1969 “Operation Moon”
Commodex Limited, 88-cards, United Kingdom

• Series Title: Operation Moon
• American Card Catalog Number: n/a
• Issued by: Commodex Limited
• Issued with: Operation Moon Bubble Gum
• Country: United Kingdom
• Number of Cards: 88
• Card Numbering: 1 to 88
• Type of Card: Bubble Gum
• Card Dimensions: 59×77 mm
• Circa: 1969

1969 “Operation Moon” Overview ¹

During 1969, Commodex Limited, issued a 88-card set of “Operation Moon” aerospace trading cards that were issued with Operation Moon Bubble Gum. The cards measure 58.8×78.7 mm (2.32×3.10 inches).

The card fronts feature color photos of Project Mercury, Project Gemini and Project Apollo Astronauts, satellites, rocket boosters, spacecraft, and spacecraft equipment associated with the evolution of the lunar landing program. The color artwork is centered on the card fronts without any lined border surrounding the images. A simple white margin surrounds the card image. With the exception of card #1, the Commodex Limited logo, card number, and card title appear directly beneath the card image. Card #1 does not include the Commodex Limited logo. The majority of the card fronts are presented in a portrait (vertical) format.

The card Backs are presented in a portrait (vertical) format with black ink printed on light tan card stock. The card Backs utilize a vertical stack of the following segments: (1) The card number; (2) The card title in capital letters — and descriptive text; and (3) a script signature … “James Burke”.

The following reference card shows the front and Back of a typical 1969 “Operation Moon” by Commodex Limited card. Click on the card images to reveal full-size computer enhanced 600-dpi images of the card.

1969 Commodex Limited “Operation Moon” Image-Guide ²

The following 1969 “Operation Moon” Image Guide shows computer enhanced images of the fronts and Backs of a few of the cards in the set. As of 6/7/2014, we only have the following cards in our possession: #2, #10, #14 and #68. Therefore, we are only able to include 600-dpi scans of the fronts and Backs of these four cards. The remainder of the card images shown below originated from various internet low-grade scans and were computer enhanced to generate the thumbnail images shown below. To date (6/7/2014) we do not have images for all of the 88 cards in the set, and subsequently do not have a complete set checklist. The 1969 “Operation Moon” by Commodex Limited, aerospace trading card set is a relatively scarce set to collect and therefore commands premium prices. However, complete sets do occasionally pop up on eBay, but do command premium prices. So, having said that, we could sure use your help to complete this page. We need 600-dpi scans of the fronts and Backs of 84 cards … all except #2, #10, #14, and #68, and a validated set checklist.

1969 “Operation Moon” Wrapper ²

As noted earlier, this set was issued in 1969 with “OPERATION MOON BUBBLE GUM” by Commodex Limited in the United Kingdom. The wrapper itself was a combination wrapper/envelope waxpack. The front of the wrapper features an Astronaut in the typical heroic pose (it appears to be modeled after card #23 Gordon Cooper) with the life-support air hose attached to the space suit. Directly behind the Astronaut is a graphic of the Moon. The title of the set “OPERATION MOON” is noted directly above the Moon. The Commodex logo and the caption “BUBBLE GUM” appear in the lower right-hand corner of the wrapper. Additional advertising text includes “FASCINATING PICTURES FULL COLOUR”.

The Back of the “OPERATION MOON BUBBLE GUM” wrapper/envelope, presented in a landscape (horizontal) format features a vertical stack of the following five centered/justified advertising text segments:

1. JAMES BURKE presents … ’OPERATION MOON’, a series of colourful pictures of real space adventures. Collect ZAK STAMP and ask your shop for a brochure free gifts or send 10 ZAK STAMP plus a shilling stamp (5 new pence) (for postage and administration) to:

2. COMMODEX Limited, 212, Upper Street, LONDON N.I

3. and you will receive a giant full colour poster of an ASTRONAUT.

4. REMEMBER, always ask for JUNIOR ZAK STAMPS with your sweets and collect these fantastic free gifts.

5. INGREDIENTS: sugar, gum base, glucose, natural and artificial flavours, starch and U.S. certified colors

The fronts and Backs of both the “OPERATION MOON” wrapper/envelope and a ZAK redemption stamp are shown below. At this point (6/14/2014), we have yet to see any of the “giant full colour poster of an ASTRONAUT” as mentioned on the Back of the wrapper/envelope. If you have one that you would like to share with us, please let us know. Click on the composite image to reveal a 600 dpi image. We have also included an idealized computer enhanced image of the front of the wrapper that you may view by clicking here.

1969 “Operation Moon” Partial Checklist

At this time, all we can document is a partial checklist for the 1969 “Operation Moon” 88-card set issued by Commodex, Ltd., United Kingdom. As noted previously, we could use you help to complete the series checklist.

We Need Help!

We need your help to complete the 1969 “Operation Moon” Commodex Limited aerospace trading card set Image Guide. As noted above, we need 600-dpi scans of the fronts and Backs of numerous cards to complete this webpage. Also, as noted above, we do not have any images of the ASTRONAUT posters that were advertised on the Back of the wrapper/envelope. Also, if you look closely at the signature on the Back of the cards, the signature name appears to be “James Burbe”. However, on the Back of the wrapper/envelope, the name “James Burke” is mentioned. Does anyone know which is the correct name, or is it just a sloppy signature on the Back of the card? If you can help, please let us know. If you are able to help us, we will acknowledge your contribution at the end of this page. If you have a Business, Business Card or a website that you would like us to acknowledge, we'll include it. Please email via the “Contact Us” navigation button at the left.

References

1. Watson, James C., M.D. “Operation Moon.” Non-Sports Bible (NSB). Vol. I. Chelsea, MI: Sheridan, 2007. 612. Print.
2. Shupek, John A. ”Operation Moon, Commodex, Ltd., 1969.” The Skytamer Archive (600-dpi Image Scans). Skytamer Images, Whittier, CA, 2014. Digital Image Database.