Crew Patch reference guide

What is a
Crew Patch?

Embroidered
Patches

Beta Cloth
Patches

Lion Brothers
Space Patches

< STS-8	STS-9	STS-41B >
	The STS-9 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-9 AB Emblem patch

Worn by crew?	Yes.
Flown?	Yes.

Manufacturer:	AB Emblem
Distribution:	Sold as souvenirs.
Dimensions:	4 x 4¾" / 100 x 120mm
Type:	Fully embroidered. Partially merrowed edge.
Scarcity:	Common.
Value:	Minimal value.

Notes:	The AB Emblem patch was the version used by the crew.


Patch id:	STS-9 Lion Brothers patch

Worn by crew?	No.
Flown?	No.

Manufacturer:	Lion Brothers
Distribution:	Was available commercially.
Dimensions:	3½ x 4¼" / 91 x 107mm
Type:	Fully embroidered. Merrowed edge without tail (selvedged).
Scarcity:	Scarce.
Value:	Examples sell for around $15-$30.

Notes:	The Lion Brothers STS-9 mission patch only exists with a bare cloth back. The design has the Shuttle's right wing pointing to the "M" of "MEERBOLD", like the Cape Kennedy Medals version, but the Lion Brothers patch has a dark blue inner border.


Patch id:	STS-9 Swissartex patch

Worn by crew?	No.
Flown?	No.

Manufacturer:	Swissartex Emblem Inc.
Distribution:	Sold as souvenirs.
Dimensions:	3¾ x 4½" / 94 x 114mm
Type:	Fully embroidered. Merowed border with tail.
Scarcity:	Uncommon.
Value:	Vintage examples sell for $10-$15.

Notes:	The vintage version of the Swissartex STS-9 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. In the Swissartex design the Shuttle's right wing just touches the lower edge of the "M" of "MEERBOLD". The Shuttle also has a unique blue nose.


Patch id:	STS-9 Cape Kennedy Medals patch

Worn by crew?	No.
Flown?	No.

Manufacturer:	Cape Kennedy Medals
Distribution:	Unknown.
Dimensions:	4 x 4¾" / 102 x 120mm
Type:	Fully embroidered. Merrowed border with tail.
Scarcity:	Uncommon.
Value:	Unknown.

Notes:	Like the Lion Brothers patch, CKM design has the Shuttle's right wing pointing to the "M" of "MEERBOLD" but in this design the inner border is bright blue. As with the STS-8 patch the tail on the reverse is held in place by a small strip of tape.


Footnotes



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