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STS-51A

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The STS-51A crew wore the standard AB Emblem embroidered mission emblems on their flight suits and on their in-flight clothing, thus there is no rare 'crew patch' for this mission.

Embroidered Mission Patches

Patch id:

STS-51A AB Emblem patch

Worn by crew? Yes.
Flown? Yes.
Manufacturer: AB Emblem
Distribution: Sold as souvenirs.
Dimensions: 5 x 4⅛" / 128 x 106mm
Type: Fully embroidered. Merrowed edge with tail.
Scarcity: Common.
Value: Minimal value.
Notes: The AB Emblem patch was the version used by the crew.
Patch id:

STS-51A Lion Brothers patch

Worn by crew? No.
Flown? No.
Manufacturer: Lion Brothers
Distribution: Was available commercially.
Dimensions: 4½ x 3¾" / 116 x 95mm
Type: Fully embroidered. Merrowed edge without tail (selvedged).
Scarcity: Scarce.
Value: Examples sell for around $15-$30.
Notes: The Lion Brothers STS-51A mission patch only exists with a vacuum-sealed plastic backing. The design uses a distinctive orange thread for the eagle's beak and wing edge.
Patch id:

STS-51A Swissartex patch

Worn by crew? No.
Flown? No.
Manufacturer: Swissartex Emblem Inc.
Distribution: Sold as souvenirs.
Dimensions: 4¾ x 4" / 121 x 101mm
Type: Fully embroidered. Merrowed edge with tail.
Scarcity: Uncommon.
Value: Vintage examples sell for $10-$15.
Notes: The vintage version of the Swissartex STS-51A mission patch exists both with a waxy plastic backing and with a vacuum sealed clear plastic coating on the reverse. The fronts of the two versions are virtually identical.
The patch has uses distinctive radial pattern in the fill thread of the border area.
Patch id:

STS-51A Cape Kennedy Medals patch

Worn by crew? No.
Flown? No.
Manufacturer: Cape Kennedy Medals
Distribution: Unknown.
Dimensions: 4¾ x 4" / 124 x 102mm
Type: Fully embroidered. Merrowed edge with tail.
Scarcity: Uncommon.
Value: Unknown.
Notes: The Cape Kennedy Medals patch has very crudely stitched artwork. The tail on the reverse is held in place with a small strip of tape, as is the case with several of their other patchs.
Footnotes
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