Astronaut James C. Adamson Signed UN "Peaceful Uses of Outer Space", 1982 View Watchlist >
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Lot # Nasa110J
System ID # 29520802
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Astronaut James C. Adamson Signed UN "Peaceful Uses of Outer Space" First Day Cover, 1982
June 1982. The Cold War had no end in sight, yet here was the United Nations issuing a stamp — and a first-day cover — built around an image of the American and Soviet flags arcing together across a stylized orbital window, the Earth cradled beneath them, the words "PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE" curving overhead. Whether you read it as optimism or diplomacy, the imagery hits differently now than it did then. The UN 20¢ UNISPACE stamp carries the official pictorial first-day cancellation dated June 11, 1982, cleanly struck. Cachet number UN SM-2 appears lower left.
The signature at the bottom changes everything. Written in bold ink across the face of the cover: "Maj. Jim Adamson" — the hand of Col. James C. Adamson, U.S. Army officer and NASA astronaut who flew as Mission Specialist aboard STS-28 (Columbia, August 1989) and as Payload Commander on STS-43 (Atlantis, August 1991). Adamson logged over 334 hours in space across two missions. The signature is confident, well-placed, and unmistakable. For space-philately collectors, this is the object: a mission-proven astronaut's hand on a thematically resonant Cold War-era first-day cover.
Authenticity
The signature is attributed to Col. James C. Adamson based on direct assessment. A Certificate of Authenticity from Mesilla Valley Estate Sales is issued with this lot. Collectors who want additional confidence may pursue independent third-party authentication; the COA establishes our findings and chain of custody.
CONDITION
Very Good. The cachet is clean and bright with crisp color and a well-struck cancellation. No creasing or staining to the face. Signature is bold and legible throughout.
DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
- Cover: 3 5/8" × 6 1/2"
- Stamp: United Nations 20¢, Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
- Cancellation: First Day of Issue, June 11, 1982
- Cachet No.: UN SM-2
- Signature: "Maj. Jim Adamson" (ink, face)
- COA: Certificate of Authenticity from Mesilla Valley Estate Sales included
