8.50
2025 $
|
Prime Recovery ship. Wavy Cancel. Cancels applied in Hawaii.
Watch for solid line cancel like on most hand cancels.
B896 with missing green color.
Scan courtesy of Tom Steiner
Cachet is printed on a postcard.
2014 sold for $13.95
Any color variations in the
scans for B896
and B897
covers are from scans. The
cachets are same and colors
are the same.
|
896 |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Skylab IV |
FEB/8/AM/1974
SOLID LINES
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $6.50
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016 $9.95
2017
$3.48, $114.90 autog ,
$6.00
2018 $65.00 Red missing
2019 $
2020 $11.00, $10.25
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $4.55, $9.00
2024 $4.50
2025 $
|
Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross SmithWe do know that most
cancels for this flight were
applied in Hawaii.
Most
cancels applied were the
wavy line cancel.
VERY few covers have the
USS New Orleans cancel with
the solid lines.
It is not known
if the solid line cancels were
applied in Hawaii or actually
on board the ship.
It is likely that the solid line
cancel WAS on board the
ship.
In
any case, the SOLID
line cancel is the
cancel seldom seen.
Only a few covers with the solid line cancellation on a numbered
Beck cachet 896 observed by us.
This is NOT a CREW cover because it has the Beck printed cachet
number.
Scan courtesy of Andre Gutmann of Germany
This is an error cover missing the RED color. Note that the Beck
number
B896 was printed in RED. Colors are not correct due to
photo/scan.
Another example of the cover with the missing
red color.
This one sold for $65 on eBay,
Nov 2018 |
896 CREW |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Skylab IV |
FEB/8/A.M./1974
WAVY LINES
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012 $62.00
2013
2014
2015
2016 $66.00
2017
2018 $
2019 $12.35
2020 $24.38
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck cover without number=CREW
Addressed to Beck
|
896 CREW |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Skylab IV |
FEB/8/AM/1974
SOLID LINES
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
$12.50
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck cover without number=CREW
Scan courtesy of RJI PhilatelicsThis CREW cover is listed under B896
because 896 is the first usage for
this
cachet and the USS New Orleans.
Scan courtesy of Martin
S Rasmussen We do know that most
cancels for this flight were
applied in Hawaii.
Most
cancels applied were the
wavy line cancel.
VERY few covers have the
USS New Orleans cancel with
the solid lines.
It is not known
if the solid line cancels were
applied in Hawaii or actually
on board the ship.
It is likely that the solid line
cancel WAS on board the
ship.
In
any case, the SOLID
line cancel is the
cancel seldom seen.
Scan courtesy of Andre Gutmann of Germany
Note the unusual use of the 9c Franklin stamp
Scan courtesy of Andre Gutmann of Germany
|
896 CREW |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab IV |
AM/ /8 FEB/1974
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck cover without number=CREW
|
896 |
USPS HI |
Skylab IV |
FEB/8/AM/1974
Number produced:
See above |
Scan courtesy of Tom Steiner
Added 2/10 Previously unlisted |
897 |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Skylab IV |
FEB/8/A.M./1974
WAVY LINES
Number produced: 1565
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $4.95
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013 $2.50
2014 $ .99, $6.75,
$112.04 w/crew autog, $1.99,
$6.75
2015 $3.95, $6.00, $3.50
2016 $4.14
2017
$15.00, $1.75
2018 $2.25
2019 $3.75, $5.00, $12.50, $2.60
2020 $5.45, $11.00, $10.25
2021 $4.50, $4.50
2022 $4.09, $3.07, $2.26, $11.49
2023 $
2024 $7.50
2025 $
|
Prime Recovery ship. WAVY Cancel.
Watch for solid line cancel like on
most
hand cancels.
This cover with the WAVY
LINES sold for $10 EBay Feb 05.
Scan courtesy of Larry Johnson
Desirable special envelope
WAVY cancel
|
897 |
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Skylab IV |
FEB/8/AM/1974
SOLID LINES Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016 $27.00
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $4.09, $3.50
2023 $
2024 $11.50
2025 $
|
Beck B897 Added July 26, 2024. Sold on eBay.
Below are two more examples of B897 Solid Line Cancel.
Now all 3 are shown on this Beck Site.
Interesting to note that all 3 known examples of this cover are addressed to
a foreign country.
Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith
The difference in the color of the cachet in these examples
is
due to the scans.
The actual colors are the same. |
897 CREW
|
USS New Orleans |
LPH-11
Skylab IV |
FEB/9/AM/1974
Wavy LINES |
A VERY interesting cover for Skylab.
Dated FEB 9 with WAVY Lines,
the date the ships post office was open after the recovery.
It is addressed to Dr. Ramkissoon. This is the only Skylab
cover dated FEB 9.
Scan is courtesy of Tom Steiner
|
898 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab IV |
AM/ /8 FEB/1974
Number produced: 1158
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012 $6.27
2013
2014
2015
2016 $3.75, $3.00
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $3.98
2021 $4.75, $3.50, $2.25,
2022 $2.98
2023 $
2024 $4.50, $3.50, $5.25
2025 $
|
This Skylab cover has an interesting bar slug to
strike the 3c Liberty stamp.
Since these covers were
not cancelled aboard a US Navy ship,
this slug
must have been applied
by the USPS. Added 3/2018
|
898 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab IV |
AM/ /8 FEB/1974 Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012 $6.06
2013
2014 $16.20 w/autog CO,
$4.00, $ .99
2015 $68.88 autog
2016 $4.00
2017
$1.75
2018 $3.75
2019 $3.75, $1.51, $2.00
2020 $
2021 $2.25, $7.30 autog carr
2022 $2.32, $1.85, $2.25
2023 $
2024 $3.75
2025 $
|
Two cancels on same cover.
HC is FEB/8/AM/1974. MC is AM/ /8 FEB/1974
Hand Cancel + Machine Cancel. Corrected scan added 8/2020
|
898 CREW |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab IV |
AM/ /8 FEB/1974
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013
2014
2015 $1.00
2016
2017
2018 $2.98
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Beck cover without number=CREW
|
898 CREW |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab IV |
FEB/8/AM/1974
Number produced:
See above
eBay Prices Realized
2015 $26.00
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
|
Hand Cancel
Beck cover without number=CREW
|
899 |
Norfolk, VA |
N/A
Skylab IV |
AM/ /8 FEB/1974
Number produced: 845
eBay Prices Realized
2008 $
2009 $
2010 $
2011 $
2012
2013 $2.00
2014 $2.50
2015 $68.88 autog,
$1.00, $1.00, $6.00
2016 $8.74
2017
$5.00, $3.46, $1.25
2018 $
2019 $3.13, $1.60$2.00, $5.00
2020 $10.25, $1.32, $3.48, $1.57
2021 $
2022 $
2023 $
2024 $9.99
2025 $
|
Two cancels on same cover.
HC is FEB/8/AM/1974 MC is AM/ /8 FEB/1974
Hand Cancel + Machine Cancel |
|