A word of caution: Many of the type numbers used here may be changed at a later date. The specialized United States Postage Meter Stamp Catalog is undergoing revision at this time, and an effort will be made to have the type numbers in both catalogs correspond. This is likely to require changes to some type numbers in this section.
The United States is the first country to use postage meter stamps on actual mail. In 1897 a small number of public access coin-operated postage franking machines were used experimentally for a few months in New York City. The machines were the product of an Italian inventor, Count Detalmo di Brazza.
All stamps have “US POSTAGE” or “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” in the frank.
U.S. meter manufacturers:
1. Pitney Postal Machine Company, 1902-1912
2. American Postage Meter Company (successor to 1), 1912 - 1920
3. Pitney Bowes Postage Meter Company (successor to 2), 1920 - present
4. Mail-O-Meter Company, 1922-1924
5. International Postal Supply Company, 1922-1959
6. Mack Postograph Company, 1922-1928
7. Continental Postage Meter Company, 1928-1931
8. Whitlock Metered Mail Company, 1929-1933
9. National Cash Register Company, 1930 – 1960s
10. United States Postal Meter Company, 1931-1944
11. Multipost, 1933-1942
12. National Postal Meter Company, 1933-1944
13. International Business Machine (IBM) Corporation, 1935-1945
The stamps are grouped according to appearance and usage as follows:
A - Early experimental stamps, 1897 - 1920
B - Square frank with wavy lines at the sides
C - Oval frank with wavy lines at the sides
D - Square or nearly square frank with simulated perforation frame
E - Frameless design containing text and arcs of various sizes
F - Wide rectangular frank with flying eagle in center
G - Wide rectangular frank with sitting eagle in center
H - Small rectangular frank with simulated perforation frame and separate town mark
I - Frameless design with large sitting eagle in center
J - Square design with straight-line outer frame and separate town mark
K - Frameless or partially frameless design with torch in hand motif
L - Frank contains profile of complete eagle
M - Digital stamps with unframed eagle or eagle wing ornament
N - Digital stamps with torch-in-hand ornament
P - Simple rectangle with star ornaments
Q - Digital stamp with eagle head in oval ornament
R - Digital stamps without ornament except for manufacturer's name or initials
S - Digital stamps with flag ornament
PC - Special designs generated by personal computer and printer
PO - Special designs generated only by machines in Post Offices
PV - Special designs generated only by self-service vending machines
OO - Special designs for official government mail use only
NOTES: 1) For specialized information about the meter stamps of the United States, see the United States Postage Meter Stamp Catalog, 2nd edition, 1994, and the 2001 Update by Joel Hawkins and Richard Stambaugh, privately published, Goodyear, Arizona.
2) The small green entries ("USPMSC: xxx") located above the Type number are the corresponding United States Postage Meter Stamp Catalog type numbers. If not present, the numbers are the same in both catalogs.
3) Most recently issued digital stamps (found in Groups M forward) include a 2-dimensional barcode in the design. In the United States three types have been used so far. They are the large rectangular "PDF417", square "Datamatrix", and small rectangular "IBI Lite" barcodes. The listings use these terms in the descriptions. The Datamatrix barcode can vary in size, and the PDF417 barcode can vary in both size and proportions.
An additional barcode found as a printable option with many digital stamps is the Facer Identification Mark or "FIM".
4) This catalog does not include self-service, public vending machine stamps that do not show a date and town name. These stamps are portable, i.e. they can be carried away and used at any future time and from any location and thus function as traditional adhesive stamps rather than meter stamps. These include “Postal Buddy” and the “Postal Mailing Center” stamps (ECA-Gard, Unisys). See the specialized catalog referenced in Note 1 for information about these issues.
GROUP A: Early experimental stamps, 1897 – 1920[edit | edit source]
These are stamps from meters used in government sponsored tests in actual mailings before meters were approved for general postal use.
A1. Di Brazza (FV), 1897. [extremely rare, estimated value $20,000-$30,000]
Stamp from a self-service vending machine.
This is the earliest meter stamp known used in the world.
One postally used cover exists. A proof example is known in German postal archives.
Frameless rectangular design without postage value.
“NEW YORK N.Y.” at top, “REGISTERED” at bottom.
Serial number vertical at left with date vertical at right.
M# with “M” prefix at lower right.
A2. Pitney Postal Machine Company (FV), 1912. [$1000]
Shield design with “1c. PAID” at top, “Washington, D. C./Permit No. 42” at bottom.
With rectangle in center containing 5-digit serial number.
Printed in black.
Value:1¢
NOTE: Two-cent values are proofs.
A3. American Postage Meter Company (FV), 1913. [$200 as cut square, $400 as unaddressed souvenir cover. Commercial covers extremely rare, value undetermined]
Similar to Type A2 but without the rectangle around the serial number.
Eight machines were trialed in Chicago, Illinois.
The franks vary in size from 29 to 32 mm wide.
Printed in black.
Values:1¢, 2¢
NOTE: Examples in red are proofs or reprints [$50]
GROUP B: Square frank with wavy lines at the sides, 1920[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: BA1
B1. Pitney Bowes (FV), 1920.
“U.S.POSTAGE” at top, value in center.
Permit number, with “P” prefix, at bottom of frank.
M# vertical between TM and frank.
TM: DC
Values:1¢ green [$30], 2¢ red [$10], 4¢ brown [$50], 5¢ red [$150], 10¢ yellow [$300]
a. Any value in a color other than the ones noted [add $200]
GROUP C: Double oval design with wavy lines at sides.[edit | edit source]
All stamps have double circle town mark or are occasionally without town mark.
(Note that Group C has been completely rearranged from the original, paper version of this catalog. The previous three sub-groups have been consolidated into two in order to remove ambiguity.)
Sub-group CA: Central oval contains both “PERMIT” and “METER”[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: CA1, CA2
CA1. Pitney Bowes "Model M" (FV), 1922.
Bottom panel contains the complete postage value spelled out.
Within the inner oval are "PERMIT"/(number or blank space)/"METER"/(number).
A. With "No. and number below "PERMIT" at top of central oval
Values:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6¢
8, 10, 12¢ [$10]
14¢ [$25]
20¢ [$50]
B. Without number below "PERMIT"
Values:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6¢
8, 10, 12¢ [$10]
14¢ (not regularly issued) [Extremely rare, value unknown]
a. As 'A', permit number inverted: 2¢ [$25]
1, 3¢ [$75]
b. As 'B', permit number with "P" prefix in bottom of town mark: 1, 2¢ [$50]
c. Town mark inverted: 1, 2¢ [$25]
d. "No." below "PERMIT" but without number [$50]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "EXTRA/ ½¢ /PAID" in center of TM:1+½, 4¢+½¢
-2. "ONE/ CENT/ ONLY" in center of TM used on 1¢ meter (error)
-3. "AD'L 1¢ (or 2¢) PD" between "PERMIT" and "METER"
2+1, 4+2¢
14+1, 2+2¢ [$50]
1+1, 6+1, 8+1, 3+2, 6+2¢, [$75]
4+1 [$100+]
-3a. Surcharge inverted: 2+1¢ [$10]
-4. "AD'L 1¢ PD" above frank: 2+1¢ [$10]
-5. "Ad'l 1¢ Pd" in center of town mark: 2+1 [$75]
USPMSC: CA3, CA4
CA2 Pitney Bowes "Model M" (FV).
As Type CA1 but the bottom panel contains "CENT PAID" or "CENTS PAID" only.
With or without number below “PERMIT”.
A. With "No. and number below "PERMIT" at top of central oval
Values:1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 3, 4½, 5¢
7, 9, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24¢ [$10]
26, 30¢ [$20]
2½¢ [$50]
3½, 6, 15, 16¢ [$100+]
B. Without number below "PERMIT"
Values:1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 3, 4½, 5, 6¢
2½, 8, 9, 17, 18, 21, 24¢ [$10]
3½, 22, 23¢ [$50]
7, 15, 20¢ [$100]
43¢ [$300]
a. As 'A', permit number inverted: 1, 1½, 2¢ [$10]
b. Town mark inverted: 2+1¢ [$100]
18¢ [extremely rare, one example known, value undetermined]
c. "No." below "PERMIT" but without number [$25]
d. Permit number present but without "No." [$40]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "EXTRA/ ½¢/ PAID" in center of TM: 1½¢+½¢ [$50]
-2. "ONE/ CENT/ ONLY" in center of TM, used on 1½¢ meter
-3. "AD'L 1¢ (or 2¢) PD" between "PERMIT" and "METER":
2+1¢
5+1, 17+1, 19+2¢ [$20]
4+2, 22+2¢ [$50]
3½+1, 2+2¢ [$75]
1+1, 3+1, 18+1, 1+2¢ [$100+]
-3a. Surcharge inverted: 2+1¢ [$75]
USPMSC: CA5, CA6
CA3. Pitney Bowes "Model M" (FV).
As Types CA1 and CA2 but bottom panel contains "CENTS" only.
With or without number below “PERMIT”.
A. With "No. and number below "PERMIT" at top of central oval
Values: 2, 3¢ [$5]
4½ [$100]
B. Without number below "PERMIT"
Values: 2, 3¢
2½, 4¢ [$10]
4½ [$20]
1¼, 5¢ [$100+]
34¢ [$300]
a. As 'B', permit number with "P" prefix in bottom of town mark: 2+1¢ [$100]
SURCHARGE:
-1. "AD'L 1¢ PD" in center of TM:2+1¢ [$10]
USPMSC: CB1, CB2
CA4. Mail-O-Meter (FV), 1922.
Similar to Type CA1 except with a line under the "o" of "METER/ No". All but a few also have a line under the "o" of "PERMIT/ No".
Early Town marks have two dots at the sides between the circles.
Generally speaking, Types CA4 (and CA6) have a cruder appearance than the Pitney Bowes types.
As Type CA4 but with "CENTS PAID" in bottom panel.
With "No." (13 meters) or "No" (one meter, 1514) below "METER"
Meter numbers 1503-1516
Values:1½¢ [$15]
4¢ [$100]
USPMSC: CB7 CA6. Mail-O-Meter (FV). [$15]
As Type CA4 but with "CENTS" alone in bottom panel.
M# 1161 and 1349 only
Value:3¢
USPMSC: CC1
CA7. Mack Postograph (FV), 1925. [$500]
Very similar to Type CA1. It can most easily be identified by the meter number, 102.
With "TWO CENTS PAID" in bottom panel.
One meter only, M# 102 (Permit 49)
Value:2¢
USPMSC: CC2
CA8. Mack Postograph (FV), 1925. [$50 as cut square, $200 on cover]
As Type CA7 but with “CENTS PAID” alone in bottom panel.
One meter only, M# 103 (Permit 55)
Value:1½¢
USPMSC: CD1, CD2
CA9. International Postal Supply (FV), 1929.
Postage value spelled out in full in bottom panel. Closely resembles and often confused with Type CA1.
If the town mark has wide spacing between the circles (top image), the stamp is Type CA9.
If the date contains a serifed '1', the stamp is Type CA9. Type CA1 dates never have a serifed '1'.
If the meter number (below "METER") is straight rather than curved, the stamp is Type CA9.
With or without number below “PERMIT”.
TM: DC, two styles, one with wide spacing between the circles
A. With "No. and number below "PERMIT" at top of central oval
Values: 1, 2, 3¢
4¢ [$50]
B. With "No." but without number below "PERMIT"
Values:1, 2, 3¢
6¢ [$25]
a. Permit number very large [$25]
b. Town mark inverted [$100]
SURCHARGE:
-1. "½¢ (or 1¢) PAID/ EXTRA" between "PERMIT" and "METER":2+1¢
1+½¢ [$100]
NOTE: Meter stamps with 1¢ + 1¢ surcharge are philatelic fabrications.
USPMSC: CD3, CD4, CD5
CA10. International Postal Supply (FV). [$10]
As Type CA9 but with "CENTS PAID" alone in bottom panel.
Easily confused with Type CA2. The lettering in the town mark is generally more widely spaced than with Type CA2 and often has a comma after the town name.
With or without number below “PERMIT”.
Values:1½¢
a. “CENTS PAID” shifted to right, blank space at left. Value:27¢ [$250, see NOTE]
NOTE: Proof examples of the 27¢ value were struck at a later date backdated to the 1930s. Collectors must assume any example found is the reprint [$5] unless on commercial cover with verifiable postmarks.
USPMSC: CE1
CA11. Whitlock Metered Mail (FV), 1929.
Very similar to Type CA1 and can be identified positively only by the meter numbers, 82-243 and 310, which are not found on Pitney Bowes meters.
The hour figures, when present, have very round zeros, unlike their Pitney Bowes counterparts.
With complete value spelled out in bottom panel.
Values:2¢ [$15]
4¢ (97, 125) [$25]
1¢ [$50]
5¢ [$100]
USPMSC: CE3
CA12. Whitlock Metered Mail (FV).
As Type CA11 but with “CENTS PAID” alone in bottom panel.
Values:1½, 2¢ [$15]
4¢ [$250]
USPMSC: CF1
CA13. Continental Postage Meter (FV), 1930. [$150]
The meter number has a "C" letter prefix which is closer to "No." than to the number.
With complete value spelled out in bottom panel.
Date in two lines.
Value:2¢
USPMSC: CF2
CA14. Continental Postage Meter (FV).
As Type CA13 but “CENTS PAID” alone in bottom panel.
Date in one line.
Values:2¢ [$35]
1¢ [$100]
USPMSC: CF3, CF4
CA15. Continental Postage Meter (FV).
The meter and permit numbers are centered with "No."s at far left.
Date in one line.
A. Meter number without prefix
Values:1¢ (601, 856) [$10]
2¢ (519, 563, 619) [$25]
3¢ (532) [$75]
B. Meter number with letter prefix (A, E, L, M, P or T). Meter numbers: 10001 - 10097
Values:2, 3¢ [$25]
1¢ [$50]
4¢ (P10030, P10034) [$150]
a. As 'B', with unengraved bar in place of permit number (P10028)
USPMSC: CF5
CA16. Continental Postage Meter (FV). [$100]
Similar to Type CA15B but with "CENTS PAID" alone in bottom panel.
Value:2¢ (T10003, E10006)
Sub-group CB: Central oval contains “METER” only, without "PERMIT"[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: CE2
CB1. Whitlock Metered Mail (FV), 1929. [$150]
As Type CA11 but without "PERMIT" and permit number. Top half of central oval is empty.
One machine only, meter number 235.
Value:1¢
USPMSC: CG1
CB2. Whitlock Metered Mail (FV), 1930.
Center oval contains curved “METER No.” above number.
With "CENT PAID" or "CENTS PAID" in bottom panel.
Values:2, 3¢ [$15]
1½¢ [$25]
1¢ [$50]
4, 5¢ [$150]
USPMSC: CH1, CH2
CB3. US Postal Meter (FV), 1931.
As Type CA15 but without “PERMIT” and permit number.
Top half of inner oval blank. Bottom half has "METER"/"No.” and number.
Bottom panel with value spelled out.
A. M# with letter prefix. Value:2¢ (M10087, P10020) [$50]
B. M# without prefix. Value:1¢ (879 only) [$150]
USPMSC: CH3
CB4. US Postal Meter (FV), 1932. [$15]
Straight "METER/No.”/(number) is centered both horizontally and vertically in the inner oval.
Meter numbers: 500 - 947.
Values: 1, 2, 3, 4¢
a. Without meter number: 3¢ [$50]
USPMSC: CH4
CB5. US Postal Meter (FV).
As Type CB4 but with "CENTS PAID" in the bottom panel.
Values: 1½, 6¢ [$15]
4½¢ [$50]
17¢ [$150]
USPMSC: CH5
CB6. US Postal Meter (FV).
Central oval contains "METER No." at top above centered meter number .
Bottom of central oval either blank or containing surcharge.
With complete value spelled out in bottom panel.
Meter numbers: 500 - 947
Values: 2, 3¢ [$10]
1¢ [$25]
4¢ [$50]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "AD'L 1¢ (or 2¢) P'D" added below meter number.
Values:2+1¢ [$10]
1+1¢ [$50]
4+2¢ [$100]
3+1¢ [$250]
USPMSC: CH6
CB7. US Postal Meter (FV).
As Type CB6 but with "CENTS PAID" alone in bottom panel.
Values:1½¢ [$10]
6, 9¢ (602, 733, 919) [$25]
17 (608), 18¢ (623) [$50]
8 (570, 771, 896), 12¢ (787) [$75]
4½¢ (935) [$150]
USPMSC: CJ1
CB8. Multipost (FV), 1933.
Central oval with “METER" curved at top above "No” in center with meter number at bottom.
Meter numbers with "M-" prefix. Two machines only: M-2 [$350] , and M-3 [$5]
"CENTS PAID" in bottom panel.
Value:3¢
USPMSC: CK1
CB9. Pitney Bowes modesl "A" and "B" (FV), 1933.
Central oval contains a smaller oval with indented sides.
Identical in appearance to Type DB1A but meter numbers are different, 9000-9006 only.
These stamps were produced by converted Group C machines used on a contingency basis by Pitney Bowes.
TM: DC with single or double line date
A. Wide spacing (26 mm) between TM and frank. Meter numbers 9000 and 9001
Values:2¢ [$25]
1¢ [$50]
B. Narrow spacing (7-8 mm). Meter numbers 9005, 9006. TM small or large.
Values:1,2¢ [$100]
C. Medium spacing (19 mm). Meter number 9002
Values:1¢ green, STAMFORD [$25]
1¢ purple, NEW YORK [$300]
a. As 'A', 1¢ green with red slogan. M# 9001 [$250]
USPMSC: DB2, DB11
DB3. Pitney Bowes (LV-5).
Similar to Type DB1B but "METER" without "NO." in the bottom panel.
Meter numbers in 14000, 16000 and 60000 series. [Add at least $10 to values listed below for stamps in 60000 series which are scarce to very rare]
TM: DC
Values: 1, 1½, 2, 3, 6, 10¢
5, 15, 20¢ [$10]
USPMSC: DB3
DB4. Pitney Bowes (LV-5). [$350]
Similar to Type DB1B but "P.B. METER (number)" in the bottom panel.
One meter only, 12146.
TM: DC
Value:3¢
USPMSC: DC1, DC2, DC3
DB5. National Postal Meter "Model M" (FV), 1932.
Similar to Type DB1 with "METER NO. (number)" in bottom panel.
Most easily identified by the low meter numbers, 42, 101, 225, 452-855, 870-872, 880-901, 1090, 1091, 7700. The date figures are also different.
TM: DC or BIC [The BIC town mark is scarce and worth a small premium]
A. Wide spacing between TM and frank
Values:1, 1½, 2, 3¢
6¢ (802) [$35]
B. Very narrow spacing between TM and frank. Made specially to frank Eastman-Kodak film mailing cartons.
Meter numbers: 703 HOLLYWOOD, 816 ROCHESTER, 840 CHICAGO, and 852 FLUSHING. (See also Type DB7B)
Values:2, 3¢ [$50]
NOTES: Type DB5A stamps printed on tape rather than directly to the mail piece can have very narrow spacing like DB5B. They can be identified by the meter number.
USPMSC: DC4
DB6. National Postal Meter (FV).
As Type DB5A but with "N.P.METER (number)" in the bottom panel.
Meter numbers: 526, 608, 857-869, 874-879, and 1092
TM: DC
Values:1, 1½, 3¢
USPMSC: DC5, DC6, DC7, DC8
DB7. National Postal Meter (LV-4).
With "(number) N.P.M." in the bottom panel.
With four wavy lines in central oval.
Meter numbers: 101, 742, 902-1087, 1095-1176, 1500-1567
TM: DC, BIC [add $5], or SC [add $150]
A. Wide spacing between TM and frank
Values:1, 1½, 3¢
2¢ [$5]
4½¢ [$25]
4, 6, 12, 18, 21, 24¢ [$150]
B. Very narrow spacing between TM and frank. Made specially to frank Eastman-Kodak film mailing cartons. (See also Type DB5B.)
D. (FV-6) Medium spacing as with C, but the meter has six fixed values rather than only one. Meter numbers 54000-54156, 57000-59999, and replacement dies of C types
GROUP E: Frameless design with large arcs at top and bottom and with groups of smaller arcs in each corner.[edit | edit source]
Without separate town mark. Printed on imperforate adhesive labels 54 mm x 46/48mm, never directly to covers. Meter numbers: 775, 1000 to 3676, 4200, 4234 and 8049.
All Group E stamps were produced by National Cash Register meter model P-1924(3-3)P-P, a multi-value machine, first used in 1931.
Stamps are printed in two stages, top and bottom in one stage and center line in another.
Most stamps have "Z. Wt." (postal zone of destination, weight) at left center with a line above but occasionally without the line below or missing. Most stamps have a zero above "Z. Wt." but occasionally you will find one with a single or double digit number or "L" (for Local zone) representing the zone or weight or both.
Colors are usually the same in both stages but are often different. Some colors and color combinations are rare (red-violet, red-violet with red center, purple with blue center, purple with green center, and blue-green with red center).
Several varieties of label paper were used with shades of brown and gray being very rare. Plain white is also rare.
Examples without town names are used for registered mail.
All these stamps are known with portions missing, probably from breakage. This includes the wavy lines in the corners and even the entire top or bottom portions.
USPMSC: EA1, EA2
E1. National Cash Register "P-1924(3-3)P-P" (MV), 1931. [$50 for loose tape. One example known on large cover-size piece, value undetermined]
Five parallel wavy lines in lower corners.
The line above the town name forms a deep arc.
With 3- or 4-digit serial number at center right.
"Z. Wt." at left center.
M# with "NCR" prefix.
Meter numbers: 1001-1015
V/F: .00
a. Without "Z. Wt."
USPMSC: EB1 through EB4
E2. National Cash Register "P-1924(3-3)P-P" (MV). [$5]
Four horizontal curved lines in lower corners with the top one extending all the way across the design above the town name.
The bottom line in each lower corner is longer that the two above it.
4-digit serial number at center right.
With "Z. Wt." at center left.
Meter numbers: 1016 and up, plus replacements of lower numbers.
V/F: .00 , 0.00 (M# 1038 only)
a. Without “Z.Wt.” (blank at left center)
b. With "PM. AM." replacing "Z. Wt." (1117)
USPMSC: EC1 through EC9 plus PO-EC1
E3. National Cash Register "P-1924(3-3)P-P" (MV).
As Type E2 but the three lines in the lower corners are all the same length.
4-digit serial number at center right.
With "Z. Wt." at center left.
Meter number with "NCR Meter" prefix (except for 'c' below).
V/F: .00 , 0.00 , —.00 , —0.00
a. Without “Z.Wt.” (blank at left center)
b. "PM. AM." replacing "Z. Wt." (1117 and 1317)
c. Post Office stamp. Meter number preceded by "P.O." rather than "NCR Meter". Meter numbers: 101-105 [$50]
USPMSC: ED1, ED2
E4. National Cash Register "P-1924(3-3)P-P" (MV). [$5 as loose tape, $20 on cover]
Used for registered mail only.
Bottom section has the two top lines extending completely across the stamp and does not have a town name.
4-digit serial no. at right center.
Four meter numbers only: 1058, 1073, 1083, 1085
V/F: .00 , 0.00
USPMSC: ED3
E5. National Cash Register "P-1924(3-3)P-P" (MV). [$5 as loose tape, $25 on cover]
As Type E4 but the first and third lines extend across the lower part of the stamp.
M# 1026 only
V/F: .00
USPMSC: ED4
E6. National Cash Register "P-1924(3-3)P-P" (MV). [$25 on cover]
Registered mail stamp as with Types E4 and E5 but with no lines at bottom center.
Four arcs in lower corners. “Z.Wt.” at left (1653)
4-digit serial no. at center right.
Without “Z.Wt.”
Meter number 1359 only
V/F: 0.00
USPMSC: EE1 through EE4 plus EE12
E7. National Cash Register "P-1924(3-3)P-P" (MV).
Three short horizontal arcs in each lower corner at sides of town name.
The line above the town does not extend across the design to the sides.
"PAID" below value figures.
V/F:.00 , 0.00 , —.00 , —0.00
a. Without "Z. Wt." at left center [$25]
b. Without "PAID" [$25]
c. Date and value lines inverted [very rare, value unknown]
USPMSC: EE5, EE6, EE8/10, VM-B-EE8
E8. National Cash Register "P-1924(3-3)P-P" (MV).
As Type E7 but with "PAID" removed and with mailer's identification added below the meter number.
V/F:.00 , 0.00 , —.00 , —0.00
a. Without "Z. Wt." at left center [$20]
b. Without mailer's identification, blank between meter number and town name [$5]
c. Self-service vending machine stamp. 1971, "SELF-SERVICE METER" below meter number One machine only, M# "NCR Meter 0001" [mint tape $100. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
USPMSC: EE7, EE11
E9. National Cash Register "P-1924(3-3)P-P" (MV). [$15 on cover]
As Type E6 but three arcs in lower corners instead of four.
4-digit serial no. at center right
Meter numbers 1653 and 2915 only
V/F: 0.00 (1653) , —0.00 (2915)
GROUP F: Wide rectangular frank with flying eagle in center and simulated perforation outer frame.[edit | edit source]
All Group F stamps were produced by Pitney Bowes multi-value meters.
Types F1, F2 and F3 are experimental designs.
USPMSC: FA1
F1. Pitney Bowes (MV), 1933. [$50 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
"UNITED STATES" spelled out in full above flying eagle.
Fancy oval frame around value figures.
M# 90001 only
V/F: 0 00 :
USPMSC: FB1, FB2
F2. Pitney Bowes (MV).
Large "U.S.POSTAGE" in arc at top center. [$25 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
Without oval around value figures.
Eagle without tail.
Frank, 67 mm wide
A. M# 90011. Without town name, used for registered mail only. V/F: 0 00
B. M# 90012. TM: “LONG ISLAND CITY/ N.Y.” V/F: . 00 :
USPMSC: FB3, FB4
F3. Pitney Bowes (MV). [$25 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
As Type F2 but "U.S.POSTAGE" smaller in straight line.
Eagle with tail visible
A. Frank 71 mm wide. M# 90001.
TM: “STAMFORD/ CONN.”
V/F: 0 00 :
B. Frank 69 mm wide. M# 90010. Eagle with tail showing.
TM: “NEW YORK (in arc)/N.Y”.
V/F: . 00 :
USPMSC: FB5 through 8, PO-FB6, PO-FB8
F4. Pitney Bowes (MV).
Very similar to Type F3B but the frank is narrower, about 61 mm wide. Town name is curved, except for variety 'b' below.
A. "P.B.METER" and "AMOUNT/PAID" small, about 1 mm tall.
B. "P.B.METER" and "AMOUNT/PAID" larger, about 2 mm tall.
V/F: . 00 : , 0 00
a. Post Office stamp. M# with "P.O." prefix.
Meter numbers: 90059, 90060, 60061, 90062 [$25 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
90649 [$100 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
90796 [$50 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
B. Post Office stamp. M# without prefix, used in the New York City Madison Square Station Post Office. Town and station name is horizontal rather than curved.
Meters number: 90016 [$100 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
90630 [$25 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
GROUP G: Wide rectangular frank with large sitting eagle in center[edit | edit source]
Simulated perforation outer frame. Circular TM beneath left wing, and value box beneath right wing.
All Group G stamps are from Pitney Bowes multi-value meters.
USPMSC: GA1, GA2
G1. Pitney Bowes (MV), 1936.
Eagle faces right.
Meter numbers: 91000-98000 series.
V/F:0 00 .00 :
a. Post Office stamp. "P/O" at sides of TM [$5]
b. Postage Due stamp. As a, but with boxed "POSTAGE/ DUE" slogan reading up [$10]
c. Postage Due stamp. As b, but the boxed slogan is stepped, wider around "POSTAGE", narrower around "DUE" [$10]
d. Military stamp. “U.S. NAVY” at top of TM [$25]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "AD'L ⅛¢ PD" at left [$35]
-2. "AD'L ¼¢ PD" at left [$35]
-3. "AD'L ⅜¢ PD" at left [$10]
-4. "AD'L 0.8¢ PD." at left [$35]
USPMSC: GB1
G2. Pitney Bowes (MV). [$25 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
Eagle faces left. Three stars above eagle head.
"PAID" below value figures. Horizontal line inside bottom frame line.
TM circle closer to top than to bottom.
Meter numbers: X1003 and X1004
V/F:0 00 :
USPMSC: GB2
G3. Pitney Bowes (MV). [$150 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value unknown]
Very similar to Type G2 but horizontal line inside frame line is at top rather than bottom.
"U.S. POSTAGE" is taller, and "P.B. METER" is smaller.
M#: X-1005 only
V/F:0 0 :
USPMSC: GB3, GB4, VM-A-GB3, VM-A-GB4
G4. Pitney Bowes (MV). [$20 on cut-out, $75 on cover]
Similar to Types G2 and G3 but the design in narrower and the value box is smaller.
"U.S.POSTAGE" is in a scroll above the value figures with "PAID" is immediately below the scroll.
No stars above eagle head.
A. Value figures with serifs and of variable thickness. Meter numbers: 100000, 100003, 100006, 100011
B. Value figures plain and thin. Meter numbers: 100012 and 100013
V/F:. 00 :
a. As A, self-service vending machine stamp, 1939, Pitney Bowes "Mailomat". M# 51002 only [$20]
b. As B, self-service vending machine stamp, "Mailomat". Meter numbers 51003-51029 [$10]
GROUP H: Frank without ornaments; text only inside simulated perforation rectangle[edit | edit source]
Separate circular town mark. Group H stamps are from National Postal Meter Company multi-value machines and those of its successor, the Commercial Controls Corporation.
USPMSC: HA1 through HA3
H1. National Postal Meter (MV), 1938.
Thick frame line with round indentations on outside, straight on inside.
Frank size: 31 x 26 mm.
"N.P.M. No (number)" at base of frank.
Meter numbers: 6000-6060
TM: DC or BIC
V/F: ≋≋.00 ≋ (≋≋.00 ½)
≋0.00 ≋ (M# 6036 only)
USPMSC: HA4 through HA7 plus various Post Office stamps
H2. National Postal Meter (MV).
As Type H1 but with "N.P.M. — No (number)" at base of frank.
Meter numbers: 6061-7093, 7106, 7152 plus replacement dies for 6000-6060.
TM: DC or BIC
V/F: ≋≋.00 ≋
≋0.00 ≋ (M# 6203 only) [$10]
a. Post Office stamp. With "PARCEL POST" in TM [$20]
b. Post Office stamp. "P.O.— No (number)" at base of stamp [$35]
c. Post Office stamp. "P.O.—(number)—N.P.M." at base of stamp. TM: DC, BIC or SC [$25]
USPMSC: HB1/3, PO-HB2
H3. National Postal Meter (MV).
As Types H1 and H2 but smaller frank (26 x 22/23 mm) with simple wavy frame line.
"No (number) N.P.M." at bottom of frank.
Meter numbers: 7094-10052, 10100, plus replacement dies for Types H1 and H2.
TM: DC, BIC, SC
V/F: ≋.00 ≋
a. Post Office stamp. "PARCEL POST" or "P.P." inside town mark [$15]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "AD'L ⅜¢ PD"
-2. "AD'L .8¢ PD"
USPMSC: HC1 through HC4, HC6 through HC10
H4. Commercial Controls Corp. (MV).
As Type H3 but "U.S.POSTAGE" is straight at top, and M# has "CC –" prefix.
Meter numbers 6000-10048 plus replacement dies.
TM: DC, BIC, SC
V/F: ≋.00 ≋
≋ 0 #/4 ≋ (printing in quarters and eighths of a cent)
≋ 0 #/10 ≋ (printing in tenths of a cent)
0.00≋ (M# 6203 only) [$10]
a. "No” between “CC –“ and number [$5]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "AD'L ⅛¢ PD"
-2. "AD'L ¼¢ PD"
-3. "AD'L ¾¢ PD"
-4. "AD'L 6/8¢ PD"
-5. "AD'L ⅞¢ PD"
-6. "AD'L 3/5¢ PD"
-7. "AD'L 1/10¢ PD"
-8. "AD'L 3/10¢ PD"
-9. "AD'L 4/10¢ PD"
-10. "AD'L 6/10¢ PD"
-11. "AD'L 8/10¢ PD"
-12. "AD'L 0.3¢ PD"
-13. "AD'L .3¢ PD"
-14. "AD'L 0.6¢ PD"
-15. "AD'L 0.8¢ PD"
-16. "Ad'l .8¢ Pd"
USPMSC: HC5
H5. Commercial Controls Corp. (MV). [$60]
As Type H4 but with three short dashes outside of frank at right.
With 5-bank value figures as on Type HC2B.
Meter number: 51978 only
V/F: ≋0.00 ≋
GROUP I: Frameless design with large sitting eagle looking right, circular town mark at left, value box at right[edit | edit source]
All Group I stamps are from Pitney Bowes meters.
Sub-group IA: “U.S. POSTAGE” at top of value box[edit | edit source]
IA1. Pitney Bowes "R" series (MV), 4 January 1940. [$25]
Value box is a rectangle about 16 mm square.
M# in bottom center with tall "P.B." at left and "METER" above.
Meter numbers: 100019-100030.
The value box has no markings along its right side
V/F:. 00 :
IA2. Pitney Bowes "R" series (MV), 30 January 1940. [$5]
Almost identical to Type IA1 but with five small square marks along right side of value box.
These marks are often light to the point of disappearing. The surest way of identifying them
is by the meter number which is in the range 100031-100482.
V/F:. 00 :
USPMSC: IA3, IA4A, IA10A, IA11, IA12A
IA3. Pitney Bowes “R” series (MV), April 1940.
As Types IA1 and IA2 but the value box has thirteen small stars at right.
Meter numbers in 100000, 300000 and 600000 series
A. V/F:. 00 :
B. V/F: ≋ 00 :(colon 2 to 3mm tall) (will print quarters and halves of a cent)
C. V/F: ≋ 00 :(colon 4.5mm tall) (cannot print fractions)
D. V/F: ≋ 00 ≋ (≋ 00 o) (will print tenths of a cent)
a. Post Office stamp. "POST OFFICE" inside TM at bottom
b. Post Office stamp. "P" and "O" inside TM at sides
c. Post Office stamp. "US" and "PS" inside TM at sides [$5]
d. Postage Due stamp. With slogan showing arrow with "POSTAGE DUE" (inverted) above and "COLLECT" (inverted) below) [$100 for philatelic cover, $450 for commercial cover]
e. Postage Due stamp. With slogan showing large hollow arrow with “POSTAGE DUE/PAID" within. The head of the arrow is blunt with small projections at top and bottom. [$10 for philatelic cover, $200 for commercial cover]
f. Postage Due stamp. Similar to e, but the head of the arrow is more pointed and it has no projections. [$5 for philatelic cover, $50 for commercial cover]
g. Postage Due stamp. As f, but the text in the arrow is inverted [$15 for philatelic cover, $250 for commercial cover]
h1. Postage Due stamp. With boxed slogan with "POSTAGE/ DUE" inside reading up. Letters vary in thickness. The "U" of DUE has a serif at bottom right (not pictured)[$10 for loose tape, $100 for commercial cover]
h2. Postage Due stamp. As h1 but the lettering is uniform in thickness and has no serifs (pictured) [$5 for philatelic cover, $50 for commercial cover]
i1. Postage Due stamp. Slogan shows "POSTAGE/ DUE" inside stepped box at left reading up. The box is wider around "POSTAGE" than around "DUE".
i2. Postage Due stamp. As i1 but narrower design with "POSTAGE" and "DUE" closer together [$25]
i3. Postage Due stamp. As i1 but text is wider, most notable in the "O" of POSTAGE [$10]
j. Postage Due stamp. Large slogan "POSTAGE/ DUE". The "P" of "POSTAGE" is very large, 21 mm tall. Provisional stamp [One example known (336357), value unknown]
k. Self-service vending machine stamp. 1940, Pitney Bowes "Mailomat", identifiable only by meter numbers 51002-51171. (Not all numbers used.) [$5]
l. Self-service vending machine stamp. As k, with "P" and "O" at sides of TM (used in post offices) [$5]
m. Self-service vending machine stamp. As k, "POST OFFICE" at bottom of TM [$15]
n. Military stamp. “U.S." at top of TM, "NAVY” at bottom [$20]
p. Military stamp. “U.S. NAVY” at top of TM [$5]
q. Military stamp. “ARMY-AIR FORCE POSTAL SERVICE” or variation at top of TM [$5]
r. Military stamp. “ARMY POSTAL SERVICE” at top [$5]
s. Military stamp. “AIR FORCE POSTAL SERVICE” or variation at top of TM [$5]
t. Military stamp. TM blank at top with “A.P.O.” (number) or variation at bottom [$25]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "AD'L ⅛¢ PD"
-2. "AD'L ¼¢ PD"
-3. "AD'L ⅜¢ PD"
-4. "AD'L ½¢ PD"
-5. "AD'L ⅝¢ PD"
-6. "AD'L ¾¢ PD"
-7. "AD'L ⅞¢ PD"
-8. "AD'L 0.1¢ PD" or "AD'L .1¢ PD"
-9. "AD'L 0.2¢ PD"
-10. "AD'L 0.4¢ PD" or "AD'L .4¢ PD"
-11. "AD'L 0.6¢ PD" or "AD'L .6¢ PD"
-12. "AD'L 0.7¢ PD"
-13. "AD'L 0.8¢ PD" or "AD'L .8¢ PD"
-14. "AD'L 1¢ PD"
-15. "AD'L 1.4¢ PD"
-16. "AD'L AMT PD", "AD'L PD", or "ADDITIONAL POSTAGE PD"
USPMSC: IA8, IA9
IA4. Pitney Bowes “R” series (FV).
Very similar to Type IA3 but with fixed value figures.
The non-fraction values have the triads (≋) much closer to the numbers rather than widely spaced as with Type IA3D.
USPMSC: IA4B, IA10B, IA12B plus PO, PD and Armed Service types
IA5. Pitney Bowes “R” series (MV).
Almost identical to Type IA3 but the meter number is larger and has "P.B. METER" above.
V/F:≋ 00 : (colon 2-3 or 4.5 mm tall) ≋ 00 ≋ (≋ 00 0)
a. Post Office stamp. "POST OFFICE" at base of TM [$10]
b. Post Office stamp. "P/O" at sides of TM [$10]
c. Post Office stamp. "US/PS" at sides of TM
d. Postage Due stamp. With boxed slogan with "POSTAGE/DUE" inside reading up. The box is stepped, wider around "POSTAGE" and narrower around "DUE" . [$5]
e. Military stamp. TM with “AIR FORCE POSTAL SERVICE” [$5]
SURCHARGES:
-1. “AD’L 0.6¢ PD” [$20]
-2. “AD’L AMT PD”
USPMSC: IA5/7
IA6. Pitney Bowes “5300” series (MV).
Similar to Type IA3 but the value box is larger, about 18 x 17 mm.
Spaces exist at the sides of "U.S.POSTAGE".
These stamps came from experimental meters.
A. V/F:≋ 00 :(2 mm between ≋ and first 0) Meter numbers: 341038 and 341039 [$10]
B. V/F:≋ 00 :(3 mm between ≋ and first 0) Meter numbers: 341040 and 341041 [$100]
C. V/F:≋.00 :(decimal between ≋ and first 0) M#: 341042 [$75]
USPMSC: IC1, IC2, IC3A, IC4A, IC5/7, IC8A plus PO, PD and Armed Service types
IA7. Pitney Bowes “5300” series (MV), 1959.
As Type IA6, but without line under “U.S. POSTAGE”.
Meter numbers in 500,000, 600,000, 800,000 and 900,000 series.
V/F:≋.00 : (colon 2-3 or 4.5 mm tall) ≋0.00 ≋.00 ≋.00≋
a. Post Office stamp. "P/O" at sides of TM
b. Post Office stamp. "US/PS" at sides of TM
c. Postage Due stamp. With boxed slogan "POSTAGE/DUE" reading up. The box is wider around "POSTAGE" and narrower around "DUE"
d. Military stamp. “U.S. NAVY” at top of TM [$5]
e. Military stamp. Ship name at top of TM [$5]
f. Military stamp. “ARMY POSTAL SERVICE” at top of TM [$5]
g. Military stamp. “ARMY & AIR FORCE POSTAL SVC” in TM [$5]
h. Military stamp. “AIR FORCE POSTAL SERVICE” or variation in TM [$5]
i. Military stamp. “U.S. MARINE CORPS” at top of TM [$5]
j. Military stamp. “FPO” at top of TM [$5]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "AD'L ⅛¢ PD"
-2. "AD'L ¼¢ PD"
-3. "AD'L ⅜¢ PD"
-4. "AD'L ¾¢ PD"
-5. "AD'L ⅞¢ PD"
-6. "AD'L 0.2¢ PD"
-7. "AD'L 0.4¢ PD"
-8. "AD'L 0.6¢ PD"
-9. "AD'L 0.7¢ PD"
-10. "AD'L 0.8¢ PD"
-11. "AD'L .8¢ PD"
USPMSC: IC3B, IC4B, IC8B plus PO, PD and Armed Service types
IA8. Pitney Bowes “5300” series (MV).
Almost identical to Type IA7 but the meter number is larger and has "P.B. METER" above.
All Group K stamps are from Friden meters and Friden's successors Singer, FME Corp., Friden Alcatel, Friden-Neopost, and Neopost.
Sub-group KA: Long rectangular design with torch in center[edit | edit source]
Three stars at top, five at bottom, four at far right.
KA1. Friden "PM-4" (MV), 1963. [$20]
Top and bottom frame lines have short curved extensions around the town mark circle.
Meter number with "F" prefix.
Meter numbers: 010103, 010104 only.
TM: DC
V/F: ≋.00≋
USPMSC: KA2, KA3, KA6, KA7
KA2. Friden "PM-4" and "PM-7" (MV).
As Type KA1 but without the frame line extensions around the town mark circle.
Meter number with "F" prefix.
Meter numbers: 010105 and up, for PM-4 machines, and 200000, 218000 and 219000 series for PM-7 machines. PM-7 meters can print tenths of a cent.
TM: DC or SC
V/F: ≋.00≋ , ≋ 00≋
a. M# with "S" prefix (012412) [$40]
SURCHARGES: (reading up or down)
-1. "AD'L ⅛¢ PD"
-2. "AD'L ¼¢ PD"
-3. "Ad'l ¼¢ Pd"
-4. "AD'L ⅜¢ PD"
-5. "AD'L ⅞¢ PD"
-6. "AD'L 1/10¢ PD."
-7. "AD'L 4/10¢ PD"
-8. "AD'L 6/10¢ PD"
-9. "AD'L 8/10¢ PD"
-10. "AD'L PD"
USPMSC: KA4, KA5
KA3. Friden (FV). [$25]
As Type KA2 but fixed value machine that can print only a single denomination.
M# with "F" prefix.
TM: DC or SC
Values: ≋1¼≋ , ≋2⅞≋
SURCHARGE:
-1. "AD'L ¼¢ PD"
Sub-group KB: Small design with torch at right and narrow value box open at left[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: KB1, KB2 plus PO, PD and Armed Service counterparts
KB1. Friden Singer “9222” (MV), 1966.
Right frame line of value box falls below the "AG" of "POSTAGE".
M# with large serifed "F" prefix.
Meter numbers: 200000-230000 series.
TM: SC
V/F: ≋.00≋
a. TM: DC. One meter only (201822) [$50]
b. Post Office stamp. "P/O" at sides of TM
c. Postage Due stamp. As b, but with boxed slogan with "POSTAGE/DUE" inside reading up. The box is stepped, wider around "POSTAGE" and narrower around "DUE" [$5]
f. Military stamp. “U.S. NAVY” at top of TM (M# in 030000 series) [$20]
g. Military stamp. “ARMY & AIR FORCE POSTAL SERVICE” at top of TM (M# in 030000 series) [$20]
h. Military stamp. “AIR FORCE POSTAL SERVICE” at top of TM (M# in 030000 series) [$20]
SURCHARGES: (reading up or down)
-1. "AD'L ¼¢ PD"
-2. "AD'L ⅞¢ PD" (or "Pd")
-3 "AD'L 4/10¢ PD"
-4. "AD'L 6/10¢ PD"
-5. "AD'L 8/10¢ PD"
USPMSC: KB3/5 plus PO and Armed Service counterparts
KB2. Friden Singer (MV).
As Type KB1 but the right frame line of the value box falls below the "GE" of "POSTAGE".
Meter numbers: 041000, 200000-230000, 300000-320000 series
TM: SC
A. M# with "F" (serif) prefix. (Friden)
B. M# with "S" (sanserif) prefix. (Singer)
C. M# with "F" (sanserif) prefix. (FME Corp.)
D. M# with small "F" prefix. (Friden-Alcatel)
V/F: ≋.00≋ , ≋0.00
a. Post Office stamp. "P/O" at sides of TM
b. Postage Due stamp. As a, but with boxed slogan with "POSTAGE/DUE" inside reading up. The box is stepped, wider around "POSTAGE" and narrower around "DUE" . [$5]
c. Military stamp. “U.S. NAVY” or “U.S. NAVAL STATION” at top of TM [$5]
d. Military stamp. “AIR FORCE POSTAL SERVICE” or variation at top of TM [$20]
SURCHARGE:
-1. "AD'L 6/10¢ PD"
USPMSC: KB6, KB7, PO-KB6
KB3. Friden Singer (MV).
As Type KB2 but the flames at the top do not extend left of "U.S. POSTAGE".
M# with small "F" prefix.
Meter numbers: 041000 and 238000 series
TM: SC
V/F: ≋.00 ≋ , ≋0.00
a. Post Office stamp. "P/O" at sides of TM [$35]
Sub-group KC: Two stars left of the torch, and four at right[edit | edit source]
Spacing between TM and frank varies.
USPMSC: KC1, KC2
KC1. Friden, Singer “PM-6” (MV), 1966. [$10]
M# with large serif "F" prefix.
Meter numbers: 013000-014000 series
TM: DC or SC
V/F: ≋.00≋
SURCHARGE:
-1. "AD'L 6/10¢ PD" [$30]
Sub-group KD: Narrow design with torch in center[edit | edit source]
KD1. FME Corp "9200" (LV-21), 1966.
"U.S. POSTAGE" at top above flames.
"F.METER”/(number) at bottom center.
M# with large serif "F" prefix.
Meter numbers: 700000-720000 series.
TM: SC
Values: 01 to 20 plus 1oo
SURCHARGES:
-1. "AD'L 6/10¢ PD" [$35]
-2. "AD'L 8/10¢ PD" [$35]
Sub-group KE: Seven small stars along right, no stars left of torch, no bottom frame line[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: KE1/3 plus PO and Armed Service types
KE1. FME “9200” series (MV), 1979.
Wavy lines in the value figures can vary in size from 1mm, 1½mm, to 2mm.
Meter numbers: 5,000,000 and 8,000,000 series
TM: SC
V/F: ≋.00≋ , ≋0.00
a. With V/F: 0.00≋ (assembly error) [$30]
b. With V/F: ≋0.000 (assembly error) [$40]
c. With V/F: 00.00 (assembly error) [$20]
d. Post Office stamp. "P/O" at sides of TM [$15]
e. Military stamp. Ship name at top of TM [$5]
Sub-group KF: Small torch and flames, eight stars along right[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: KF1, KF2, PO-KF1
KF1. Friden-alcatel “9000” series (MV), 1983.
Meter numbers: 2,000,000, 3,000,000, and 3,700,000 series
TM: SC
V/F: ≋ 0.00 , ≋.00 ≋
a. Post Office stamp. "USPS" at bottom of TM [$10]
Sub-group KG: As Sub-group KE but frank is wider with larger torch and two rows of three stars at bottom right[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: KG1, KG2 plus Armed Service counterparts
KG1. Friden-Alcatel "9257, 9258" (MV), 1986.
M# with large sanserif “F” prefix in 9,000,000 series.
TM: SC
V/F: ≋.00≋ ≋0.00
a. Military stamp. Ship name at top of TM [$5]
b. Military stamp. “APO (town, AE or AP) in TM [$5]
Sub-group KH: Large torch as with Sub-type KG but without inner value box[edit | edit source]
KH1. Neopost, model uncertain (MV), 1986. [Extremely rare, two examples known]
Frank similar to sub-group KG but without inner box around the value figures.
The flames at top have been reduced, and "U.S. POSTAGE" is much smaller.
Value figures and meter number series are the same as with type P1.
M# with large sanserif “N” prefix in 9,500,000 series.
TM: SC
V/F: ≋.0000
NOTE: This stamp most likely was used only by Neopost itself soon after they purchased Friden.
GROUP L: Framed or frameless frank with profile of full eagle[edit | edit source]
Sub-group LA: Frank with rectangular straight-line outer border and panels at top and bottom[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: LA1/3, PO-LA1
LA1. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV), 1981.
"U.S.POSTAGE" in top panel, M# in bottom panel.
Right-facing eagle at left.
M# with large "H" prefix and with "METER" above it.
M# in 400,000 series and also 2,000,000, 3,000,000, 4,000,000 and 5,000,000 series.
Those value figures with a decimal at right could print tenths of a cent when necessary.
TM: SC, large (27mm in diameter), medium (25mm), or small (25mm)
V/F: 0.00 , 0.00 : , 00.00
a. Post Office stamp. "US/PS" at sides of TM [One meter only (2141920), extremely rare, value unknown]
b. Date only without town mark
Sub-group LB: Frank without outer frame line except along right side next to a column of eight stars[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: LB1 through 6, PO-LB1, PO-LB4 plus Armed Services counterparts
LB1. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV), 1983.
"U.S. POSTAGE" at top, M# at bottom with "H METER" prefix.
Right-facing eagle at left.
A. Frank, not including town mark, 32-33mm wide
B. Frank, not including town mark, 35mm wide
TM: SC, large (27mm in diameter), medium (25mm), or small (25mm)
V/F: 0.00 , 00.00 , 0.00 : , 00.00 :(Value figures with decimal at right could print tenths of a cent when necessary.)
a. Post Office stamp. "C.S." (Contract Station) after town name at top of TM [$5]
b. Post Office stamp. "USPS" inside TM
c. Military stamp. Ship name at top of TM [$5]
d. Military stamp. “FPO” at top of TM [$5]
e. Date only without town mark
NOTE: At least 41 self-service postage vending machines were trialed by two companies in 1991 and 1992, Pi Electronics ("Zipster Plus") and ASM Services ("Automatic Shipping Machine"). The stamps are identical to Type LB1A and can be identified only by their meter numbers. Since the meters probably were re-distributed to other mailers after the conclusion of the vending trials, dates and town names are also necessary for accurate identification. Despite the large number of machines in the trials, verifiable examples are rare and worth possibly $50 and up. A list of meter numbers and town names can be found in the United States Postage Meter Stamp Catalog, by Joel Hawkins and Richard Stambaugh.
Sub-group LC: Frank without outer frame line, “US POSTAGE” vertical at right[edit | edit source]
LC1. Neopost/Hasler (digital), 2002.
Left-facing eagle at right of value figures.
“Hasler” in negative lettering in solid panel at left.
M# with “NO11H", "NO12H", etc. prefix at top.
TM: straight line
V/F: $00.00o
GROUP M: Digital stamps with unframed eagle or eagle wing ornament[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: MA1
M1. Pitney Bowes “PostPerfect” (digital), 13 March 1995. [$350]
Experimental design, with “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” in arc over eagle’s head.
Three small stars at left.
M# with “PB” prefix
V/F: $00.00o
NOTE: Seventy machines used this stamp during the spring of 1995. Within three months all were re-programmed to print the Type M2 stamp. Approximately 8500-9000 impressions were made during the trial with very few known in collectors' hands today.
USPMSC: MA2
M2. Pitney Bowes “PostPerfect” (digital), 1995.
Similar to Type M1 but “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” and eagle are smaller,
and the three stars at left are more widely spaced.
M# with “PB” prefix
V/F: $00.00o
a. Town line reads "POSTAL REGISTRATION REQUIRED". These machines were sold at retail stores. Buyers who began using them before completing the registration process would get this town mark.
b. Printed in green instead of red
USPMSC: MA3
M3. Pitney Bowes “Personal Post Office” (digital), 1996.
As Type M2 but printed by ink-jet process.
The frank is made up of fine horizontal lines
M# in PB9000000 series
V/F: $00.00o
a. With slogan "NOT VALID/ POSTAGE" which printed automatically when a zero-cent stamp was impressed.
USPMSC: MB1
M4. Pitney Bowes “U700” (digital), 1998.
Eagle at top left preceded by two stars.
Field of red/orange dots at upper right.
Frank printed in gray/black.
Three small vertical bars along right side.
Town line “MAILED FROM ZIP CODE.”M# in PB2200000 series.
V/F: $00.00o
a. Printed in gray/black without the field of dots
b. Printed in rose-pink instead of gray/black, with dots
c. Top portion (above value-date line) omitted
d. Top and bottom halves reversed
NOTE: There is considerable variation in the red dot field, both three and four lines are found.
USPMSC: MB2
M5. Pitney Bowes “U700” (digital), 2000.
As Type M4 but with three stars at right side instead of three vertical bars.
Printed in red without the field of dots.
Town line negative “FROM ZIP CODE...”
V/F: $00.00o
a. Printed in black instead of red
b. Top portion (above value-date line) omitted
USPMSC: MC1
M6. Pitney Bowes “DM300” (digital), 1999.
Large eagle and wing at top with field of five stars at left.
M# with “PB” prefix.
A. "PITNEY BOWES" not present in the stamp
B. “PITNEY BOWES” in negative lettering inside wing
C. "PITNEY BOWES" under wing
V/F: $ 0.00o , $00.00o
USPMSC: ME1
M7. Pitney Bowes “DM300” (digital). [$20 on non-philatelic cover]
With “LOW VALUE” and eagle’s wing across top.
This stamp is from same meter that produces Type M6.
It prints when a postage value below the standard first class postcard rate is generated.
M# with “PB” prefix
V/F: $00.00o
USPMSC: MD1
M8. Pitney Bowes “PostPerfect” (digital). [$100]
Commemorative stamp created for rededication of Grand Central Railroad Terminal in New York, October 1, 1998.
Small eagle at upper left. Logo and “REDEDICATION/ OCTOBER 1,1998” at upper right.
2D barcode at left. “UNITED STATES POSTAGE” curved around eagle’s head at top.
M# with “02 1(letter)” prefix.
A: Wing feathers different lengths. "Pitney Bowes" small but longer than lowest feather.
Used with DM300-400 (02 1L, rare), DM550-1100 (02 1A, 1M, and 1R)
B: Top two feathers same length. "Pitney Bowes" small but longer than lowest feather.
Used with DM100-400 (02 1P)
C: Feathers different lengths. "Pitney Bowes" same length as lowest feather.
Used with DM100-400 (02 1P)
D: Feathers different lengths. "Pitney Bowes" large, as long as top feather.
Used with DM100-400 and Mailstation (02 1P)
V/F: $00.00o , $000.00o
M10. Pitney Bowes “DM Infinity” (digital), 2005.
Small, narrow frank with eagle with truncated wing at top. 2D barcode at left.
Below the eagle are “U.S. POSTAGE”, the value figures, date, Zip code, plus two lines of alpha-numeric codes including the ID# at bottom.
Printed in gray black.
A. Small, square 2D barcode. 2nd line from bottom: "02 " plus 7-digit number. Bottom line: "1A " plus 7-digit number [very rare, value unknown]
B. Large, square 2D "Datamatrix" barcode. 2nd line from bottom: "02 1A". Bottom line: 7-digit number
C. Oblong 2D "IBI Lite" barcode. 2nd line from bottom: right-justified 6-digit number. Bottom line: "21 " plus 7-digit number
V/F: $00.00o
M11. Pitney Bowes “DM Infinity” (digital).
As Types M10B and C but with “PITNEY BOWES” added between the eagle and “U.S. POSTAGE.
A. Large, square 2D "Datamatrix" barcode. 2nd line from bottom: "02 1A", /1M", /1T". Bottom line: 7-digit number
B. Oblong 2D "IBI Lite" barcode. 2nd line from bottom: right-justified 6-digit number. Bottom line: "21 " plus 7-digit number
V/F: $00.00o
a. Printed in red instead of black
b. Top section above the value figures missing
M12. Pitney Bowes "Connect +" forerunner (digital), 2008. [Appears to be extremely rare, value unknown]
Experimental design, frameless frank with "U.S. POSTAGE >> PITNEY BOWES" across the top.
Eagle head and wing morphing into waving flag above point-of-sale data across bottom.
Vertical 2D "IBI Lite" barcode at left.
ZIP code and identification number at lower left, value figures and date at lower right.
Identification number with "02 1M" prefix in 2nd line from the bottom.
V/F: $00.00o
M13. Pitney Bowes "Connect +" series (digital), 2010.
Similar to Type M12 but eagle with straight wing.
"U.S. POSTAGE >> PITNEY BOWES" across the top.
Large 2D "Datamatrix" barcode at left.
Identification number with "02 1M" prefix in 2nd line from the bottom.
V/F: $000.00o
a. Identification number with inverted "M" (pictured)
NOTE: The Connect+ system can print a path completely across the top of an envelope including the return address, slogan, and whatever, as well as the frank, and in multiple colors.
GROUP N: Digital stamps with hand-held torch design[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: NA1
N1. Neopost “SM26” (digital), 1997.
Torch at left, ”U.S. POSTAGE” in negative lettering vertical at right.
Value figures in center panel repeated three times above in smaller digits.
“N METER” above meter number at lower left.
Straight line town mark at top
V/F: $0.00o
USPMSC: NB1
N2. Neopost “IJ65” (digital), 2001.
Torch and vertical ”U.S. POSTAGE” at right.
“N neopost” in negative lettering vertical at left.
Value figures in center panel repeated three times above in smaller digits.
M# with “N04#J” prefix at top
"Mailed From" and ZIP code above numeric code at bottom
V/F: $00.00o
N3. Neopost “IJ25/40/50/60” (digital), 2000.
Similar to Type N2 but with large square 2D "Datamatrix" barcode at left.
ID# with “N04#J” prefix at top.
V/F: $0.00 , $0.00o
GROUP P: Simple rectangular design with star ornaments[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: PA1, PA2
P1. Neopost “4400” (MV), 1998.
Frank 32-33 mm wide.
Vertical panel at left contains “N neopost”.
With stars surrounding inner box at top, right, and bottom.
M# at bottom in 9500000 series with “N” prefix.
V/F: ≋0.000 , ≋0.00o , 00.00o
USPMSC: PA3, PA4
P2. Neopost “SM58” (MV), 1998.
As Type P1 but smaller, nearly square frank.
Left panel much narrower.
M# at bottom in 4700000 series with “N” prefix.
V/F: ≋.00≋ , ≋0.00
GROUP Q: Digital stamp with eagle in oval ornament[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: QA1
Q1. Francotyp-Postalia "MyMail" (digital), 2000.
Frank in three horizontal sections:
Top: eagle at left, “U.S. POSTAGE” above value figures at right
Middle: town line
Bottom: M# with “FP” prefix plus transaction code
V/F: $00.00 , $00.00o
a. With "POWELIGNED METER" replacing town line [Appears to be rare]
GROUP R: Digital stamps without ornament except for manufacturer's identification[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: SB1
R1. Hasler “PostLink” (digital), 2001.
Horizontal self-adhesive label with pre-printed fluorescent bar at upper right and along right side. "US POSTAGE" reading up inside bar.
Point-of-sale data added as follows:
2D "Datamatrix" barcode at upper left. Date and value figures at right.
Class of mail
Town line "MAILED FROM" and ZIP code
ID number with 01#T prefix at bottom
Three types of labels were used with meter company name and slogan pre-printed at top right:
A. “Secure Funds / by ascom”
B. “Secure Funds / by HASLER”
C. Without inscription at top right
V/F: $0.00
a. Post Office stamp, ID number with “01US” prefix
b. Post Office stamp, with “USPS” vertical at left of fluorescent stripe at right
c. With "CORRECTION" instead of class of mail below 2D barcode
NOTE: The machine could print a re-date stamp consisting of only the date and "RE-DATE" added to the label.
USPMSC: SB2
R2. Neopost/Hasler “PowerPost” (digital), 2002.
Frameless frank with large 2D "Datamatrix" barcode at left and right-justified text at right.
Class of mail below "US POSTAGE.
Meter number with 011A or 048J prefix at bottom.
Meter company name at top center:
A. “ascom” (011A) [scarce]
B. “HASLER” (011A)
C. “NEOPOST” (048J)
V/F: $0.00 , $0.00o
a. Official mail stamp. With “US OFFICIAL MAIL” and penalty statement reading up left of the 2D barcode
Small, short frank with American flag at left and vertical “DATA-PAC” serving as the flag pole.
“US POSTAGE” and value figures across the top.
2D "IBI Lite" barcode at lower left, date, ZIP code, and identification number at lower right with prefix “0801”.
Printed in black.
V/F: $00.00o
a. Printed in a color other than black (red and brown seen)
b. With FIM barcode inserted between the flag and the rest of the frank
S2. Data-Pac "America2, Curve" (digital).
Found only in the upper right section of large address labels printed by the meter.
Value figures at upper left, "US POSTAGE" and town line at upper right with flag ornament and 2D "IBI Lite" barcode below.
V/F seen:$0.00
NOTE: This stamp has not been reported by collectors. A very small image of it is displayed on Data-Pac's web site.
GROUP PC: Special designs generated by personal computer[edit | edit source]
All the stamps listed here are valid only on the date generated. PC stamps with unrestricted validity, i.e. they can be saved for future use, are more like traditional stamps than meter stamps and are not cataloged here. This eliminates Type SD1 from the original version of this catalog and excludes all photostamps.
Group PC stamps can vary considerably in size, font styles, and color within the same stamp type depending on the users' printer settings, available fonts, etc. Size variations or colors other than black are unusual but should not be considered of great significance.
The stamps are found on plain paper, adhesive labels of various sizes, and with or without fluorescent tagging. As with color and font, paper or label type is a user controlled variable and not of great significance.
PC stamps are often found in a frame at the top right of large address labels. To the left of the stamp is a smaller frame containing a large letter or number representing the class of mail. Codes found are: '1' (first class), 'fcm' (first class), 'P' (priority), 'E' (express), 'M' (media), 'T' (parcel post), solid block (media, or other). Not all the codes are found with all the stamp types that use the labels.
Sub-group PC-A: Frank with large, negative “e” at top right[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: RA1
PC-A1. E-Stamp (digital), 31 March 1998. [$10]
Negative "e" logo at top right.
Class of mail/ "US Postage”/ date at top center.
With or without "FIM" barcode at top left.
Town line and value figures across center, 2D "PDF417" barcode across bottom with identification number at bottom right.
ID# with 051E, 052E or 053E prefix.
V/F: $0.00 , $0.00o , $ 0.00 o
a. With "Additional" instead of class of mail above "US Postage"
b. With recipient's identity at left below bar code field [very rare]
NOTE: First day covers have large value figures 4mm tall. All other dates have smaller figures between 2 and 3mm tall.
USPMSC: RA2
PC-A2. E-Stamp (digital), March 2000. [$10]
As Type PC-A1 but inscriptions are larger.
"e-stamp.com" at bottom left below 2D barcode.
ID# with 053E prefix.
V/F: $ 0.00
a. With "Additional" instead of class of mail above "US Postage" (shown)
NOTE: e-stamp ceased operations at the end of 2000.
Sub-group PC-B: Frank with star and stamp corner ornament[edit | edit source]
Always printed on labels with red-pink fluorescent stripe along the bottom and vertical "U.S. POSTAGE" at right.
Point-of-sale data bound by horizontal bars at top right: identification number, value figures, date, with “MAILED FROM” and ZIP code below the lower bar.
Two lines of micro-printing reading "NEOPOSTNEOPOST..." vertical at far right.
Two-dimensional "PDF417" barcode across bottom.
ID# with N042N prefix.
V/F: $0.00 , $Ø.ØØø
Sub-group PC-E: Frank with winged eagle ornament[edit | edit source]
Stacked at center: value figures/ class of mail/ date/ town line.
With or without "FIM" barcode at top left.
“endicia.com” at bottom left of "PDF417" barcode, ID# with 071V prefix at bottom right.
A. Basic stamp without framing
B. The stamp is in a frame with large mail class indicator at left and the class of mail spelled out below.
V/F: $0.00
a. Top portion above 2D barcode shifted far to the left (shown at right). This may be the result of inconsistent software rather than printer variables.
Otherwise very similar to Type PC-F5 with groups of numbers above the 2D barcode.
This appears to be a replacement for type PC-G1.
V/F: $0.00
a. With "Commercial Base Pricing" immediately below the 2D barcode
PC-G3. Pitney Bowes (digital), 2006.
Similar to Type PC-G1 but with square 2D "Datamatrix" barcode instead of "PDF417" barcode.
“US POSTAGE PAID” at top center above "Pitney Bowes", a rate statement, and the identification number with 024P prefix.
If present the value figures are at upper left above the date and ZIP code (and weight if present).
A. With value figures. V/F: $0.00 [scarce]
B. Without value figures but with rate statement
a. With "Commercial Base Pricing" immediately below the "Pitney Bowes"
GROUP PO: Special Post Office machine stamps with no counterpart among general use meter stamps[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: POX-A1
PO1. International Business Machine (MV), February 6, 1935 to May 23, 1938.
IBM built six or possibly seven machines designed primarily for franking parcel post but which were used for other classes of mail as well.
The stamps are similar to Group E stamps in that they are printed on tapes of the same size and have groups of wavy lines in the corners.
"U.S. POSTAGE" at top, meter number and town name at bottom
Meter number with "METER" prefix and "P.O." suffix
Across the center are a serial number, the weight and zone, and at right the value figures.
Meter numbers: 00001, NEW YORK, N.Y. [$50]
00002, WASHINGTON, D.C. [$250]
00003, PHILADELPHIA, PA. [$250]
00004, NEW YORK, N.Y. [$150]
00005, WASHINGTON, D.C. [$50]
00007 [Used for a short time by the retailer Montgomery Ward in Chicago, Illinois and not in a post office. Examples have never been seen or reported by collectors.]
V/F: $ .00 , $ 0.00
a. With "FEE" replacing weight and zone number in center of stamp, intended to indicate payment for extra services such as special delivery, insurance, etc.
NOTES:
Catalog values are for loose tapes. Examples on cover or large piece are extremely rare.
No information about meter 00006 has ever been found.
USPMSC: POX-B1
PO2. National Cash Register (MV), 1959. [Extremely rare, value unknown]
Used in Alexandria, Virginia post office for five months in 1959.
Although about 50,000 stamps were sold, only a single cover with two 2-cent stamps affixed is known to survive.
"U.S. POSTAGE PAID" at top followed by "N.C.R. METER No. 1234", and "Alexandria, Va. P/ O.".
The date is in the center, and the value figures are at the bottom.
Columns of arcs are located at both sides. Possibly these are end-of-roll markings and not part of the stamp design.
V/F: $ 0.00
USPMSC: POX-C1
PO3. Electronic Communications, Inc. (National Cash Register) (MV), 1974. [$20]
Used at various post offices in Flushing, New York from 1974 to about the mid-1980s.
Horizontal design with outer frame line at top and sides with rounded corners.
Profile of eagle at left looking right.
Text at right is "US POSTAGE/ FLUSHING/ NY 113".
Added in a separate step across the bottom are the meter number, date and postage value.
M# with "NCR"" prefix.
V/F: .00 , 0.00
a. With "REGISTERED NO" and number added across the bottom [$50]
USPMSC: POX-C2
PO4. Electronic Communications, Inc. (National Cash Register) (MV), 1978. [$20]
Very similar to Type PO3 but the design is somewhat smaller, and the outer frame has square corners.
V/F: .00 , 0.00
a. With "REGISTERED NO" and number added across the bottom (shown) [$50]
USPMSC: POX-D1
PO5. Friden (Frama) (MV), August 1984 to February 1985. [$40]
Rectangular design with single outer frame line indented deeply at left for the date.
Above the date is the town name and below is the state abbreviation.
At right two shafts of wheat flank an inner box containing the value figures.
Above the value figures is "U.S. POSTAGE" and below is "PAID" above the meter number.
Meter numbers 7000001 through 7000039 used in five cities:
BOSTON MA, PHILADELPHIA PA, CHARLOTTE NC, ST. LOUIS MO, and SAN JOSE CA.
V/F: 00.00
USPMSC: POX-E1, POX-E2
PO6. Intermec (digital), July 31, 1985.
Printed thermally on heat-sensitive, self-adhesive labels with fluorescent stripe at right.
The design is of an eagle with wings spread over boxes containing town and date at left and "U.S. POSTAGE" above value figures at right.
Below the date is the meter number with "U.S.P.S." prefix.
A. V/F: 000.00, M# 123456 only (Vienna VA, July 31, 1985 to January 1986) [$30]
B. V/F: 0.00, M# 000009-000012 (Vienna VA, January to March 1986) [$200]
C. V/F: 0.00, M# I8600000 series (Vienna VA, Washington DC, Tampa FL, St. Petersburg FL, Largo FL, Clearwater FL, Arvada CO, and Denver CO. Most machines were withdrawn from use by 1989 although at least one in Tampa remained in use till late 1993. [$15]
a. Date with 3-letter abbreviation for the month [$25]
NOTES:
Town names are variable, with all capitals or with mixed case, with or without ZIP code, and with or without "PO".
Sub-type C stamps are found both with and without anti-peel slits cut into their edges. Sub-types A and B are not known with the anti-peel slits.
USPMSC: POX-F1/3
PO7. MOS Corporation/Unisys (digital), April 16, 1992.
Large round-cornered self-adhesive labels with red, orange or pink stripe along the top.
At left is a right-facing standing eagle with wings raised.
At center right, "U.S. POSTAGE/ PAID"/ town line/ ZIP code/ date/ "AMOUNT"/ value figures/ identification number
The ID number consists of an 8-digit machine number and a 2-digit operator number (00000000 – 00).
A. Without bar code, used for any class of mail.
B. With 3 mm tall "Postnet" barcode across bottom of stamp. "AMOUNT" and value figures are moved to the center of the stamp. Used for large flat items.
C. With large 18 mm barcode in center of stamp. Used for parcels.
V/F: $0.00 , $00.00
a. With generic town line "UNIT CITY, ST"
b. Tape inverted with fluorescent stripe across the bottom
c. Postage Due stamp. Town line includes "PD BR"(Postage Due Branch). One reported: "TAMPA PD BR FL".
NOTES:
For mail brought to the post office clerk with postage applied, the machine would print non-postage labels showing a barcode of the destination ZIP code. The machine could also produce labels with a tracking number barcode, both labels shown at right.
In addition to sub-type c these stamps have been used to collect Postage Due but without a usage indicator in the town line.
USPMSC: POX-F4/6
PO8. MOS/Unisys (digital), 1995.
Nearly identical to Type PO7, but the USPS logo is changed to a streamlined eagle's head in a black slanted rectangle.
A. Without bar code
B. With 3 mm tall bar code across bottom of stamp
C. With large 18 mm bar code in center of stamp
V/F: $0.00 , $00.00
a. With generic town line "UNIT CITY, ST"
b. Tape inverted with fluorescent stripe across the bottom
USPMSC: POX-F7
PO9. MOS/Unisys (digital), August 1995. [extremely rare, value unknown]
Experimental stamp, as Type PO8 but the labels are from experimental self-stick liner-less coil rolls.
The labels are larger and have square corners.
Used only on one machine at Merrifield, Virginia in August and September 1995.
V/F: $0.00 , $00.00
PO10. Pitney Bowes (digital), 2008.
At left, large “CPU” above ID# and mail class indicator.
At center, “U.S. POSTAGE” above value figures, date and Zip code.
At right, large 2D "Datamatrix" barcode.
Printed on self-adhesive labels with fluorescent pink stripe at far right.
Used by contract post offices (contract postal units).
All examples seen so far have identification number with “PB 1P 000” prefix.
V/F: $ 0.00o
GROUP PD: Post Office machine stamps with no counterpart to general use meter stamps used for collecting Postage Due[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: PDX-A1
PD1. Intermec (digital), 1986.
Similar to Type PO6 but with a large "POSTAGE DUE" in white on black panel.
A. Meter number 000009-000012 (Vienna, VA) [Extremely rare, value unknown]
B. Meter number in I8600000 series [$20 as loose tape, $100 on cover]
V/F: 0.00
a. Date with 3-letter abbreviation for the month [$200]
NOTES:
As with Type PO6 town names are variable, with all capitals or with mixed case, with or without ZIP code, and with or without "PO".
Sub-type B stamps are found both with and without anti-peel slits.
Postage Due stamps with meter number 123456 (as Type PO6A) probably were used but examples have not been seen or reported.
GROUP PV: Special designs generated by public-access, self-service vending machines[edit | edit source]
All the stamps listed here are valid only on the date generated. Vending machine stamps with unrestricted validity, i.e. they can be saved for future use, are more like traditional stamps than meter stamps and thus are not included. This eliminates Types PV6 through PV13 from the original version of this catalog.
For other public-access, self service vending machine stamps see types G4a, G4b, IA3k, IA3l, and IA3m.
USPMSC: VM-A-GA1
PV1. Pitney Bowes "Mailomat" (MV), 1936. [$25]
This is the first of a series of "Mailomat" designs.
The term was copyrighted by Pitney Bowes to represent their coin-operated vending machines.
This first design is a small rectangle with simulated perforation frame surrounding a circular town mark at left and vertical value box at right.
Across the bottom is "P.B. METER 100".
TM: SC
V/F: 00
USPMSC: VM-A-GB1
PV2. Pitney Bowes "Mailomat" (MV), 1937. [$30]
Frank is wider than Type PV1 with spread-winged eagle facing right between the town mark and the value box.
"U.S. POSTAGE" in scroll above the eagle, "PAID" in scroll above the value box.
One machine only, M# "P.B. METER/ 101" below the value box.
TM: SC
V/F: . 00
USPMSC: VM-A-GB2
PV3. Pitney Bowes "Mailomat" (MV), 1939. [$15]
Similar to Type PV2 but the eagle is facing left.
Three stars are above the eagle, and "U.S. POSTAGE" is curved at the top of the value box.
Meter number with "P.B. METER" prefix below the eagle.
Two machines only, M# 101 and 51001.
TM: SC
V/F: . 00
a. "P" and "O" at sides of TM (identifies a machine located in a post office lobby)
USPMSC: VM-A-IB1
PV4. Pitney Bowes "Mailomat" (LV-13), 1942. [$15]
Small design similar to sub-group IB.
No outer frame. "U.S. POSTAGE" across entire top of stamp.
Large eagle in center facing right with head above narrow value box.
One machine only, M# "P.B. METER/ 52000".
TM: SC
V/F: .00
NOTE: The Mailomats used other stamp designs besides types PV1 through PV4, but they are identical to general use stamps and can be identified only by the meter number. See Types G4a, G4b, IA3k, IA3l, and IA3m for these Mailomat stamps.
USPMSC: VMX-A1
PV5. Design & Development, Inc. "Parcel Post Mailing Facility" (MV), used for 37 days from 14 May to 20 June 1973. [$400]
Frameless design printed through a ribbon onto large, 72 mm wide labels.
A column of small stars bisects the stamp.
At left: "US POSTAGE" / service categories / year and month / "JACKSONVILLE, FL" / and USPS eagle logo at bottom
At right: total postage / postage per service / date and AM/PM / meter number "0000 01" / transaction number at bottom
The stamp is printed through a purple ribbon on pink paper with a canary yellow carbonless backing sheet used as a receipt. Miscuts were common.
One machine only
V/F: $00 .00
NOTES:
The printing on these stamps has not fared well over time. Shown above is a fairly good example in natural color and at right a black and white image with the printing enhanced. Also shown is a stamp faded nearly to extinction but with a special postmark that was used to stamp mail franked by the machine.
Most examples known are philatelic without the special postmark. Covers with the postmark are extremely rare.
GROUP OO: Special designs used for official government mail only[edit | edit source]
All these stamps have a corresponding general issue stamp type but are cataloged separately because of substantial differences in the frank designs.
Sub-group OO-A: Corresponding to Group I stamps[edit | edit source]
With "U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL" across top, without eagle. Penalty statement between TM and value box
USPMSC: OO-IA4, OO-IA10
OO-A1. Pitney Bowes "R" series (MV) , 6 September 1974.
Corresponds to Type IA5.
V/F: ≋00 : (wide decimal)
a. Value figures with narrow decimal. M# 639879 only. This is the first Official Mail meter stamp [$100]
M# with "F" prefix. M# in 510000 and 520000 series.
V/F: ≋0.00 , ≋.00≋
OO-C7. Friden-Alcatel “9257, 9258” (MV). [$5]
As Type OO-C6 but four small stars and two large stars at right.
V/F: ≋0.00 , ≋.00≋
a. Without vertical frame lines at left and top right
Sub-group OO-D: Corresponding to Group L stamps[edit | edit source]
"U.S OFFICIAL MAIL/U.S. POSTAGE" in top panel
OO-D1. Hasler "Mailmaster" (MV), 1982.
Corresponds to Type LA1.
Horizontal rectangular frank with panels at top and bottom, three stars at right.
TM: SC in small, medium and large sizes (25, 27 and 29mm)
A. Three stars with point up
B. Three smaller stars with point down
V/F: 0.00 , 0.00 : , 00.00
a. Wide value figures breaking into the stars at right. V/F: 00.00o , 00.00 :
b. Inner panel lines broken in center
Sub-group OO-E: Corresponding to Group M stamps[edit | edit source]
Eagle head and wing ornament
OO-E1. Pitney Bowes “PostPerfect” (digital). [Appears to be scarce, value unknown]
Corresponds to Type M2.
Penalty statement at top left.
“U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” with a star at each side across the top above the eagle.
M# with “PB” prefix.
V/F: $000.00o
OO-E2. Pitney Bowes “U700” (digital). [Appears to be rare, value unknown]
Corresponds to Type M4.
Similar to Type OO-E1 but “U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” without stars to the left above smaller eagle.
Three small bars along right side.
M# with “PB” prefix.
V/F: $000.00o
OO-E3. Pitney Bowes “U700” (digital). [Appears to be rare, value unknown]
Corresponds to Type M5.
Very similar to Type OO-E2 but wider design with stars at right instead of the small bars.
M# with “PB” prefix.
Town mark is negative lettering in solid bar.
V/F: $000.00o
OO-E4. Pitney Bowes “DM300” (digital). [Appears to be rare, value unknown]
Corresponds to Type M6.
Larger eagle above "U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL".
"PITNEY BOWES" inside the wing at right.
M# with “PB” prefix.
V/F: $000.00o
a. With “LOW VALUE” inserted between “U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” and the value figures, found on stamps with postage value below the first class postcard rate.
OO-E5. Pitney Bowes "DM" series (digital), 2002.
Corresponds to Type M9.
“U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” above penalty statement at top right.
M# in 0004 series with 02 1(letter) prefix: 1A, 1M, and 1P seen.
TM: Straight line across bottom
V/F: $00.00o
OO-E6. Pitney Bowes “DM Infinity” (digital).
Corresponds to Types M11A and B.
With “US OFFICIAL MAIL” and stars at top above penalty statement.
ID# with 21 prefix.
A. Large 2D "Datamatrix" barcode
B. Small 2D "IBI Lite" barcode
V/F: $00.00o
Sub-group OO-F: Corresponding to Group N stamps[edit | edit source]
OO-F1. Neopost "SM26" (MV), 1998. [Appears to be scarce, value unknown]
Corresponds to Type N1.
Frame lines at top and bottom.
Penalty statement vertical at left, “U.S. POSTAGE” in negative lettering reading up at right.
“U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” above the value figures in center.
“N METER" above M# at lower right.
TM: Straight line at top
V/F: $0.00o
Sub-group OO-G: Corresponding to Group P stamps[edit | edit source]
No outer frame line, "U.S OFFICIAL MAIL / U.S. POSTAGE" across top
OO-G1. Neopost "4400" (MV), 1983.
Corresponds to Type P1.
Without frame lines. With column of stars at right.
M# with large “N” prefix at bottom.
Penalty statement between town mark and value figures with two stars below.
TM: SC
V/F: ≋0.000 , 000.00
Sub-group OO-H: Corresponding to Group Q stamps[edit | edit source]
OO-H1. Francotyp-Postalia "MyMail" (digital).
Corresponds to Type Q1.
Frank without outer frame line but with two inner horizontal lines.
Top section contains “U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL” above penalty statement at left separated by a column of stars from “U.S. POSTAGE” and the value figures at right.
Bottom section contains date, meter number with "FP0" prefix plus alpha-numeric coding.
Town line in center section.
V/F: $00.00
Sub-group OO-I: Corresponding to Group R stamps[edit | edit source]
NOTE: See also Type R2a for an Official Mail stamp.
OO-I1. Neopost “IJ25/IJ45” (digital), 2004.
Corresponds to Type R4B.
“US OFFICIAL MAIL, penalty statement, and “US POSTAGE” reading up at right.
[extremely rare, estimated value $20,000-$30,000]
1¢
[$50]
2¢ red [$10], 
.11 ,
04½ ,
0 00 :
≋0.00 ≋ (M# 6036 only)
(colon 2 to 3mm tall) 
PD"
>> PITNEY BOWES" across the top.
