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Author
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Topic: Dynatech Apollo photo authenticity/story
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cdew002
New Member Posts: 5
From: Alabama
Registered: Aug 2024
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posted 08-13-2024 03:56 PM
  
I picked up a few Apollo 11 prints last week and am struggling to gather any background on their origin. The photos are "A KODAK photo" prints, but contain a red "Dynatech INDUSTRIES, INC" stamp on them as well. The stamp includes the address (PO Box in McLean, VA and 1629 K St NW, Washington DC).The photos are similar in quality to a high quality print you'd find today, and there is almost NO color fade (the black is deep and dark). The KODAK mark is similar to the other photos I have from that period, but the back is a bit rougher (to the touch, not visibly). I've gathered that Dynatech appears to have played some part in a communication platform during the Apollo mission timeline, perhaps winning a government contract. The photos came matted (but not in a frame) and the Dynatech stamp was on the matting as well. This is a link to the eBay auction, for reference.  
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MartinAir
Member Posts: 396
From:
Registered: Oct 2020
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posted 08-14-2024 11:39 AM
Dynatech was a NASA subcontractor for instruments and scientific analysis. The set is in a great shape, indeed. |
cdew002
New Member Posts: 5
From: Alabama
Registered: Aug 2024
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posted 08-14-2024 12:59 PM
Thank you for that! Are we able to infer any origin information based upon the stamp? Or is it ambiguous, as it would be without the Dynatech stamp? i.e., NASA printed for someone at Dynatech, who then put the stamp on it and gave to an employee (or some variation of that narrative).I suppose that there is no way to display these without assuming the risk of the print degrading d/t UV damage? Curious, as what I've read seemed to indicate this paper would break down (visually) over time, even if properly stored. This seems to not be the case with these; thoughts on why that could be? |
MartinAir
Member Posts: 396
From:
Registered: Oct 2020
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posted 08-14-2024 02:32 PM
"A Kodak Paper" was used from the early 60s to the early 70s, so they are period correct. NASA printed their own photos for distribution, with a serial number in red, blue or black color. This commemorative set was printed for Dynatech by a photo lab.They could be displayed behind a museum grade glass, but they will be exposed to light. The best way to preserve them is a long time storage. |
cdew002
New Member Posts: 5
From: Alabama
Registered: Aug 2024
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posted 08-14-2024 04:23 PM
Are you suggesting that a period correct photo lacking the Nasa logo/designation number was printed from outside Nasa/PTL, categorically, or are you deducing from a series of observations? My understanding from reading this site, as well as Joe's article on Authentication, is that absence of photo labeling was not necessarily indicative of anything, specifically. Seeking to understand, not create an argument. Appreciate your feedback! |
MartinAir
Member Posts: 396
From:
Registered: Oct 2020
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posted 08-14-2024 04:34 PM
Yes, most likely. Contractors printed their sets or prints on their own. They received positives and/or negatives from NASA though. The Kodak paper was not exclusive to NASA. |
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