Identifying Autopens
Lovell's first autopen pattern, used from 1962. This pattern is also seen used on covers from 1966 and 1969. It is possible that the old pattern was used to create a print template rather than still being used as an autopen.
This pattern appears from the Gemini era (from at least 1965) through to Apollo 8. Current in late 1968.
This pattern is generally seen on Apollo 8 images (including covers from 1968) but is also seen on covers from 1970.
This later pattern is more common on Apollo 13 images.
This Gemini 7 pre-printed message from Lovell - "Thanks for making your ability count" - was given to those who worked on the Gemini project at the time.