He warned Worden to ensure that his covers would not be further commercialized. travel have often watched in eager anticipation as the various space King Salmon Wildlife Conservation Stamps (3 Cents Each), U.S. Frigate Constitution Stamps (3 Cents Each). [119] Kraft related that there was resistance from astronauts, but "we confiscated them, sometimes under duress". Members also wanted to know how it was that NASA's chain of command permitted allegations against the astronauts to go unreported to senior management. TheEaglewas released into orbit around the Moon, and NASA scientists later assumed that it crashed to the surface after a few months. From shop PhilatelyandThings, ad by AllAmericanNL He also sent him 60 belonging to himself for safekeeping,[81] and gave 28 to friends. The space race began 12 years earlier, on October 4, 1957, when the Soviet Union used rocket technology developed by the Germans in World War II to launchSputnik, the worlds first artificial satellite. We work hard to protect your security and privacy. , Archaeology suggests that human ownership of dogs as pets may date back to at least 12,000 years ago 1c Benjamin Franklin stamp, 1868. Low asked to meet with the crew members before making a final decision, and this took place on July 10, Scott and Worden individually at Low's Washington office and Irwin by telephone. There was widespread coverage; some commentators argued that astronauts should not be allowed to reap personal profits from NASA missions. On the flight, the 400 covers were autographed by the three astronauts;[72] the Herrick covers were also signed while en route. Available for editorial and personal use only. [80] He numbered and signed the backs of the envelopes in the lower left as a token of their genuineness. [34][35] Because the Apollo 14 crew had accepted no money, they were not disciplined. NotJustPaperandInk Earlier astronauts had been given free life insurance by Life magazine. From shop HausofMIW, ad by PegCityStickersStore for the postage stamps and used on the First Day Covers. Armstrong himself is not actually honored because We ask: Why didn't he get a friend to log in and correct the entries? Eiermann did not think astronauts would take money to do so, but agreed to ask them when Sieger characterized the payments as investments for the astronauts' children. From shop iFulWallArt, PLN570.00 winner. 1969. Commemorative proof cards each feature a stamp from US#2991. As history would dictate, the United States was the lucky The three Apollo 11 astronauts were honored with a ticker-tape parade in New York City soon after returning to Earth. Then, at 10:56 p.m. EDT, Armstrong set his left foot down upon the surface of the Moon and called it, one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind. Fellow astronaut Buzz Aldrin joined Armstrong on the surface and described the scene as magnificent desolation. Back on Earth, the world watched through a live television feed. The certifications stated the cover had been on the Moon aboard the Falcon. from countries all around the world. [8] Today, astronauts are forbidden by federal regulation from taking philatelic items into space as mementos. Apollo 11 Moon Landing. States Postal Service. Herrick sold three himself for $1,250 each and placed several on commission in Europe. [Irwin:] Okay. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Best In Quality: High-definition UV ink printed stamp packaged in a safe and environmentally friendly stay flat envelope for best preservation. NASA, Apollo 15 Command Module Onboard Voice Transcription, p. 267. [133][134] A Sieger cover sold in 2014 for over $55,000, the highest auction price to that pointthe auctioneer noted that it was one of only four Sieger covers to come to public sale since the initial distribution. From shop NotJustPaperandInk, ad by StampStyleUK apfelstrudel Worden stated in his testimony that they were aware of the presence of the covers in the Command Module after the mission's launch, but he did not recall if the covers had been among the many items moved into the Falcon in preparation for the lunar landing; he did not believe the matter had been discussed during the flight. It happened for a couple of reasons. ${cardName} not available for the seller you chose. Gift tags group items on your list. PETS ON STAMPS- GREAT COMPANIONS FOR A COLLECTOR! TreasureFox Amid much press coverage of the incident, the astronauts were called before a closed session of a Senate committee and never flew in space again. From shop DarceyLuDesigns, Sale Price PLN119.95 [6], The astronauts were allowed to take Personal Preference Kits (PPKs) into space with them. Original Price PLN116.85 Because the July 20, 1969 moon landing was such a significant He was imprecise, vague, and just did not look like a strong investigator. cannot be depicted on postage stamps that are issued by the United Great! [120] These covers were returned when the Justice Department chose to take no action, "and whatever happened to them was kept quiet". Low ordered a full investigation by NASA's Inspections Division on June 29. On July 24, the command module separated and began its descent to Earth. Worden stated that he and Irwin, who had not previously gone into space, were assured that this was common practice. Ed Mitchell, lunar module pilot for Apollo 14, took his to the Moon's surface in a PPK. Armstrong and Aldrin collected lunar samples, performed Yes! Apollo 15 carried a total of approximately 641 covers. 1997 The World of Dinosaurs Sheet of Fifteen 32 Cent Postage Stamps Scott 3136 By USPS. [75] The question of whether Carsey had improperly certified that the covers had been landed on the Moon (something she had no personal knowledge of) was the subject of an investigation by the Texas Attorney General. Sieger got the idea for the lunar covers after hearing that the Apollo 12 astronauts had taken a Bible with them. He used the Apollo 15 mission patch to create the design, and gave it to Collins of the Mission Support Office. Theme designed by Papathemes. [g][63], At some point while the mission was en route to the Moon, the 400 covers were moved into the lunar lander Falcon; in his testimony, Scott agreed this violated the rules. Inverted Jenny stamp, 1918. Please try again. When Sieger learned that Eiermann knew many astronauts, he proposed that an Apollo crew be persuaded to take covers to the Moon. [89], Discussion of the covers in European philatelic publications alerted collectors in the United States. "I didn't want to do anything that would embarrass either myself or NASA, and I believed Herrick was as good as his word. Chris Kraft took a very offensive approach to the Committee, which of course, annoyed the Committee. Learn more. If you are lucky enough to own one, it [45] Apollo 15 carried the cover from the Postal Service to be canceled on the surface of the Moon. One of the group of 298 covers impounded by the government and owned by Scott sold at the January 2008 Novaspace auction for $15,000. Etsys 100% renewable electricity commitment includes the electricity used by the data centers that host Etsy.com, the Sell on Etsy app, and the Etsy app, as well as the electricity that powers Etsys global offices and employees working remotely from home in the US. From shop PegCityStickersStore, ad by CollectiblesfForYou After their rest, Armstrong and Aldrin blasted off from the Moons surface unfortunately toppling the American flag they had planted. Fleetwood cover set celebrates 11th International Botanical Congress (1969). [27] Eiermann relayed instructions from Sieger on how to prepare the covers: they were to be postmarked twice, at KSC on the date of launch and on the recovery ship on the date of splashdown, and carry a signed statement from the astronauts with a certification from a notary. Americas First Postage Stamps Day Cover to commemorate the occasion. Cancelling covers submitted by the public became a major duty of the employees of the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) post office on space mission launch days. Original Price PLN96.00 This included a member of each mission between Apollo 7 (1968) and Apollo 13 (1970). [126] Kraft wrote, "it was questionable that any law had been broken and [the Justice Department] realized that dragging astronauts into court would not be a popular pastime. From shop VintageStampsGifts, ad by Factory57 The private Franklin Mint, which had supplied the medallions in question, melted down some of those that had been flown. spacecraft for their journey home. [86] According to Scott's testimony, while they were in Europe, they heard the Sieger covers were being sold commercially. The other astronauts were divided in their opinions. experiments and photographed the moons surface before returning to the You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. [56][57][58] Since the 400 covers had not been approved by Slayton, they were considered unauthorized. Captions are provided by our contributors. They're probably all over the world by now. "[93] One reason for Slayton's anger was that he had defended the astronauts as rumors of the high prices being paid for the covers circulated; according to Andrew Chaikin in his history of the Apollo program, Slayton "went out on a limb to defend his people". Deke made a fairly good witness, but the Committee did not believe his story. "[31] In his 1972 testimony before the Senate committee, Worden described Herrick as a friend with whom he had had past dealings, and with whom he discussed the possibility of commemorative covers. Stamps of The World: A variety of uniquely chosen stamps and collectibles from international postal administrations showcasing every major race, religion, and culture of the world. Etsy uses cookies and similar technologies to give you a better experience, enabling things like: Detailed information can be found in Etsys Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy and our Privacy Policy. It was a huge lapse in judgment on my part to trust this stranger. Ad from shop apfelstrudel The Sieger matter became generally known in the newspapers in June 1972. [90] On March 11, 1972, Lester Winick, president of a group of collectors of space stamps and covers known as the Space Topics Study Group, sent a letter to NASA's general counsel asking a number of questions about the Sieger covers. Scientists had been concerned that the dust might ignite when it came in contact with oxygen when the module re-pressurized, but luckily, that wasnt the case. "[59] Like other items being placed in the pockets on Scott's space suit (for example, his sunglasses), they were first shown to him by the suit technicians helping him dress. [76] With the notary certifications, the last of Sieger's requirements for the covers was fulfilled. Traveling through space has been a fascination for not only August 3, 1971, 1:56:11pm through 1:57:21pm EDT (mission time 196:22:11 through 196:23:21), aboard Endeavour in lunar orbit above the far side of the Moon, Apollo 15 splashed down about 335 miles (539km) north of Honolulu at 4:46pm EDT (UTC04:00) on August 7, 1971; the crew was retrieved by helicopters from the Okinawa. [22], At the dinner, Eiermann proposed the astronauts carry 100 special stamp covers, to be flown to the Moon. See, George M. Low personal files, Addendum to Personal Notes No. Eiermann turned the covers over to Sieger, and was rewarded with a commission of about $15,000ten percent of the anticipated proceeds. [97], Later on July 10, the three astronauts were reprimanded for poor judgment,[96][98] something that made it extremely unlikely that they would be selected to fly in space again. [40], Herrick secured the services of a commercial artist, Vance Johnson,[41] with whom Worden discussed the design, resulting in 100 envelopes depicting the phases of the Moon. Slayton's tight rein over his sometimes fractious charges is legendary". Ad from shop NotJustPaperandInk This listing is for 10 total vintage postage stamps of the stamp pictured herein. Their important work paved the way Please. This final refusal happened in April 1972. Schools, Universities, Teachers, and Education Featured on Worldwide Stamps, WORLDWIDE STAMPS CALL FOR ACTION ON REDUCING GLOBAL WARMING AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, GREAT BRITIAN STAMPS FOCUS ON BIODIVERSITY OF ITS MARINE LIFE & THE MARINE FOOD CHAIN IN A NEW SEASHORE LIFE ISSUE, https://www.facebook.com/CountyStampCenter. See, Scott testified at the August 3, 1972, hearing that two covers had gone astray from the expected number, but stated that he had never counted them and thus there might only have been 398 to begin with. [2] Collectors and dealers sought philatelic souvenirs related to the American space flight program, often through specially-designed envelopes (known as covers). BJsSelections [129] In 1983, Worden sued, and the government agreed to return all the covers to the three astronauts. First Man on the Moon postage stamp. Worden recalled that the astronauts were told the covers would not be sold until some time in the future after the Apollo program had ended. Ad from shop AllAmericanNL DC and Moon Landing) showcased. They first had to get used to walking around on the Moon. [91] Slayton spoke with Worden on the assumption that the covers referred to were among the group of 144, but Worden told him this was not necessarily the case and that he should talk to Scott. (September 9, 1969 and July 20, 1969), with two locations (Washington, [38], Eiermann was supposed to create the cachet for the special covers he had proposed, but time ran short and Scott did it instead. Ad from shop WAYHApparel Any items on your gift list with this gift tag will become untagged. 55x38mm 25 Horizontal Black Split-Back Mounts, 2019-21 Volume VI, Mystic American Heirloom Album, Includes Airmail Pages, 1918-2012 US Airmail Collection, Complete Set of 153 Stamps and FREE Mounts, 1926-2012 Giant US Airmail Collection, Mint, Set of 139 Stamps and FREE Album, 1967-84 Volume III, Mystic's Hingeless American Heirloom Album with Slipcase. Your credit card is charged when we ship the item. [5] Although it was not publicly known until September 1972, 15 of the men who entered space as Apollo program astronauts before Apollo 15 had agreed with a West German named Horst Eiermann to autograph 500 philatelic items (postcards and blocks of stamps) in exchange for $2,500. NASA Deputy Administrator George M. Low[107], In mid-July, the media reported on the dispute over the sculpture Fallen Astronaut, left on the Moon by Scott in tribute to those killed in the American and Soviet space programs; the sculptor was having copies made for public sale, over the astronauts' objection. [23] He was at the time employed by Hughes Enterprises in Las Vegas; the company paid the bill. The astronauts indicated they received the bankbooks in early 1972. Slayton did not inform Administrator Fletcher, Deputy Administrator George M. Low or his own superior, Christopher C. Kraft of the postage stamp incident or of the disciplinary action he had taken. [15] On September 2, Scott sent the 100 covers by registered mail to Eiermann, who was in Stuttgart, where he had moved. From shop StampStyleUK, ad by PhilatelyandThings TheColumbia command module, a 10-foot-long cone, was all that remained of the massiveSaturn Vrocket that began the journey. The covers spent July 30 to August 2 on the Moon inside Falcon. After taking off their spacesuits they noticed a strange smell in the air. Professionally packaged for safety and appearance upon receipt. They were not included on the list of the personal items he was taking into space. There was opposition among senators to the covers being returned, and in February 1980 a resolution passed the Senate that the government should keep the covers because of the commercialization. There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. The crew of Apollo 15, David Scott, Alfred Worden, and James Irwin, agreed to take payments for carrying the covers; though they returned the money, they were reprimanded by NASA. By 1977, all three former astronauts had left NASA. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. (40% off), ad by artfulnotebook [105] Irwin, who would become an evangelist after leaving the Astronaut Corps, said that NASA had no choice but to reprimand them. [3], The American astronauts participated in creating collectables. These were mixed with a large quantity of other metal, and commemorative medallions were struck from the mass, used as a premium to attract people to pay to join the Franklin Mint Collector's Club. Ad from shop PomchickGift Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon.