Understanding Machine and Hand Cancellations in Philately
Postal history is a fascinating field that captivates collectors and enthusiasts alike. As you delve into the world of stamps, it’s crucial to understand the significance of postmarks and cancellations. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they hold distinct meanings and shed light on the rich history of philately.
Key Takeaways:
- Postmarks and cancellations have different meanings and purposes in philately.
- Postmarks indicate the date and place of mailing, while cancellations invalidate the stamp.
- Handstamped and machined cancellations have evolved over time.
- Collectors value different types of cancellations, from postmarks to killers and fancy cancels.
- Understanding machine and hand cancellations adds depth and historical significance to your stamp collection.
The History of Cancellations
Cancellations have a rich history dating back to the introduction of the first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, by Great Britain in 1840. To prevent the reuse of stamps, postal authorities implemented cancellations using handstamps. Initially, red ink was used, which could be easily cleaned off, allowing stamps to be reused. However, this practice was not ideal for preventing stamp reuse in the long term.
To create more permanent cancellations, black ink was later employed. The cancellation schemes for British stamps and stamps used abroad varied, including the use of the Maltese cross cancellation mark.
Early cancellations were carried out by hand, and several patents were issued for inventions such as the canceling ink and machines that automated the cancellation process.
In the late 19th century, the United States introduced high-speed cancellation machines, revolutionizing the cancellations in the postal system.
Types of Cancellations
Cancellations in philately come in a variety of designs, shapes, sizes, and colors. Understanding the different types of cancellations is essential for collectors and enthusiasts. Let’s explore some of the most common types:
1. Postmarks
Postmarks are cancellations that contain the date and post office location. They provide historical information about when and where the mail was processed. Postmarks can vary in design and layout, depending on the country and time period.
2. Killers
Killers are cancellations that deface a stamp to prevent reuse. They cover a significant portion of the stamp’s design, making it invalid for future postage. Killers can take different forms, such as barrel obliterator, triplex cancel, concentric ring, target, or lozenge.
3. Slogan Cancellations
Slogan cancellations are cancellations that include a printed message inside the cancel. These messages can promote a specific event, cause, or organization. Slogan cancellations add a unique touch to the stamp and provide cultural or historical context.
4. Fancy Cancels
Fancy cancels are cancellations with unique designs or patterns created by postmasters. They add an artistic flair to the stamp and can make it more visually appealing for collectors. Fancy cancels come in various shapes and motifs, making them highly sought after.
5. Precancels
Precancels are stamps that come with pre-printed cancellations. These cancellations are applied before the stamps are sold to the public. Precancels are commonly used for bulk mailings or specific postage rates. Collectors often seek out precancels as they provide a glimpse into postal operations and classifications.
Understanding the different types of cancellations is important because they can affect the value and desirability of stamps. Collectors often look for stamps with well-preserved cancellations or seek out rare cancellations to add to their collection.
Handstamps and their Usage
Handstamps have played a significant role in the world of philately. These devices were initially carved from cork or wood by postmasters, and their usage dates back to the early days of postal history. As technology advanced, metal die and metal duplex postmark devices were introduced in the 1860s, offering more precise and efficient methods of stamp cancellation.
In smaller post offices, separate handstamps were used for postmarks and cancellations. This allowed for clear and distinct markings on mail. On the other hand, busier offices opted for duplex handstamps, which combined both postmarks and cancellations into a single device. These handstamps provided efficiency and convenience to handle the high volume of mail in larger post offices.
In the late 1890s, a new innovation emerged, revolutionizing the world of handstamps – rubber handstamps. These handstamps, popularly known as Doanes, featured removable slugs that allowed for easy customization of the month, day, year, and time. Rubber handstamps offered flexibility and adaptability, making them invaluable tools for post offices of all sizes.
Handstamps served various purposes in the postal system. They were used to mark mail processed in mobile post offices or railway post offices, ensuring that each piece of mail could be tracked and identified. Handstamps played a crucial role in the smooth flow of mail through the postal network, leaving clear and legible markings on stamps.
“Handstamps have a long and fascinating history in philately, evolving from carved cork and wood to metal and rubber devices. They provided the necessary tools for postmasters to efficiently mark and cancel stamps, contributing to the smooth operation of small and large post offices alike.”
With the introduction of handstamps, the world of philately saw an improvement in the clarity and legibility of cancellations, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of stamps. Collectors and enthusiasts continue to appreciate and value handstamped cancellations for their historical significance and the intricate designs that emerged from different post offices.
Town Cancels and Datestamps
Town cancels, also known as datestamps, are commonly found on 19th-century stamps and covers. These cancellations typically indicate the city, month, and day, providing valuable information about the stamp’s origin. However, they may not always include the year, making it challenging for collectors to determine the exact age of the stamp.
Datestamps come in various shapes and formats, adding visual interest to the cancellation. Some of the most common formats include circular (CDS), oval, rectangle, and even hexagon. These different formats offer a glimpse into the creativity and uniqueness of postal administrations in the past.
Collectors often prefer contemporary cancels on used stamps, as they provide tangible evidence of the stamp’s recent usage. This adds a layer of authenticity and historical context to the item, making it even more valuable to philatelists.
It’s important to note that different countries may use different calendar systems for their postmark dates. This can sometimes lead to confusion among collectors, especially when trying to match the postmark date with the stamp’s issue date. It’s always advisable to research and understand the calendar systems specific to the country of origin to accurately interpret the postmark date.
“Town cancels offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of postal services around the world. Exploring the different formats and designs of these datestamps can be a rewarding journey for stamp collectors.”
Machine Cancellations and Usage
Machine cancellations revolutionized the world of philately in the 1860s. These cancellations, applied by high-speed cancellation machines, rapidly evolved to include various designs and patterns. One notable example of a machine cancellation device is the British Round Circle Cancel Machine, which allowed for changes to the date, month, and year. Another significant machine cancellation device is the Pittsburgh Experimental Rapid Canceling Machine, which utilized rollers to apply the postmark and cancel.
High-speed cancellation machines became widespread in the late 19th century and are still widely used today. They are commonly employed in regional centers or facilities for efficient processing of mail. However, it’s important to note that machine cancellations can vary in legibility and aesthetics, depending on the specific machine and its settings.
Contemporary machines often incorporate computer-printed messaging for promotional purposes, further expanding their capabilities.
Killer Cancels
When it comes to philately, killer cancels are a fascinating aspect to explore. These are cancellations that are designed to cover a significant portion of a stamp’s design, rendering it unusable and preventing it from being reused. Killer cancels come in various formats, each with its own unique characteristics and purpose.
One popular format is the barrel obliterator, which effectively obliterates the stamp’s design with bold, cylindrical strokes. The result is a stamp that cannot be mistaken for a valid postage item. Another type is the triplex cancel, which utilizes three separate strikes to cover the stamp completely. This creates a distinctive appearance and ensures that the stamp is voided.
Concentric ring killer cancels are another common format. They feature a series of concentric circles that gradually cover the stamp, creating an eye-catching pattern. Target cancels, on the other hand, have a design that resembles a target with multiple rings. As the rings overlap, the stamp’s imagery is concealed, serving as a clear indication that the stamp is no longer valid.
Lastly, we have the lozenge killer cancels, which consist of diamond-shaped patterns covering the stamp’s design. The lozenge shape adds an elegant touch to the cancellation, making it visually appealing despite its primary purpose of rendering the stamp void.
Each country may have its specific designs or formats for killer cancels, adding further variety and interest for collectors. Regardless of the specific format, killer cancels play a vital role in preserving the integrity of stamps and preventing their reuse. While they may deface the stamp in the process, they contribute to the rich tapestry of postal history and stamp collecting.
Doane Cancels
Doane cancels are a fascinating aspect of philately, captivating collectors with their unique designs and historical significance. These cancellations, introduced by the U.S. Post Office, aimed to improve postmark legibility using rubber duplex handstamps. With over 23,000 distinct cancels identified, Doane cancels offer a vast array of options for enthusiasts to explore and collect.
Each Doane cancel is marked with a number that indicates the postmaster’s annual compensation. This intriguing feature adds a personal touch and provides insight into the postal system’s historical context. Collectors often find joy in discovering cancels with higher compensation numbers, adding a sense of rarity and value to their collections.
Doane cancels come in four distinct types, each with its distinguishing characteristics. Type 1 cancels feature five bars, while Type 2 cancels exhibit four pairs of thin lines. Type 3 cancels boast four thick bars, and Type 4 cancels showcase four killer bars. These various types offer collectors a wide range of options to pursue and appreciate.
During the height of the postcard “craze,” Doane cancels saw extensive use. Nowadays, while less prevalent, they still hold relevance and continue to be used in some postal operations. The combination of historical significance and unique designs make Doane cancels a captivating area of focus for stamp collectors.
Explore the captivating world of Doane cancels and uncover the hidden stories behind each unique design. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to philately, the allure of these cancels is sure to captivate your imagination.
Machine Usage in Contemporary Times
In contemporary times, most mail is processed at regional centers or facilities, and machine cancellations play a significant role in the postal system. These modern machines are designed to efficiently cancel stamps, ensuring their invalidation for future postage usage.
One common type of machine cancel is the sprayed-on cancel. These cancels are applied quickly and effectively, speeding up the cancellation process. However, due to the rapid application, sprayed-on cancels may sometimes appear blurry or messy. As a result, the postmark and accompanying slogan may be challenging to read, affecting the overall legibility.
While sprayed-on cancels serve their purpose in ensuring stamps are properly canceled, they may not meet the aesthetic expectations of collectors. Philatelists often appreciate cancels that exhibit a certain level of artistry or visual appeal, adding to the overall aesthetics of their stamp collection.
Most postal administrations no longer prioritize the use of receiving postmarks. With the advent of modern technologies and systems, such as postal meters and other similar devices, many printed stamps no longer require cancellation since they already bear the date of production. This shift in practice reflects the evolving needs and efficiencies of the postal industry.
In summary, contemporary machine cancels, including sprayed-on cancels, play a vital role in processing mail efficiently. While they may not always meet the aesthetic standards of collectors, their primary function is to invalidate stamps for future postage use. As technology advances, the role and appearance of machine cancels continue to evolve, shaping the legibility and overall aesthetics of philatelic items.
Postmark Calendars and Traditional Dates
Postmark calendars play an important role in the world of stamp collecting, providing valuable information about the date and place of mailing. However, collectors should be aware that postmark dates may not always follow the standard Gregorian calendar, leading to potential confusion.
In some countries, postmark dates are based on their own calendar systems, which can vary significantly from the standard calendar used internationally. One such example is Japan, where traditional dates are determined by the emperor’s reign. The postmark year corresponds to the number of years the current emperor has been in power.
This unique system can result in stamps being postmarked with dates that do not align with their issue dates. For collectors, this adds an interesting aspect to the hobby, as stamps with traditional dates offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
As with any collecting endeavor, understanding the nuances and peculiarities of postmark calendars is crucial for philatelists. It allows them to accurately interpret the dates on their stamps and appreciate the historical context in which they were used.
Contemporary usage of stamps with traditional dates provides an opportunity for collectors to explore the intersection of history, culture, and philately, making their collections even more engaging and unique.
Conclusion
Understanding machine and hand cancellations is crucial for philatelists and stamp collectors. These cancellations not only serve as proof of a stamp’s use but also provide valuable insights into the postal history and cultural context of different periods. From the early days of handstamps to the modern technologies used in machine cancellations, the methods and devices have evolved, reflecting advancements in postal systems worldwide.
Collectors can appreciate the beauty and diversity of cancellations, ranging from the classic elegance of postmarks to the intricate designs of fancy cancels. The aesthetics and historical significance of these cancellations add depth to the world of philately, making it a fascinating hobby for enthusiasts.
Whether it’s the understated elegance of a hand-cancelled postmark or the mechanical precision of a machine cancellation, each type of cancellation tells a story. Philatelists immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of postal markings that enhance their understanding of stamp collecting and provide valuable context to the stamps they collect.
