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  351-402   403-455    456-514 GT-2    515-569 GT-3, GT-4, GT-5    570-621 GTA-6 GT-7 
  
622-687 AS-201, GTA-8, GTA-9, GTA-10, AP-3, GTA-11        688-769 AS-202, GTA-12, AS-204, AS-501, AS-502, AP-7    

770-841 AP-8, AP-9, AP-10, AP-11, AP-12, AP-13, AP-14     842-899 AP-14, AP-15, AP-16, AP-17, SL-II, SL-III, SL-IV    

900-951   952-1000 ASTP

Download the FREE checklist

Morris W. Beck Naval Covers
 

Copyright ©1999-2024 Owen R Murray.  All Rights Reserved.      Revised: 03/01/2024

This page lists covers 952-1000     GO TO:   Previous Listing #900-951      Home Page

Number Ship Hull

Event

  

Date

 Comments

Click on Photos
952 USS Elliot DD-967

Launching

  

Not serviced 

Number produced: 

 

 Scan not available.
No examples observed.
953 USS Spruance DD-963

Commission

SEP/20/1975/AM 

Number produced: 257

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $4.00, $3.00
2010  $3.00, $2.50, $7.00 
2011  $23.00
2012  $4.00
2013 
2014         
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $2.74
2019 $2.06
2020 $1.78
2021 $2.70
2022 $4.09
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 
US Navy added at top of cancel.


This is the cover that sold for $23 on eBay in 2011

 
954 USS Dubuque LPD-8

Columbus Day

OCT/14/1974/A.M. 

Number produced: 217

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $ 
2011  $3.00, $6.00
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015  $2.99
2016
2017
2018 $1.59
2019 $2.74, $175
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 4.09
2023 $3.75, $4.87
2024 $
2025 $
Most cancels observed are poor quality.



 
955 USS Kalamazoo AOR-6

Columbus Day

OCT/14/1974/A.M. 

Number produced: 217

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $3.00
2010  $ 
2011  $3.00, $3.75
2012 
2013 
2014        
2015
2016
2017
2018 $1.59, $3.48
2019 $2.74, $175
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 
956 USS Prairie AD-15

Columbus Day

 

SEP 16/PM/1974 

Number produced: 210

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $6.00 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017
2018 $3.48
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 
Scheduled for USS Prairie, no mention of ship on cover
 
957 USS Donald B Beary DE-1085

Columbus Day

OCT/14/1974/AM 

Number produced: 206 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.00
2010  $4.00 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $1.59 $3.48
2019 $2.85
2020 $
2021 $3.50, $1.98
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 
958 USS Horne DLG-30

Columbus Day

 

OCT/14/AM/1974 

Number produced: 201 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $2.75
2009  $2.75
2010  $ 
2011  $6.00
2012 
2013 
2014         
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $1.59 $3.48
2019 $
2020 $1.98, $2.68
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 

 

 



Scan courtesy of Steve Durst. Cachet is missing a color (black).

 
959 USS John F Kennedy CVA-67

US Navy 199th Anniversary

OCT/13/AM/1974 

Number produced:215

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014  $2.99        
2015  $3.00
2016
2017  $5.00
2018 $3.00, $2.95 $3.48, $6.00
2019 $1.50
2020 $4.50, $3.48, $2.95
2021 $2.00, $4.25
2022 $5.95
2023 $7.50
2024 $
2025 $
  
 

 
960 USS Joseph Strauss DDG-16

US Navy 199th Anniversary

OCT/13/1974/AM 

Number produced: 211 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.74
2020 $1.50, $2.98
2021 $1.98
2022 $ 4.09
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 
961 USS Dyess DD-880

US Navy 199th Anniversary

PM / /11 OCT/1974 

Number produced:207 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $5.00 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014        
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.74
2020 $2.70
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
    
 
Ship added 3 line Red RS cachet and is on all covers we have seen.
Many machine cancels from Brooklyn are poor

 
962 USS Stein DE-1065

US Navy 199th Anniversary

OCT/13/1974/AM 

Number produced:207  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $6.00
2011  $6.00
2012 
2013 
2014         
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $4.00
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
   
 


 
962

CREW

 USS Stein DE-1065

US Navy 199th Anniversary

OCT/13/1974/AM 

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 $
 
CREW-Beck cover without number

 
963 USS Fort Fisher LSD-40

US Navy 199th Anniversary

OCT/13/1974/AM 

Number produced: 207

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $4.00 
2011  $3.75
2012 
2013 
2014  $1.99, $2.59      
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $1.50
2020 $4.50
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $2.25
2024 $
2025 $
 


 
964 USS Dwight D Eisenhower CVN-69

Christening

OCT 11/AM/1975 

Number produced: 337

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $8.00 
2011  $
2012 
2013  $3.50, $9.99
2014  $4.00         
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $3.48, $5.00
2019 $1.85
2020 $2.98, $2.70
2021 $2.00
2022 $ 
2023 $3.00, $6.50
2024 $6.45
2025 $

 
Slogan Christening of the USS Dwight D Eisenhower.
This over is hard to find.  Tens of thousands of sailors have served on this aircraft carrier.
When these covers appear at shows or on eBay, they sell fast.

 
965 USS Long Beach CGN-9

UN Day

OCT/24/1974/AM 

Number produced: 210

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $3.48
2019 $1.85
2020 $4.50 dual
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 


Machine cancel added USPS.  Scan courtesy of Charlie Hamilton

 
966 USS Lynde McCormick DDG-8

UN Day

OCT/24/1974/A.M. 

Number produced: 206

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.00, $2.50
2010  $7.00
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014         
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $3.24,$1.85
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
   
 


 
967 USS Agerholm DD-826

UN Day

NOV/12/1974/AM 

Number produced: 202

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $5.00 
2011  $3.37
2012 
2013 
2014         
2015 $1.00
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $1.85
2020 $1.78
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 


 
968 USS Bronstein DE-1037

UN Day

  

Not serviced 

Number produced: 202

 

 Scan not available.
No examples observed.
969 USS Okinawa LPH-3

UN Day

OCT/24/1974/A.M. 

Number produced: 202

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $ 
2011  $6.00
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018  $3.48
2019 $1.85, $3.48
2020 $4.50
2021 $
2022 $2.25 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $

 


 
970 USS Franklin D Roosevelt CVA-42

Navy Day

OCT/27/AM/1974 

Number produced:206 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013  $4.00
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018  $3.48
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $1.98
2022 $ 
2023 $3.25
2024 $
2025 $
  
 


 
970

CREW

 USS Franklin D Roosevelt CVA-42

Navy Day

 OCT/27/AM/1974 

Number produced:

eBay Prices Realized
2019 $
2020 $4.50
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
  
 

 
971 USS Damato DD-871

Navy Day

OCT/27/1974 

Number produced: 198

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $2.00 
2011  $3.75, $3.00, $6.00
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017 
2018  $3.48
2019  $1.78 $1.85
2020 $
2021 $3.25
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
  
 


 
972 USS Navasota AO-106

Navy Day

OCT/27/AM/1974 

Number produced: 191 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $ 
2011  $6.00
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $3.24,$ 1.85
2020 $
2021 $3.00, $2.70
2022 $3.25, $5.51
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
  
 


 
973 USS Myles C Fox DDR-829

Navy Day

OCT/27/1974/AM 

Number produced: 184

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.00, $2.50
2010  $ 
2011  $6.00
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $4.50
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 
Beck printed the cachet on this cover.


 Cachet printing error.  Blue missing.  Only green and Red printed.  See HERE

 
974 USS Reasoner DE-1063

Navy Day

NOV/11/1974/AM 

Number produced: 179

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.00
2010  $ 
2011  $5.00
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017 
2018 $
2019 $2.98, $1.85
2020 $4.50
2021 $4.50
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $

 


 
975 USS Oriskany CVA-34

Veterans Day

NOV/11/AM/1974 

Number produced: 184

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $8.00 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014        
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.98, $1.85
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 
Ship added black RS cachet on front

 
976 USS Badger DE-1071

Veterans Day

NOV/11/1974/AM 

Number produced: 182

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $ 
2011  $3.00
2012 
2013 
2014         
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.98, $1.85
2020 $
2021 $2.70
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
   
 
Many cancels are sloppy with too much ink
 
977 USS Nitro AE-23

Veterans Day

NOV/11/1974/A.M. 

Number produced: 180

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $3.95 
2011  $6.00, $3.50, $3.00
2012 
2013 
2014         
2015
2016 , $2.98, $1.75
2017  
2018 $
2019 $3.49, $2.98, $1.85
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 


 
978 USS Bristol County LST-1198

Veterans Day

NOV/11/AM/1974 

Number produced: 175

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.98, $1.85
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 
Most cancels are sloppy with too much ink

 
979 USS Connole DE-1056

Veterans Day

NOV/11/1974/AM 

Number produced: 166

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $ 
2011  $6.00
2012 
2013 
2014        
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $4.09
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 


 
980 USS Samuel Gompers AD-37

Merry Christmas

DEC/25/AM/1974 

Number produced: 181

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $6.00 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014        
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.98, $1.85
2020 $3.58, $11.49
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 


 
981 USS Concord AFS-5

Merry Christmas

DEC/25/A.M./1974 

Number produced: 179

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $3.00 
2011  $6.00
2012 
2013  $2.04
2014        
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.98, $1.85
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 


 
982 USS Juneau LPD-10

Merry Christmas

DEC/25/1974/AM 

Number produced: 177

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $ .55
2010  $6.00 
2011  $3.00
2012 
2013 
2014       
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.98, $1.85
2020 $
2021 $2.70
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 


Cover is addressed to Morris W. Beck. Scan courtesy of Norm97 on eBay.

 
983 USS Waddell DDG-24

Merry Christmas

DEC/25/A.M./1974 

Number produced:176 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $3.00 
2011  $2.50, $6.00
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.98, $1.85
2020 $3.24
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $

 


 
984 USS Patterson DE-1061

Merry Christmas

DEC/25/1974/  / 

Number produced: 176

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $3.00
2010  $5.00 
2011  $3.00
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.74
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 


 
985 USS Paul F Foster DD-964

Merry Christmas

 

Not serviced 

Number produced: 176
 

 Scan not available.
No examples observed.
986 USS Holder DD-819

Thanksgiving Day

NOV/28/A.M./1974 

Number produced: 154

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $6.00 
2011  $
2012  $3.25
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.98, $1.85
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 
Thanksgiving set has the fewest number printed of all the covers from B#300-1000.

 
987 USS Fiske DD-842

Thanksgiving Day

NOV/28/1974 

Number produced: 152

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $ 
2011  $6.00
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $2.98, $2.98, $1.85
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
  
 
Thanksgiving set has the fewest number printed of all the covers from B#300-1000.

 
988 USS Steinaker DD-863

Thanksgiving Day

Not serviced 

Number produced: 149
 

 Scan not available.
No examples observed.
989 USS Newman K Perry DD-883

Thanksgiving Day
 

Not serviced 

Number produced: 149
 

 Scan not available.
No examples observed.
990 USS Meredith DD-890

Thanksgiving Day

 

AM/NOV/28/1974 

Number produced: 146

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $6.00 
2011  $3.00
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 
Thanksgiving set has the fewest number printed of all the covers from B#300-1000.

 See Variety.
 
990 USS Meredith DD-890

Thanksgiving Day

AM/NOV/28/1974 

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 $
    
 
Thanksgiving set has the fewest number printed of all the covers from B#300-1000.

Some covers observed also have USPS, SC cancel DEC 7 1974.
991 USS Roanoke AOR-7

Launching

PM/  /7 DEC/1974
Type I

Number produced: 175

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $ 
2011  $3.00
2012 
2013 
2014         
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $1.59
2019 $2.98, $1.85
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 



Another example.  Scan courtesy of Larry Johnson

 
991 USS Roanoke AOR-7

Launching

DEC 7/PM/1974
Type II

 

We have no record of
how many covers were
canceled using each
type of machine cancel


Scan courtesy of Larry Johnson

 
992 USS John Young DD973

Keel Laid

Not serviced 

Number produced: No record
 

 Scan not available.
No examples observed.
993 USS Arthur W Radford DD-968

Christening

Not serviced 

Number produced: No record
 

 Scan not available.
No examples observed.
994 USS Oldendorf DD-972

Christening

NOV 8/1975/PM 

Number produced: 255

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50, $4.57
2010  $3.50,$ 3.08 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014  $4.00       
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $1.59, $3.48, $2.74
2019 $4.60, $1.85
2020 $
2021 $2.70
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
  
 
Actual launching date was October 21, 1975.  

 
995 USS Peleliu LHA-5

Keel Laying

Not serviced.  

Number produced: 
No record

Covers never returned.

 Scan not available. No examples observed.

Winick's Beck Handbook lists #995 as USS Da Nang.  The ship was eventually
commissioned as USS Peleliu LHA-5, May 3, 1980.

The cover was for the Keel Laying that took place nearly a year after the other
covers in this series.  Nov. 12, 1976. 

 
996 USS Nimitz CVAN-68

First Day in Commission

MAY/3/AM/1975 

Number produced: No record

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $3.99
2009
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014        
2015
2016
2017  $5.00
2018 $9.99  $3.48, $3.25, $5.00
2019 $5.50, $4.71, $5.52
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $5.00, $6.45, $6.50
2024 $
2025 $
    
 
Lower part of cancel has FPO New York 09501
VERY popular. 


Just for comparison, we list this cover here even though it is not a numbered cachet. 
It is also listed in the Unnumbered section under the date. Scan courtesy of Larry Johnson

 
997 USS Concord AFS-5

Battle of Lexington Concord

APR/19/A.M./1975 

Number produced: 217

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $4.26
2010  $ 
2011  $3.50
2012 
2013 
2014        
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $2.98, 1.59
2019 $2.85
2020 $
2021 $3.24
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 
Cancel also has U.S. Navy BR.


Another example of B997 on a popular airmail envelope.  Some Beck collectors
specialize in Beck covers on airmail envelopes.
 
998 Pasadena+ Houston   APR/4/1975
JUL/24/1975

 

One observed.  Sold on eBay 3/2020
998 USS New Orleans LHP-11

Apollo-Soyuz

JUL/15/1975/A.M. 
Launch Day

Number produced:
5280 total for all #998  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $37.00
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014        
2015  $5.00
2016
2017 
2018 $
2019 $15.50
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $

 

 
Scan courtesy of Dr.Ross Smith.  Added 12/2009

ASTP US Timeline
Jul 15 Launch
Jul 15 US/Soviet FDOI of stamps
Jul 17 US/Soviet Link UP
Jul 19 Un Dock and heading for earth
Jul 24 Splash down in Pacific near USS Orleans

 
998 USS New Orleans LHP-11

Apollo-Soyuz

 

JUL/17/1975/A.M. 
Link UP

Number produced: 
5280 total for all 998  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $  51.00
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014        
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 

Added 07/2010  Sold for $51 on eBay.  One observed
998 USS New Orleans LHP-11

Apollo-Soyuz

 

JUL/23/1975/A.M. 

Number produced:
5280 total for all 998   

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 5/2009

Dr. Ross Smith, a frequent contributor to this Beck Cover web site has
written an article for the Space Unit Astrophile.

See article and scans of covers HERE

 
998 USS New Orleans  LPH-11

Apollo-Soyuz

JUL/25/1975/A.M.
Day after splashdown. 

Number produced: 
5280 total for all 998  

eBay Prices Realized
2003  $76.00
2008  $24.10, $83.00, $50.00
2009  $82.00
2010  $150.00, $144.95
2011  $
2012  $199.95 w/Wentworth auto
2013 
2014  $94.95       
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 

 

 

 

.

 

Starting with Apollo 16, philatelic covers sent to the US Navy by collectors were
forwarded to the San Francisco shore station for postmarking.  This was the case
with ASTP.  The USS New Orleans post office was still open for the crew but not collector
covers sent for postmarking.

The significance of the Beck cover shown here is that it had to have been
on board USS New Orleans during the recovery to receive this specific postmark. 

No covers with July 24, 1975 covers are known with USS New Orleans cancellations. 
Even the Captains covers were postmarked on July 25.

 

We believe that only 6-8 total examples exist but this cover is VERY Scarce.
This cover is hand addressed to Morris W. Beck. When compared to his letters, it
appears to be his own handwriting.  This means he sent the cover directly to
someone on the ship he had contact with because covers just sent to the
usual Navy address were all postmarked July 24 with the SFO machine cancel.

The cover below is addressed to Dr. R. Ramkissoon.  He spent time on the
USS New Orleans during the 1973 Skylab II flight and made friends with
many crew members.

We believe that Beck printed cachets postmarked
July 24th on the New Orleans do not exist so the 25th date is very important
This  cover was sold on eBay in 2003 for $76.00.


Above: This third cover was auctioned on eBay in August 2008. 
The final selling price was a very low $24.10 in a lot with two other Beck
B998 and B998 common ASTP covers. What a bargain this collector got.
We suspect that not many collectors noticed this cover because it was in a
lot of ASTP covers and offered in the prime summer vacation time.


Above: A fourth cover sold on eBay Sep. 14, 2008 for $83.00 in a lot with
B998 and B999 common covers.


Above: A fifth cover was reported by Dr Ross Smith.
He purchased the cover for $82.00


Above: This one, Perhaps a resell of the above, sold for about $150. April 2010.



ABOVE: This one sold for $144.95 on eBay in December 2010


The value of this BECK cover, postmarked on the day after splashdown is
estimated to be $150. It is the first day the post office on the ship was open to non-crew.
 
998
Beck Rubber
Stamp
Cachet 		USS New Orleans or SFO LHP-11

Apollo-Soyuz

 

JUL/13/1975/A.M.

July 13-25

 

Beck Designed Rubber Stamp Cachets.
These are Rubber Stamp Cachets applied by the US Navy using the
design proved by Mr. Beck as a free service to collectors.

Several have been sold on eBay.

This cover has the Pacific rubber stamp cachet the Morris Beck provided the
Navy for this space recovery.

These covers were serviced by Sean Marsar, a very well-known and highly respected
space cover dealer.

Estimated value is $50+ each. 
The July 25th cover (first date available for postmarking after splash down)



July 13, 1975 USS New Orleans


July 14, 1975 USS New Orleans


July 17, 1975 USS New Orleans


July 18, 1975 USS New Orleans


July 19, 1975 USS New Orleans


July 20, 1975 USS New Orleans


July 21, 1975 USS New Orleans


July 22, 1975 USS New Orleans


Scan courtesy of RJIPhilatelics
July 25, 1975 USS New Orleans

These all have the rubber stamp cachet.

Sean reported that several covers were postmarked on board USS New Orleans
for each day of the mission, except the actual splashdown on July 24. 
(That is why the July 25th postmark is so important).


Above: Cover carried aboard the Apollo Soyuz (ASTP) Prime Recovery
Ship, USS New Orleans and cancelled on its return to San Francisco on
July 24, 1975. Cover has rubber stamp BECK cachet. The cover is signed by
Stuart A Bergman, Dr G Wycliffe Hoffler, Arnauld E Nicogossian, Joseph Baker
and John Donaldson. These individuals were aboard the ship to conduct the
In-flight Lower Limb Volume Measurement (ASTP007) experiment on the astronauts.
Possibly a unique item.  Text and scan courtesy of Pete Thorsell of Petestamps on eBay. 
Sold for $76 on eBay March 2009.


Sold for $100 on eBay.  Seller PETESTAMPS


Postcard.  The front of this postcard shows USS New Orleans with text regarding ASTP.  
Note July 25 postmark date.  This was sold on eBay and the dealer stated that perhaps
only 4 of such cards exist with this date. 

The next two covers are similar but not the exact same cover.

These covers shown below are from the 1975 Apollo/Soyuz space mission. 
The cachet is the M W Beck designed rubber stamp and postmarked in
SFO on July 24th.  All that is not remarkable.

What is unique with the covers is that they were actually carried by the
Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) during the recovery mission.


Cover was offered on eBay. 

6/2011 sold on eBay by PETESTAMPS.  Price $22.50


Sold for $30

Thanks goes to Gerard Zonneveld for sending us the English
translation of the text on the reverse of this cover.

"Board stamp of the prime recovery ship, only a few covers. 
One of the great rarities of Astrophilately in the last years."
Astrophil, Feb '80 DM 50,-

 

998		 ASTP-Pacific N/A
FDOI Apollo
Soyuz Stamps

JUL 15/  /1975 

Number produced: 
5280 total for all 998  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $3.00
2010  $ 
2011  $4.95
2012 
2013 
2014         
2015
2016  $42.56
2017 
2018 $10.12, $7.95
2019 $15.00
2020 $54.00
2021 $103.75
2022 $17.50, $20.50
2023 $
2024 $7.14
2025 $
   
 
First Day Cover with B998


Scan courtesy of Jeff Mills
Dual cancel 1975 and then 1992. Probably unique.
 


Another example of the FDOI for the ASTP stamp issue.  Sold for $54.00 on eBay 3/2020
 
998 ASTP-Pacific

 

 FDOI Apollo
Soyuz Stamps

JUL 15/  /1975

Artcraft First Day Cover of new stamp Scott 1570 with B998 cachet on back. 
This collector has only seen a few examples of this cover.

Shown here are both the B998 and B999 covers

 
998 ASTP-Pacific Houston, TX

Apollo-Soyuz Link Up

JULY 17, 1975 

Number produced:
5280 total for all 998   

eBay Prices Realized
       
2015
2016 Lot $52
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 

 

Houston, Round HT. 

This cover is VERY hard to find on a Beck printed cover. Est. Value $?


Another example Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith

Cover was sent ahead of the flight to Houston for postmarking by Lester Winick.
 
998 ASTP-Pacific

This line is the
main listing for
B998

 N/A Apollo-Soyuz

JUL 24/PM/1975 

Number produced:
5280 total for all 998   

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $3.00
2009  $
2010  $5.00 
2011  $4.95
2012  $3.95, $6.50, $6.50
2013  $6.00, $5.00, $4.50,
2014  $ .99, $5.00, $5.25,
$4.00, $6.00, $4.00, $4.50,
$1.88, $3.58, $5.00, $5.00, $5.25
      
2015 $1.00, $5.00, $2.00,
$3.00, $3.00, $1.25
2016  $67.00 w autog  crew,

$15.50, $6.00, $4.47, $1.03,
$4.00, $4.50, $3.25
2017  $6.50, $3.00, $4.00, $2.92

$2.00, $1.50, $1.50, $5.00,
$5.00, $5.25
2018 $4.00, $2.99, $3.00,

$2.50, $3.00
2019 $5.00, $5.50, $2.99, $5.50,$3.00,$4.16,
$15.50 autog crew,
 $2.85, $2.98, $1.85, $4.25, $6.00,

$5.26, $1.91, $5.00, $1.98
2020 $3.95, $3.95, $4.5, $4.66, $2.35,
 $4.48, $8.70, $2.30,
$6.40, $ 1.98, $1.32, $2.98, $2.95,
$2.98, $4.00, $2.98
2021 $9.75, $20.00, $3.98, $3.25. $8.50,
 $1.98,$2.30, $7.00, $2.00, $3.00, $1.30,
 $3.30, $2.27, $1.99, $2.50, $7.00, $2.00,
 $3.00, $2.50, $4.00, $3.00, $5.00, $2.00,
 $2.00, $2.80, $8.75, $2.29, $2.53, $3.29

2022 $19.31, $6.73, $1.75, $5.00, $6.99,
$4.00,  $2.50, $4.00, $3.00 ,$4.00,
$3.00, $19.50 (#10), $31.69 (D Gold),
$23.89 (D Gold), $29.38, $5.00

2023 $2.80, $8.75,, $2.53, $3.29, $3.00, $4.00, $6.50, $5.50, $4.50

2024 $4.75, $6.00, $5.34, $4.80, $2.00, $3.60, $2.00, $7.14, $7.32 $1.99, $1.99, $6.75,$43.97 color missing, $3.50, $4.00, $3.50, $4.00

2025 $
 

 
Pacific covers for this flight were postmarked in San Francisco.
In Ray Cartier's book, it states that some B998 were on board but still
had the San Francisco cancellation.  See his book.



Scan courtesy of Dr Ross Smith The cover has B999 number with the wrong printed cachet. 
Cachet design is B998 (Pacific) with B999 the number for Atlantic Beck printed covers.


Autograph of the Commander TF 130

 
998
Printing Variety		 ASTP-Pacific N/A Apollo-Soyuz

JUL 24/PM/1975 

Number produced:
5280 total for all 998   

eBay Prices Realized
2020  $17.50
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $43.97
2025 $

 
Scan courtesy of Dr Ross Smith and Joe Volutza. 
This cover is missing the RED background color.


Missing green color
Scan courtesy of David Ball

 


$43.97 on eBay
998 ASTP-Pacific N/A Apollo-Soyuz

JUL 24/PM/1975 

Number produced: 
5280 total for all 998  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015  $73.00 autog Leonov,

$73.00 autog Kubasov, $6.56,

$6.25, $5.25, $3.25, $3.25

2016  $33.89 w/autog USSR

crew autog
2017 
2018 $
2019 $2.32
2020 $2.98, $12.00
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 


Scan courtesy of Joe Volutza
The address label used by the collector was overprinted by the cachet.
When address label was removed, some of cachet is now missing.
Also see a similar cover under B999 Norfolk below.
 
998 ASTP-Pacific N/A Apollo-Soyuz

JUL 24/PM/1975 

  
 
Scan courtesy of Joe Volutza

Instead of or in addition to sending covers to Mr. Beck for printing, thousands of collectors
sent their SASE directly to the US Navy to get the cancellation for the return of the ASTP
mission on July 24, 1975.

Covers sent to the US Navy Pacific task force were all postmarked in San Francisco. 
The rubber stamp cachet was designed and provided to the US Navy by Mr. Beck. 
The US Navy applied the  cachet and postmark then returned the serviced covers to
collectors through the regular US mail stream.

 The cover with the blue rubber stamp cachet has the same cancel that appears on the
printed Beck cover B998.

 
998 ASTP-Pacific N/A Apollo-Soyuz

Machine Cancel
San Francisco
JUL 28 1975

Sold on eBay 3/07
Scan courtesy of RJI Philatelics Same as 998 above but
has July 28 date.


Another example.  Scan courtesy of Mark Burton.  Added 8/2020
 
998 ASTP-Pacific N/A Apollo-Soyuz

JUL 24/PM/1975 

Number produced: 
5280 total for all 998  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $31.00
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 
Cover cancelled at San Francisco on July 24, 1975 with special Apollo Soyuz
pictorial cancel. Cover has Beck Cachet #B998.
The cover is signed by M. A. Artuso, CDR, USN CTF130
Recovery Officer.
Scan courtesy of Pete Thorsell of Petestamps on eBay.
998 ASTP-Pacific N/A Apollo-Soyuz

SEP/2/1975/AM

Number produced: 
5280 total for all 998  

eBay Prices Realized

2016
2017 
2018
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
  

 
Scan courtesy of Gerard Zonneveld

July 1975 to July 1976 USS New Orleans was on duty with West Pac.  
The actual ASTP recovery was July 24, 1975. 

The significance of the Sep 2 date isn't certain.  We do know that it is
the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo Bay surrender of the Japanese
ending WWII.

Starting with Apollo 16, the US Navy postmarked the covers sent by collectors
and dealers (including Beck) to Hawaii for postmarking. 
The covers actually did not go to the USS New Orleans. 

The significance of the Beck cover shown here is that it had to have been on board
USS New Orleans to receive this specific postmark. 

 
998 ASTP-Pacific N/A Apollo-Soyuz

AM/SEP12/1975

Number produced: 
5280 total for all 998  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 
Scan is courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith.

This Beck B998 is postmarked in Greenbelt MD on September 12, 1975. 
The slogan in the cancel reads Apollo-Soyuz Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.

This is the only one we have seen.
 
998-999       Hand drawn additions to ASTP covers by Doris Gold.
These sold for over $20 each on eBay

 

 

 
        B999 starts the ASTP Atlantic covers

 
999 ASTP-Atlantic N/A First Day of
Issue

Apollo-Soyuz Stamps

JUL 15/  /1975 

Number produced: 
No record kept

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012 
2013 
2014        
2015  $5.49
2016
2017  
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 
Mr. Beck sold some printed covers, to some dealers and friends.  These covers did not
have an address or stamp. 
First Day Cover of new stamps Scott 1569-70 with B999 cachet. 
Very hard to find. Est. Value $25-$40
 
999
Artcraft Cachet		 ASTP-Atlantic N/A First Day of
Issue

Apollo-Soyuz Stamps

JUL 15/  /1975

 
Front. Artcraft Cachet

Back.  B999 This cover is VERY hard to find. Est. Value $25

Artcraft First Day Cover of new stamp Scott 1570 with B999 cachet on back. 
This collector has only seen a few examples of this cover.

We asked Mr. Beck how this cover was possible.  He said it was simple.  One of
his collectors/subscribers sent him the Artcraft FDOI cachets that were on the
usual front of the envelope.  Mr. Beck simply printed his ASTP cachets on the back
of each envelope.  Then he returned the envelopes to the collector so he could
get the FDOI cancels on July 15, 1975.
 
999 ASTP-Atlantic KSC Apollo-Soyuz-Link Up

JULY 17, 1975 

Number produced: 
No record kept

eBay Prices Realized
  
2015
2016 Lot $52
2017  $76.00, $57.00
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

 

 
KSC, Round HT This cover is VERY hard to find.


Another example Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith


Another example 

 
999 ASTP-Atlantic

This line is the
main listing for
B999

 N/A Apollo-Soyuz

JUL 24/PM/1975 

Number produced:
No record kept 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $4.50
2009  $3.00, $3.75
2010  $4.50 
2011  $6.50
2012  $2.00, $1.49, $2.00
2013  $5.00, $6.00
2014  $6.50, $4.00, $6.00,
$4.02, $1.75, $6.50      
2015  $2.37, $1.00, $4.50,
$2.00, $4.50, $5.25,$6.25,
$27.00 autog
2016  $5.61, $4.00, $4.25,
$4.97, $8.00, $3.95, $3.25,
$12.00 $3.98
2017  $1.50, $3.98, $4.98.
$6.00, $3.50, $9.50, $3.74,
$3.00, $5.00, $1.50,$1.50,
$3.98, $1.00, $1.00, $1.50,
$1.50, $5.00
$5.00, $3.00
2018 $3.00, $3.37, $3.00,
$1.00,$ 2.98, $1.98, $1.25, 
$3.48, $4.99,  $3.48
2019 $5.00,$2.50, $3.00,
$3.00,$3.75, $5.50, $7.25, $3.95

2020 $2.35, $4.50, $4.5, $2.68, $2.68,
$1.78,  $1.78, 1.98, $2.79, $17.75
MWB autog, $1.32, $1.75, $2.49,
 $2.50, $21.75

2021 $2.98, $2.00, $13.76, $8.50, $7.00,
 $2.00, $3.00, $1.30, $3.30, $2.27, $5.00,
$1.25, $4.75, $1.98, $2.67 $2.02, $4.83,
$2.00, $2.00, $2.25, $2.22, $2.60


2022 $6.25, $11.07, $25.76 booklet sheet,
$5.70, $4.00, $6.00, $2.02, $5.00, $3.50,
$5.50, $4.00, $3.00, $5.00, $3.50, $5.85,
$5.00, $21.89 (D Gold), $5.00, $3.99
2023 $2.25, $2.02, $5.00, $5.00,$4.00, $3.00, $5.00, $6.50, $6.50

2024 $6.00, $4.74, $2.65, $4.00, $3.00, $5.00, $3.50, $5.93, $5.00, $3.50, $43.97 olor missing, $3.50, $4.00, $3.50

2025 $
 

  
Note that the round date plug is missing on this one
Another example Scan courtesy of Dr Ross Smith


 

 
999 ASTP-Atlantic

Printing Variety

 N/A Apollo-Soyuz

JUL 24/PM/1975 

Number produced: 
No record kept

2024 $39.00

 

 


Background color missing


 

Scan courtesy of Dr Ross Smith and Joe Volutza
This cover is missing the yellow background color.

 
999 ASTP-Atlantic

Printing Variety

 N/A Apollo-Soyuz

JUL 24/PM/1975 

Number produced: 
No record kept

eBay Prices Realized

2016  $8.75
2017  
2018 $
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $
2025 $
 

If you compare the Beck printed cachets above, you will see that the cachet on the
bottom is missing the red type "ASTP".

Larry Johnson spotted this error and brought it our attention. 
We have never see this error before. 

We searched almost 30 B999 covers and none of them have this printing error.

Larry Johnson reports seeing one more and Dr. Ross Smith now reports having one after
reviewing his collection.

This cover is listed here because of the printing error, the missing ASTP. 
To avoid confusion, it is listed on a separate line because it has its own eBay price.


Scan courtesy of Andre Gutmann

 
999 ASTP-Atlantic N/A Apollo-Soyuz

JUL 24/PM/1975 

Number produced: 
No record kept

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
2012  $10
2013 
2014          
2015
2016
2017  
2018 $8.00
2019 $
2020 $
2021 $
2022 $ 
2023 $
2024 $6.00, $3.75, $5.00
2025 $
 

Same as 999 except this envelope is Par Avion

 

 
 

999

 ASTP-Atlantic N/A Apollo-Soyuz

JUL 24/PM/1975 

   
   
 
Scan courtesy of Joe Volutza

Instead of or in addition to sending covers to Mr. Beck for printing, thousands of collectors
sent their SASE directly to the US Navy to get the cancellation for the return of the
ASTP mission on July 24, 1975.

Covers sent to the US Navy Atlantic task force were all postmarked in Norfolk, VA. 
The rubber stamp cachet was designed and provided to the US Navy by Mr. Beck. 
The US Navy applied the  cachet and postmark then returned the serviced covers to
collectors through the regular US mail stream.

The cover with the red rubber stamp cachet has the same cancel that appears on the
printed Beck cover B999.

 

 
1000 USS Carl Vinson CVN-70

Keel Laying

OCT 11/AM/1975

Number produced: 271

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $3.99
2009  $
2010  $3.50
2011  $$8.00, $6.00
2012  $5.00, $5.00
2013 
2014  $5.00, $ .99,
$4.50, $ .55        
2015  $5.00,
$45.00 autog C Vinson
2016  $3.59
2017
2018 $2.59,$5.00
2019 $4.50, $2.85, 2.98,
$1.85, $6.00, $5.50
2020 $
2021 $4.00, $6.25
2022 $ 3.00
2023 $
2024 $2.50
2025 $
 
This autographed cover sold for $45.00 on eBay in 2015

Note: same Day as Christening of USS Dwight D Eisenhower.
Very few were actually autographed by Carl Vinson. 
He was 91 years old when this carrier's Keel was laid.

Trivia:
On June 1, 1981, Congressman Carl Vinson died at the age of 97.
He served 26 consecutive terms in the U.S. House. He served for 50 years and one
 month, a record for the U.S. House that stood until 1994.
 

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