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- Auxiliary handstamp, MISSENT
Auxiliary handstamp, MISSENT
Object Details
- Description
- MISSENT handstamps were used in postal distribution units to endorse mail that has been erroneously dispatched, thereby delaying its delivery. The clerk detecting the error would imprint MISSENT to the left of the postmark and re-dispatched it, using a proper routing to the destination post office.
- The Chambers Shop, Pitney Bowes, and International Postal Supply all manufactured these single-line steel handstamps. They were nearly indistinguishable in style and no manufacturer identity appeared on the devices. They all shared a common production method: a long soft-steel bar was pressed against a harded-steel tool die with MISSENT in relief. This rolling left the reversed lettering raised for intaglio printing. The long bar with multiple MISSENT impressions was cut to the length shown, then drilled at the back to accept a handle-mount rod. After the steel die was case-hardened, the handle and brass ferrule were pressed onto the die.
- Data Source
- National Postal Museum
- Date
- 20th century
- Object number
- 1992.2002.148
- Type
- Mail Processing Equipment
- Medium
- wood; metal
- Dimensions
- 1.25 x 1.5 x 4.75 in (3.2 x 3.8 x 12.1 cm)
- Place
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Postal Museum Collection
- Topic
- Mail Processing
- Record ID
- npm_1992.2002.148
- Usage
- Not determined
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