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Author
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Topic: Bullion space patches: collectors' preference
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butch wilks
Member Posts: 336
From: Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted 07-04-2010 04:13 AM
   
I have a number of bullion patches, most from the old days of the Soviet Union. I like them for the way they have that 3D look that now is so popular.In the UK we use bullion patches for military and veterans uniforms or clubs, but I do not see so many of them from the U.S. and not one from the U.S. space program. I've not seen them as presentation badges too. This may be a European thing to have bullion patches? The extremely skilled people who make the hand-stitched patches, use metal type gold and silver stitch with no limit to the number colours you can get from the gold or silver. They may not be made as quick as the computer controlled mechanised patches, but they do have a better 3D look to them.
The patches from the Soviet Union I have are from the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project, some from the mission patches and some from the lapel pins, making a unusual collection. In the set too is a Jacques Tiziou kids patch, one of only two i have ever seen made up.
I had Stewart Aviation make up a set of 8" NASA manned space project bullion patches from Mercury to Constellation. I used the AB Emblem and the Lion Brothers patches for the projects as a base and adding a few more details for the size of the patches. They look fantastic. So what do you think, do you like bullion patches or dislike them? |
Harald Kraenzel
Member Posts: 304
From: Dinslaken,Germany
Registered: Nov 2005
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posted 07-04-2010 06:48 AM
In the past years I saw a few of them on eBay and the late Randy Hunt did offer those to me. My decision was NOT to collect them. I had to decide to enlarge my scope of collecting or not.My personal view is somewhat neutral but what I have in mind is that they are more expensive compared to the "normal" embroidered patches. The most bullion patches I saw were related to the russian space missions -as you mention-.
From the 3D look they do have a really nice appearence but they are special.
Those patches are a section of their own and who do like them will collect them.
You can compare it with the other questions like shall I collect only those "crew patches" or shall I collect different versions of space patches? |
KSCartist
Member Posts: 2934
From: Titusville, FL
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 07-04-2010 07:26 AM
For those who are interested, the Space Walk of Fame museum in Titusville offers bullion patches for every Apollo mission. The patches are 6" (I think). |
benguttery
Member Posts: 547
From: Fort Worth, TX, USA
Registered: Feb 2005
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posted 07-04-2010 12:54 PM
I have a number of these bullion patches in my collection. Indeed, most are Russian or Soviet. I've wondered if they were patterned after many of the Soviet era space pins or other artwork.When I was collecting military patches, they too had bullion patches that dated back to the World War Two era. Most were post war and usually hand made either in Europe or Asia for the armies of occupation. They were made with actual gold and silver threads, mostly silver. Silver tarnishes and many of these patches that were impressive in their day are now dark in color. However, with the advent of aluminum or alloy threads, these patches will look for a long time. Do an ebay search for "bullion patch" and you will see a large variety. I have mixed emotions about them, because they could either be from the actual period of time or not. That leads to the discussion of whether or not they are "original" or "souvenir" patches. I tend to view them as souvenir and not from the original period. If they didn't look so great, I probably would not collect them. However, they look awesome. Alex Panchenko has been a source for some of these in my collection. |
butch wilks
Member Posts: 336
From: Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK
Registered: Mar 2007
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posted 07-04-2010 02:10 PM
Yes, a good few bullion patches do come off eBay nowadays, but with Randy Hunt's passing a lot of the ex-USSR patches stop being available. But I keep looking out for them.I too look at them as souvenir and that just adds to the collection. Say for one mission as I have with the patches from AB Emblem and the Lion Brothers for the Apollo-Soyuz set. I forgot that I do have five bullion patches from the U.S. but they are ships patches from the recovery fleet: - USS Stormes DD-780 Mercury 5 Enos, the chimp.
- USS NOA DD-841 Friendship 7
- USS John R Pierce DD-753 Aurora 7 capsule only.
- USS Leonard E Mason DD-852 Gemini 8
- USS Ticonderoga CVS-14 tiger patch Apollo 17
This lot is part of a set of 40+ patches on the spacecraft recovery ships NASA has used from Mercury to Ares. |
hoorenz
Member Posts: 1034
From: The Netherlands
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted 07-05-2010 01:32 PM
The bullion Alex Panchenko patches on the Sokols of the TMA-5 crew (Flag, TMA-5 and Exp. 10) were a one-time occurance, I was told. Zvezda did not like metal wire threads on their delicate pressure suits. This is why the (red bordered) TMA-6 bullion patch was only flown on onboard clothing, and a softer (blue bordered) version was flown on the Sokols. |
Besixdouze
Member Posts: 236
From: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 02-08-2012 02:33 PM
Anybody know anything about Apollo mission bullion patches? There's an Apollo 1, 16 and 17 newly listed on eBay and Lunar Legacies has two listed in their next auction. I personally don't find them very appealing but I'd be interested to know their history if anyone can help. Editor's note: Threads merged. |
Skythings
Member Posts: 251
From:
Registered: Jun 2014
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posted 11-15-2014 08:29 PM
I am not a patch collector and have almost zero knowledge regarding patches. Recently I purchased a 6-inch 3D bullion Apollo 17 patch mounted on felt. I found it striking and decided to include it with my Apollo model collection. My quest is to now collect all seven moon missions for my cabinet. This past week I acquired Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 six-inch 3D bullion patches mounted on felt. That makes three out of seven so far and they really do ad some colour and interest to my model collection. At this stage I have hit a brick wall trying to locate the remaining four moon missions. Apollo 12, 14, 15 and 16. My Google searches are not even providing images of these other missions in the 6-inch bullion patches on felt. I did locate an Apollo 1 patch, but the others have so far eluded me. I had assumed all of the missions were produced. There seems to be plenty of the Apollo 11, 13 and 17 available. Perhaps someone can school me regarding these patches as I am ignorant to their history/background or even if any of the other moon missions were produced. Editor's note: Threads merged. |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1330
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 11-15-2014 09:11 PM
I have these 6"+ bullion patches for Apollo 1, 11, 13, and 17, as well as STS-51L and STS-107.I've seen STS-1, STS-51C, Apollo 8 and 9, and an Apollo program insignia (which I'd REALLY like to have) for sale on eBay. Can't recall seeing any other than those. |
spaced out
Member Posts: 3128
From: Paris, France
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 11-17-2014 06:40 AM
In terms of the background of these patches I note that recent eBay listings for the oversize bullion Apollo mission patches state that they were from a run of 100 per mission produced by Cape Kennedy Medals.I suspect these are from the last couple of decades rather than being Apollo-era vintage products for what it's worth. |
Skythings
Member Posts: 251
From:
Registered: Jun 2014
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posted 11-17-2014 09:00 AM
I was aware they are not vintage. I'm just curious if the series included all missions. So far I have only been able to find 3 out 7 missions. Cape Kennedy Medals has given me some additional avenues to research. Thank you. |
Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1479
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
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posted 11-17-2014 02:56 PM
As far as the Apollo missions are concerned, I know the following bullion patches were done.Apollo Program Patch and Apollos 1 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 13 / 16 and 17. |
Skythings
Member Posts: 251
From:
Registered: Jun 2014
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posted 11-17-2014 05:28 PM
That confirms my suspicions. Thank you. |
Ken Havekotte
Member Posts: 3098
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 11-17-2014 06:00 PM
Tom Foley of Cape Kennedy Medals, at one time, did produce a set of large bullion emblem patches for all the manned Apollo flights.All were not vintage-issued, though, as his first bullion patches for Apollo were produced long after the lunar landing program had ended in 1972. Original sets were produced many years ago, however, as interest in them continued on for years afterwards, some flights were no longer being re-issued (i.e Apollos 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16). The more popular bullion patches were re-issued as needed, mostly for Apollos 1, 8, 11, 13, and 17. Throughout the shuttle program years, though, Foley did produce bullions for STS-1, 51-C, 51-L (I think on special request), and STS-107. I don't think there were any others, but I'll check and report back here if others are located. |
Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1479
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
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posted 11-17-2014 07:08 PM
Some of the lesser known ones are superb... especially Apollo 16. |
Skythings
Member Posts: 251
From:
Registered: Jun 2014
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posted 11-17-2014 08:22 PM
If anybody knows where I can acquire an Apollo 12, 14, 15, or 16 six-inch bullion patch from the early days, I am a buyer. Please contact me. Would be very appreciated. Thank you. |
David Carey
Member Posts: 840
From:
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 11-26-2014 02:01 PM
Thanks to cS, Ken Havekotte, and Robert Pearlman, I now know one of my few patches is called a "bullion patch". This one just struck my fancy but I didn't know of the silver threading and bullion naming convention. Patch is 3" top-to-bottom, sort of a little fellow. Tananarive at the top refers to the Madagascar-based NASA tracking station. Blue felt embroidered front and solid blue felt backing with fully stitched edges. Looked a bit like it was cut out of a jacket originally but a close look says otherwise. Maybe a small-run production for Tananarive NASA staff? Gift to station visitors? Originally from a JSC Public Affairs Officer, but any additional information would be appreciated. At the moment the item is this 'collector's preference' since it's the only bullion patch I own  .  |
mmcmurrey
Member Posts: 122
From: Austin, TX, USA
Registered: Jun 2012
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posted 11-28-2014 10:11 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Ken Havekotte:
Tom Foley of Cape Kennedy Medals, at one time, did produce a set of large bullion emblem patches for all the manned Apollo flights.
Any chance of getting some images of these patches posted here? |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1330
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 11-28-2014 01:35 PM
Here are the bullion Apollo and STS patches I own... 
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GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1330
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 11-28-2014 01:35 PM
 
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mmcmurrey
Member Posts: 122
From: Austin, TX, USA
Registered: Jun 2012
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posted 11-28-2014 01:50 PM
Very nice. Thank you! |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1330
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 11-28-2014 02:19 PM
I realize these aren't everyone's cuppa joe, but I think they're quite handsome and especially good for display presentations. |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1228
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 12-05-2014 09:52 AM
I picked up an Apollo 11 bullion this week out of curiosity. I must say, it is quite a cool patch. I love the 3D like look and the larger size. |
Gonzo
Member Posts: 596
From: Lansing, MI, USA
Registered: Mar 2012
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posted 01-07-2015 11:54 AM
I have a few as well. They are indeed impressive and well worth adding to your collection. If for no other reason than to show detail. They do make great displays! |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1982
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 01-07-2015 06:36 PM
I like that Tananarive patch. There are endless niches to this great hobby! Thanks for posting. |
Liembo
Member Posts: 671
From: Bothell, WA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted 02-15-2017 02:17 PM
Based on the black felt border, would these, too, have been made by Cape Kennedy Medals? The meatball version is 5" in diameter the NASA seal is 7" in diameter.  
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AshleyBoykin
Member Posts: 24
From: Weaverville
Registered: Aug 2016
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posted 02-20-2017 03:00 PM
I was wondering what the interest would be if AB Emblem were to produce the full Apollo set of these bullion patches. Decision to move forward would be based on the amount of interest behind the project. I think that these patches are beautiful and truly unique. I would love to be able to offer these emblems, however I am not sure if there is really a market for these in the collecting world. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!! |
JBoe
Member Posts: 987
From: Edgewater, MD
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 02-20-2017 05:07 PM
Ashley, thanks for putting out the call in gauging interest in creating a bullion patch set. I would be interested, but think the cost may be a deterrent. |
Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1479
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
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posted 02-20-2017 06:41 PM
You should see the Apollo 16 bullion. Amazing, but Apollo 17 gets my vote. |
JLR1
Member Posts: 72
From: Cincinnati, OH
Registered: Oct 2008
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posted 02-20-2017 07:56 PM
I would be interested. |
J Blackburn
Member Posts: 229
From: Virginia USA
Registered: Sep 2011
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posted 02-21-2017 09:27 PM
Yes, I would be very interested as long as there would be some form of variation between the vintage bullions and the new ones. |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1220
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 02-21-2017 09:33 PM
I would probably be in for a full set — but particularly Apollo 15 (for a display I'm doing). |
Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1479
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
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posted 02-22-2017 03:13 AM
Never seen an Apollo 15 in all my time but if you look closely at Apollo 17, you can see the differences between the original and the bullion. Bullion kills it and that dismissing the history and the colors. So what pattern what one must follow? But I do love Apollo 15 as well. Great patch! |
Liembo
Member Posts: 671
From: Bothell, WA
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted 02-22-2017 12:23 PM
There are two versions of Apollo 17 bullion patch, likely two very distinct manufacturers. The CKM version (top) is much better than the other.  
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GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1330
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 02-22-2017 12:51 PM
I'd definitely be interested in an oversized (about 7"-8") Apollo set. I assume that AB's modern equipment would allow for improving on some of the not-quite-right details in the CKM versions. (Also, I take it from several of the above posts that some CKM patches are considerably more scarce than others, so completing a set of those via eBay seems like a long shot.) |
mode1charlie
Member Posts: 1220
From: Honolulu, HI
Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 02-22-2017 02:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by GoesTo11:
I assume that AB's modern equipment would allow for improving on some of the not-quite-right details in the CKM versions.
Yes, if AB is going to do this it would make sense to take it to a higher level of accuracy and quality.
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Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1479
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
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posted 02-22-2017 03:09 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Liembo:
There are two versions of Apollo 17 bullion patch...
I think that's three in total, as yours has a clear and distinct blue in the mission and name border. Mine's like the one posted earlier, more of a grey blue.That second one? Pretty bad by comparison. |
Ronpur
Member Posts: 1228
From: Brandon, Fl
Registered: May 2012
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posted 02-25-2017 10:09 PM
I picked up an Apollo 13 this week at the museum in Titusville this week. It is awesome. |
Mike Dixon
Member Posts: 1479
From: Kew, Victoria, Australia
Registered: May 2003
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posted 02-26-2017 03:48 AM
Yep, the Apollo 13 I have is superb and much more like the traditional AB patch. Can you imagine what all of them would look like in their own frame?Why these are so sought after is no surprise. |
trainliker
New Member Posts: 2
From: Atascadero
Registered: Apr 2019
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posted 10-04-2020 11:07 AM
Flint Model Supply, founded by Bennett Heck, sold a small number of 6.5 inch diameter bullion patches and also some smaller ones (I recall about 4.5 inches). Bennett was a friend of mine and I was working with him during the period we sold these patches (approximately May 1970). He had received about 100 each of each size. He paid 50 cents each for the small and 75 cents each for the large. I believe he said they were made in Pakistan, but not positive about that.He asked me what I thought they would sell for. I said maybe $3 for the small and $5 for the large. He said, "I would have trouble at those prices. But for $18 for the small and $26 for the large they will sell easily." And he was right. He hired a high school girl to handwrite a couple hundred short letters signed by "Allen Flint, President of Flint Model Supply." It was sent to those on his mailing list who had bought the most space memorabilia. I composed the text. It mentioned the shared fascination with the space program and these special patches. Only one of each size to a customer. And if you bought both, $42 for the two. A one-page brochure with a large color photo was included. This had a phenomenal response and they sold quickly but somehow we had a couple large ones left over which I still have. One more detail, there never was an "Allen Flint." That was a fictitious person and really Bennett Heck "doing business as."  
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