Postmarks and cancellations are essential components of postal history and stamp collecting. A postmark typically includes the date and location where a mail item was processed, while a cancellation is a mark that renders a stamp invalid for reuse. Though often used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes. Postmarks document the mail’s origin and journey, while cancellations prevent fraud and indicate legitimate postal use.
Collectors value postmarks for their historical and geographic significance. A rare town cancel, a fancy pictorial design, or a slogan promoting a public campaign can elevate the interest and value of a stamp. Specialized types include bullseye cancels, duplex cancels, machine cancels, and commemorative postmarks. Each style reflects the technology and cultural context of its time. Some collectors focus exclusively on cancellations, building thematic collections around events, regions, or postal innovations.
Educationally, postmarks and cancellations offer a gateway into postal operations and societal messaging. They can be used to teach students about geography, historical events, and even typography. For your website, consider including visual examples and decoding guides to help users interpret these markings. This topic also complements soaking and stamp condition, as improper removal can damage valuable cancels.
Postmarks and cancellations come in a wide variety of styles, including commemorative slogans, barred numerals, bull’s-eyes, and machine-applied flags. Each type reflects a specific postal function or historical moment.
Barred Numeral Cancels (UK): These consist of horizontal or vertical bars with a number in the center, identifying the post office. For example, “43” from Charing Cross in London.
Bull’s-Eye Cancels (Switzerland): Circular cancels centered directly on the stamp, like the 1944 Niederuzwil cancel on a Swiss airmail stamp.
Duplex Cancels (USA): Combine a circular date stamp with a killer (bars or other shapes) to cancel the stamp. Example: March 11, 1901, Philadelphia duplex cancel.
Machine Flag Cancels (Canada): Include a waving flag design with the date and location, such as the 1899 Hamilton, Ontario cancel.
Manuscript Cancels: Handwritten lines or initials, often used in rural areas or early postal systems. Example: hatched-line cancel on a 3¢ George Washington stamp.
Event-Based Slogans: Example: “Okla. Semi-Centennial Exposition June 14–July 7 Oklahoma City” from June 26, 1957.
Anniversary Postmarks: Used to mark historical milestones, such as centennials or philatelic exhibitions.
Special Location Postmarks: Applied at temporary or mobile post offices during events like stamp shows or national celebrations.
Circular Date Stamps (CDS): Standard round postmarks showing date and location.
Wavy Line Cancels: Common machine-applied marks used alongside CDS to deface stamps.
Killer Bars or Grids: Heavy ink patterns used to obliterate stamps, often seen in 19th-century mail.
Fancy Cancels: Decorative designs (stars, crosses, animals) used in the U.S. during the 1800s, now highly collectible.
Postmark: Indicates the date and location of mailing, usually applied to the envelope.
Cancellation: Defaces the stamp to prevent reuse. Sometimes overlaps with the postmark, but they serve distinct roles.