Morris W. Beck Naval Covers
Reference Catalog and Checklist for Collectors
Compiled and Managed by Owen R. Murray, A member of the USCS #5676, and ATA Space Unit #4500

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Numbered Series   About the Series  1-50   51-99 MA-8  S,100-150  151-200  201-250  251-299   300-350 MA-9
 
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


Articles and Resources:
NEW Small Rubber Stamps on Space Covers  Apollo PRS Postmarked in Hawaii

ASTP USS New Orleans July 25, 1975 onboard Cover
How postage rates affected collecting  Beck Printing Log for Numbered Series 
GTA-8 USS Boxer  Why Different Quantities Beck 929 Hawkins

         Join the Space Unit  Join the USCS  Other Collector Links
  Updated Checklists Jan 2012   

Copyright ©2003-2012 Owen R Murray.  All Rights Reserved.      Revised: Wednesday February 01, 2012.

 

This page lists covers 842-899  GO TO:  Previous Listing #770-841  Next Listing #900-951

Number Ship/Location Hull Number Cachet/ Event Cancel 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  $
 


 
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  $

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.

 



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.


Link to Beck’s Cover Log

Also, in Beck’s Cover 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  $
 


 
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  $
 


RS cachet front or back
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
 


Small round RS cachet on front.
847 USS Blakely DE-1072 Commission JUL/18/1970/AM 

Number produced: 306

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $3.50, $2.00 
2011  $
 


 
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  $
 


 
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  $
 


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.  This cover is probably a one-of-a-kind sent by the collector that had the 20+ year old Unserviced envelope.
851 USS Peleliu LHA-5 Not serviced

Number produced: 491

The contract to build USS Peleliu was given in 1970.  The KL was in 1976. (The Peleliu was originally named USS Da Nang).

We are researching the details of a possible change of contract or name that made the 851 cover obsolete. It was never serviced or returned.

Scan not available.
No examples observed.

Winick's Beck Handbook lists #851 as USS Peleliu.

Also see Beck cover 995.

852 USS Cayuga LST-1186 Not serviced August 9 1970 

Number produced: 341

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

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  $
 



Some may have small round RS cachet on front or back.
853 USS Bowen DE-1079 Commission MAY/22/1971 

Number produced: 429

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Some #853 covers have # 9 red cancel on back of cover
854 USS Ouellet DE-1077 Commission 15/DEC/AM/1970 

Number produced: 390

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
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  $
 


 
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
 


 
857 USS Savannah AOR-4 Not serviced Number produced: Beck's log shows "not sent" 

Number produced: Becks log shows "not sent"
 


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  $
 


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  $
 


Actual comm. date is April 24 1971
860 USS Blue Ridge LCC-19 Commission NOV 17/PM/1970 

Number produced: 330

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $3.50 
2011  $
 


Ships fancy cancel on front.
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  $
 


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

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.

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.

 

 

         

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  $
 

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





Scan courtesy of RJIPhilatelics. Genuine autograph of Astronaut Dr Lenoir.
 
862

CREW

USS Ponchatoula AO-148 Apollo 14 FEB/9/1971/A.M. 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


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* 
2011  $
*Autographed

 


 
863

CREW

 

USS Spiegel Grove LSD-32 Apollo 14 FEB/9/PM/1971 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2010  $29.55 
2011  $
 

Previously unlisted.
Added 2/2010


Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith
Crew Cover. 
Beck cover without number.
864 USS New Orleans  LPH-11 Apollo 14 9/FEB/1971/AM 

Number produced:426

Note how low the number produced for B864 the PRS as compared to the others in this series.  B861-864.  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $3.50 
2011  $
 


Prime recovery ship. 
865 USS Spartanburg City LST-1192 Not serviced Not serviced

Number produced: Beck's log shows "not sent"

No samples observed.  Not Serviced. If you have this cover or a blank cachet please send us a scan.
866 USS Marvin Shields DE-1066 Commission APR/10/1971/AM 

Number produced: 343

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
866 USS Marvin Shields DE-1066 Commission APR/10/1971 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


#9 Cancel.  Only one observed.
867 USS Elmer Montgomery DE-1082 Not serviced Not serviced

Number produced: Beck's log shows "not sent"
 


Beck used blank 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  $
 


 
870 USS Aylwin DE-1081 Commission SEP/18/AM/1971 

Number produced: 300

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


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  $
 


 
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  $
 

The correct cancel for this event is a machine cancel. 

 

The hand cancel shown here is a fake.

There is a VERY informative article in the August edition of  the USCS Log by long-time USCS Member Rich Hoffner. 

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 cachet.

Somehow a dealer/collector obtained unserviced envelopes from Mr. Beck and applied the fake cancel. That person was expelled from the USCS for his actions.

 




Fake Cancel on Genuine Beck Cachet.  See August 2008 USCS Log for more information.  Join USCS


Scan courtesy of Rich Hoffner

 

This is the only Beck cover that we have observed a FAKE cancel.  There are likely others.

If you have any further information, please contact us.

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 

Number produced: 2057

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $9.00, $27.00 *
2010  $6.50, $18.50, $62.90*
2011  $18.50 w/CO autog
*Autographed


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.
 

873 USS Okinawa LPH-3 Apollo 15 AUG/7/1971/AM 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2005  $26.00
2007  $50.00 w/SA stamps
2010  $ 
2011  $15.50
 

 

 

 

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.

 

 


Prime recovery ship. Correct cover for this number.


Another example. Scan courtesy of Steve Durst


|
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.
 

873 USS Kawishiwi AO-146 Apollo 15 AUG/7/AM/1971 

Number produced: See above

 

Reported but not observed.
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
 


Above: Normal Beck cachet. Correct cover for this number


Scan courtesy of Tom Steiner.


Above: Cachet printing error.  Black missing.  Only green and Red printed.  See HERE
Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross J Smith

874 USS Okinawa LPH-3 Apollo 15 AUG/7/AM/1971 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $22.00
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

Scan added Aug 2008.

Perhaps this is one of just a couple of these that exist.

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.

874 USS Okinawa LPH-3 Apollo 15 AUG/7/1971/AM 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard Learn. Added 5/09

This is the only one we have observed.

 

875 USS Austin LPD-4 Apollo 15 AUG/7/PM/1971 

Number produced: 1953

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $3.00
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Correct cover for this number. Cancel Variety. No periods.
875 USS Austin LPD-4 Apollo 15 AUG/7/P.M./1971 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $7.95
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Correct cover for this number. Cancel Variety. Periods
875 USS Austin LPD-4 Apollo 15 AUG/7/PM/1971 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Correct cover for this number. Cancel Variety. Ship's name at top of cancel.
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
 


 
877 USS Kinkaid DD-965 Launching JUN 1/1974/AM 

Number produced: 435

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $4.39
2009  $3.25
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
878 USS Caron DD-970 Keel Laid JUL 1/1974/PM 

Number produced: 535 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $3.00
2010  $ .99 
2011  $
 


 
878 USS Caron DD-970 Keel Laid JUL 1/1974/PM 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $3.50
2010  $ 
2011  $


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  $
 


 
880 USS Ticonderoga CVS-14 Apollo 16 APR/27/AM/1972 

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $4.95
2009  $4.95
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Correct cover for this number. Hand cancels were applied in Hawaii. MC was left on board for crew.  No Beck's known with MC.
880

CREW

USS Ticonderoga CVS-14 Apollo 16 APR/27/AM/1972 

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

For years, we have kept our eyes out 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 (printed cachets without the usual Beck number) 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. 

CREW cover.  Beck 880 cachet with out printed number is a crew cover.

Added June 2008

880 Agana GU N/A Apollo 16 APR/28/A.M./1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these"  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

Previously unlisted


Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard Learn. Added 5/09
880 Bolivar NY N/A Apollo 16 APR/27/PM/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

Previously unlisted


Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard Learn. Added 5/09
880 FDC N/A Apollo 16 MAY 21/ / 1981

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these"  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


FDC for 18c Exploring the Moon stamp
880 Houston TX N/A Apollo 16 APR 27/PM/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard Learn. Added 5/09
880 Kennedy Apace Center FL N/A Apollo 16 APR 27/PM/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard Learn. Added 5/09
880 Norfolk VA N/A Apollo 16 APR 27 PM 1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $4.95
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Beck RS cachet applied to back by Navy.
880 Moon KY N/A Apollo 16 APR/27/PM/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" : 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
880 Moon, VA N/A Apollo 16 APR/27/PM/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 




Scan of cover from the collection of Eddie Bizub via the estate of Richard Learn. Added 5/09
 
880 Patrick AFB, FL N/A Apollo 16 APR/27/1972/PM

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these"  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

 


Scan courtesy of Ken Hanson as offered on eBay
880 Any City N/A Apollo 16   Other cancels are reported.
880 USS Alacrity MSO-520 Apollo 16 PM/  /25 APR/1972 

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Purchased on Space Unit Auction.  CC commander.  Emboss seal.  Only one observed.
880 Unserviced N/A Apollo 16 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 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.


Unserviced Envelope

Another example of the 880 below:

Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith
Also see similar cover for Beck 881.
 

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: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Correct cover for this number. All Hand cancels were applied in Hawaii. Only MC was left on board.  No Beck's known with MC.
881 USS Alacrity MSO 520 Apollo 16 PM/  /25? APR/1972 

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

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.

 


Scan courtesy of Luc Jallot

Added 12/2009

 

881 USS Constellation CVA-64 Apollo 16 APR/26/1972

Added October 2011

Previously unlisted. Note the date is one day before the actual splashdown.

 


Scan courtesy of Dr RJ Smith

Dr. 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.

881 Apollo, PA N/A Apollo 16 APR/27/P.M./1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
881 Honolulu, HI N/A Apollo 16 APR/27/1972/AM

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
881 Kennedy Space Center N/A Apollo 16 APR 16/PM/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
881 Pago Pago Samoa   Apollo 16 APR/27/1972/AM

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 



Another example appears below.  The date is hard to read, but it appears to be April 28.
 

 
881 Cape Canaveral, FL N/A Apollo 16 APR/27/PM/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these"  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
881 Titusville, FL   Apollo 16 APR/27/P.M./1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

 

Thanks goes to Steve Durst for sending us this cover to put on the site.


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.


 
881   N/A Apollo 16  
Other cancels are reported.
881 Unserviced N/A Apollo 16 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 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.


Unserviced Envelope
Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith
 

 

882 Norfolk, VA N/A Apollo 16 PM/ / 27 APR/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $5.50, $3.25
2011  $3.25
 


 
882
 

CREW

Norfolk, VA N/A Apollo 16 PM/ / 27 APR/1972 

Number produced: 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

 

This is the only one every observed by us.  Added Feb. 06.  It is likely that VERY few of these exist.


From the collection of Steve Durst.  Same as the cover above except this has no Beck number.  This is considered a CREW cover. 
883 Norfolk, VA N/A Apollo 16 PM/ / 27 APR/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $5.50, $3.50, $5.65 
2011  $
 


 
884 USS Ticonderoga CVS-14 Apollo 17 DEC/19/AM/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these"  

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $7.50
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


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 MC.
884

CREW

USS Ticonderoga CVS-14 Apollo 17 DEC/19/AM/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Crew Cover. Beck cover no number CREW
885 USS Ticonderoga CVS-14 Apollo 17 DEC/19/AM/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $9.99
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


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 MC.
886 Norfolk, VA N/A Apollo 17 PM/ / 19/DEC/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $5.50, $3.50, $2.25 
2011  $
 


 
886

CREW

Norfolk, VA N/A Apollo 17 PM/ / 19/DEC/1972

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $3.50 
2011  $
 

 

 


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.  If you have one of these covers with a postmark other than Norfolk, please send us a scan.
 
887 Norfolk, VA N/A Apollo 17 PM/ / 19/DEC/1972 

Number produced: Beck's log states "missed count on these" 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $3.20, $3.00, $3.00
2010  $3.50 
2011  $
 


 
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
 

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


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.
888

CREW

USS Ticonderoga CVS-14 Skylab II

We have designated this cover as B888 because it is the first number in the series where this Pacific cachet was used.

JUN/22/AM/1973 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

CREW
Added Oct.2008
Previously Unlisted

See the story on B880 CREW covers.  The source of this cover is the same.


Scan courtesy of Don Hensley
889 USS Ticonderoga CVS-14 Skylab II JUN/22/AM/1973 

Number produced: 992

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ .99 
2011  $
 


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  $
 

Any color variations in the scans for B890 and B891 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


Machine Cancel.  Most are cancelled with the machine cancel.


Scan courtesy of Norm Ferguson

890 Norfolk, VA N/A Skylab II JUN/22/A.M./1973 

Number produced:  See above 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Seldom seen Hand Cancel.
Scan courtesy of Ken Hanson. 11/07
890

CREW

Norfolk, VA N/A Skylab II

Number produced:  See above 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $16.50
2010  $ 
2011  $
 

 

Scan not available, but this cover was sold on eBay in 2009.

CREW

891 Norfolk, VA N/A Skylab II AM/ /22 JUN/1973 

Number produced: 927

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $2.50
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
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  $
 


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
 

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.

 

 


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.

892 Kennedy Space Center FL   Skylab III NOV 16/AM/1973 

Number produced:  See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


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
 


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  $
 


 
894 Norfolk, VA N/A Skylab III PM/  /25 SEP/1973 

Number produced:  See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


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  $
 


Hand cancel only
895 Norfolk, VA N/A Skylab III PM/  /25 SEP/1973 

Number produced: 708

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
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  $
 

 

Any color variations in the scans for B896 and B897 covers are from scans.  The cachets are same and colors are the same.



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
 

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  $
 

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 at right is the cancel seldom seen.


 

Only a few covers with the solid line cancellation on a numbered Beck cachet 896 observed by this collector.

Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith

This is NOT a CREW cover because it does have the Beck printed cachet number.


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.

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  $
 

The two covers shown at the right have the same colors.  The scans were different.  The colors shown on the bottom cover are closer to the actual colors of both covers.


Beck cover without number=CREW
Addressed to Beck

Below is another example.

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  $
 

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 at right is the cancel seldom seen.


Beck cover without number=CREW
 

This example is the only one observed by this collector.

Scan courtesy of RJI Philatelics

This CREW cover is listed under B896 because 896 is the first usage for this cachet and the USS New Orleans.

896

CREW

Norfolk, VA N/A Skylab IV AM/  /8 FEB/1974 

Number produced:  See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Beck cover without number=CREW
 
896 USPS HI   Skylab IV FEB/8/AM/1974

Number produced:  See above

Added 2/10

Previously unlisted


Scan courtesy of Tom Steiner
 
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  $
 


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.
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  $
 

We do know that most cancels for this flight were applied in Hawaii.  Most cancels applied were the wavy line cancel. 

VERY few Beck covers with the cachet number  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 at right is the cancel seldom seen.


 

This example is the only one of this cancellation on a numbered Beck cachet 897 observed by this collector.

Scan courtesy of Dr. Ross Smith

This is NOT a CREW cover because it does have the Beck printed cachet number.

898 Norfolk, VA N/A Skylab IV AM/  /8 FEB/1974 

Number produced: 1158 

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


 
898 Norfolk, VA N/A Skylab IV AM/  /8 FEB/1974 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


Two cancels on same cover. HC is FEB/8/AM/1974
898

CREW

Norfolk, VA N/A Skylab IV AM/  /8 FEB/1974 

Number produced: See above

eBay Prices Realized
2008  $
2009  $
2010  $ 
2011  $
 


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  $
 


Two cancels on same cover. HC is FEB/8/AM/1974
 

This page lists covers 842-899  GO TO:  Previous Listing #770-841  Next Listing #900-951

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Articles and Resources:
NEW Small Rubber Stamps on Space Covers  Apollo PRS Postmarked in Hawaii

ASTP USS New Orleans July 25, 1975 onboard Cover
How postage rates affected collecting  Beck Printing Log for Numbered Series 
GTA-8 USS Boxer  Why Different Quantities?  Beck 929 Hawkins

         Join the Space Unit  Join the USCS  Other Collector Links
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This is a private Web site for the enjoyment of collectors of navy covers. 

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Copyright ©2003-2012 Owen R Murray.  All Rights Reserved        Revised: Wednesday February 01, 2012.