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- Auxiliary handstamp, PAID
Auxiliary handstamp, PAID
Object Details
- Description
- Although the markings on this early American handstamp are illegible, it is like that it is a "PAID" marking. \The most common usage of "PAID" markings was prior to the introduction of adhesive postage stamps in 1847. This marking on a mailpiece indicated that postage was prepaid by the sender.
- Wooden handstamps were a low-price alternative to metal stamps in an era when postmasters at small offices were required to procure supplies at their own expense. A tight-grained wood was hand-chiseled to leave intaglio lettering on the marking face. After heavy use which wore the lettering, a postal clerk might attempt to recut the lettering.
- Data Source
- National Postal Museum
- Date
- 19th century
- Object number
- 1987.0905.19
- Type
- Mail Processing Equipment
- Medium
- wood; metal
- Dimensions
- 1 in (2.54 cm), diameter
- Place
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Postal Museum Collection
- Topic
- Mail Processing
- Record ID
- npm_1987.0905.19
- Usage
- CC0
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