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Skull and crossbones fancy cancel handstamp

National Postal Museum

Object Details

Description
Small third- and fourth-class post offices were issued a circular date stamp, which was used for both postmarking and backstamping mail. A separate canceller was required. This 'skull and cross-bones' illustrates a postal clerk's creativity.
Lead was a desirable material from which to create 'fancy cancels'. First, it was compatible with the oil-based ink supplied after 1882 by the Post Office Department (POD) to all offices. Second, it could be shaped by a pen-knife or other sharp tool. As it was used, the imprint would wear down, requiring the creator to re-cut the marking face. Thus, a design in use by a post office might change over time.
Fancy cancels disappeared from use after 1904, except for creations devised for use on registered mail during the 1930s. POD Order Number 497, May 19, 1904, stated "Postmasters are hereby instructed to report to the First Assistant Postmaster-General all violations of Section 567, paragraph 4, and Section 568, Postal Laws and Regulations, 1902, which prohibit the use of postmarking stamps or canceling ink not furnished by the Post Office Department. A strict observance of these provisions is necessary for the protection of the postal revenues, and postmasters are notified that the use of unauthorized postmarking stamps or canceling ink will be considered sufficient cause for removal."
Credit line
Gift of Marjorie Sered and Alvin R. Kantor
19th century
Object number
1987.0905.28
Type
Mail Processing Equipment
Medium
metal
Dimensions
Height x Width x Depth: 1 1/8 x 3/4 x 3/4 in. (2.86 x 1.91 x 1.91 cm)
Place
United States of America
See more items in
National Postal Museum Collection
On View
Currently on exhibit at the National Postal Museum
National Postal Museum
Topic
Mail Processing
Record ID
npm_1987.0905.28
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/hm8cf268897-8284-49e2-811a-df554241320a

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