Extremely rare USS Lake Champlain cover from the recovery of Alan Shepard following his historic first flight on the Freedom 7, canceled “USS Lake Champlain, May 5, A.M., 1961.” This rare cover features the printed ship information and eagle logo on the left side, and typed notation, “USS Lake Champlain CVS-39, Recovery Ship for the First U.S. Manned Space Flight, 5 May 1961.” Only 44 covers were canceled on the ship and fewer than half were this version with the printed ship info and logo. In fine condition, with a hand-colored blue perimeter. A seldom-seen and immensely desirable philatelic piece.
