A more detailed specialized catalog of the United States is currently being constructed online. Many parts of it are available now. Click the link below to access it. Once the specialized catalog is completed, the USA chapter of the International catalog will be replaced by the US specialized catalog.
Part 1 and Part 2 cover all stamps generated by stand-alone mechanical and digital meters available to the public. Part 3 covers software-generated stamps (PC stamps), those from public vending machines, and those used only in post offices and restricted to use by the military and other government agencies. Click here to jump to Part 2: [1] and here to jump to Part 3: [2]
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:
Found in Part 1:
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
Found in Part 2:
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
Found in Part 3:
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 as cut square, $2000 as unaddressed souvenir cover]
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.
Tested during the week of 9 May 1912 at the offices of the National Tribune newspaper.
Eight impressions are known to exist, three unaddressed souvenir covers and five cut-outs.
Value:1¢
NOTE: Two-cent values exist but are proofs.
A3. American Postage Meter Company (FV), November 1913 to 28 May 1914. [$100 as cut square, $400 as unaddressed souvenir cover. Commercial covers are extremely rare with only five known. 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.
100 examples known. 24 are unaddressed souvenir covers and only five are commercial covers. The rest are cut-outs.
Value: 1¢
Value: 2¢ [Add $50]
NOTES:
Fifty reprints in red were made in 1964 for the 50th anniversary of the test. They all have transaction numbers above 90000. [$50]
Eleven proofs in red are known from 1913 and 1919. These have transaction numbers 14990 (1) and 28888 (10). [Very rare, value undetermined]
GROUP B: Square frank with wavy lines at the sides, 1920[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: BA1B1. Pitney Bowes (FV), December 1920.
“U.S.POSTAGE” at top, value in center.
Permit number, with “P” prefix, at bottom of frank.
The meter number, with "M." prefix, is vertical between the town mark and frank.
TM: DC
Values:1¢ green [$20], 2¢ red [$10], 4¢ brown [$50], 5¢ red [$100], 10¢ yellow [$300]
a. Any value in a color other than the ones noted [add $200]
NOTE: Stamps very similar in appearance to Type B1 but do not have a meter number reading up between the town mark and frank are not meter stamps. They are from unmetered "permit" printers that were in use before meters came into use in December 1920 and continued to be used for several years thereafter. They are not as scarce as Type B1 meter stamps. For more on "permit" stamps see the United States First-Class Mail Permit Stamp Catalog Including Business Reply Mail by Richard Stambaugh, self-published, 1989.
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¢
Values:8, 10, 12¢ [$10]
Value:14¢ [$25]
Value:20¢ [$50]
B. Without number below "PERMIT"
Values:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6¢
Value:8, 10, 12¢ [$10]
Value:14¢ (not regularly issued) [Extremely rare, value unknown]
a. As A, permit number inverted:
Values:2¢ [$25]
Values: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¢ [$50]
d. "No." below "PERMIT" but without number [$50]
e. Town mark smaller than normal, 24mm in diameter rather than normal 27mm (5732, 7663 and 8258 only). In error town mark dies from different meter models (see Type DB1) were fitted to these machines.
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":
Values:2+1, 4+2¢
Values:14+1, 2+2¢ [$50]
Values:1+1, 6+1, 8+1, 3+2, 6+2¢, [$75]
Value: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¢
Values:7, 9, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24¢ [$10]
Values:26, 30¢ [$20]
Value:2½¢ [$50]
Values:3½, 6, 15, 16¢ [$100+]
B. Without number below "PERMIT"
Values:1, 1¼, 1½, 2, 3, 4½, 5, 6¢
Values:2½, 8, 9, 17, 18, 21, 24¢ [$10]
Values:3½, 22, 23¢ [$50]
Values:7, 15, 20¢ [$100]
Value:43¢ [$300]
a. As A, permit number inverted: 1, 1½, 2¢ [$10]
b. Town mark inverted:
Value:2+1¢ [$100]
Value: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":
Value:2+1¢
Values:5+1, 17+1, 19+2¢ [$20]
Values:4+2, 22+2¢ [$50]
Values:3½+1, 2+2¢ [$75]
Values: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]
Value:4½ [$100]
B. Without number below "PERMIT"
Values: 2, 3¢
Values:2½, 4¢ [$10]
Value:4½ [$20]
Values:1¼, 5¢ [$100+]
Value: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.
A. "METER No" with line under "o"
B. "METER No.", no line under "o" (meter 1067 only) [$100]
As Type CA4 but with "CENTS PAID" in bottom panel.
A. With "No." below "METER" (meters 1503-1513 and 1515-1516)
B. With "No" below "METER" (1514 only)
TM: DC
Value:1½¢ (as A) [$15]
Value:1½¢ (as B) [$100]
Value:4¢ (meter 1509 only) [$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), 1925.
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 ("A" image), the stamp is Type CA9.
CA9 dates can contain serifed or sanserif '1'. (Type CA1 dates never have a serifed '1'.)
The meter number (below "METER") can be straight or curved. If it is straight it can only be Type CA9.
Meter numbers 2, 1000-1133 and 7976.
TM: DC
A. With "No. and number below "PERMIT" at top of central oval
Values: 1, 2, 3¢
Value:4¢ [$50]
B. With "PERMIT" but without number below
Values:1, 2, 3¢
Value:6¢ [$25]
a. Permit number very large [$25]
b. Town mark inverted [$100]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "½¢ (or 1¢) PAID/ EXTRA" between "PERMIT" and "METER":
Value:2+1¢
Value:1+½¢ [$100]
NOTES:
Meter number 2 was used by International Postal Supply in a short trial from 28 May to 2 July 1925. The earliest known example is dated 5 June. The earliest known production stamp (nos. 1000 and up) is dated 20 August 1926.
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”.
Value: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.
Value:2¢ [$15]
Value:4¢ (97, 125) [$25]
Value:1¢ [$50]
Value:5¢ [$100]
USPMSC: CE3
CA12. Whitlock Metered Mail (FV).
As Type CA11 but with “CENTS PAID” alone in bottom panel.
Values:1½, 2¢ [$15]
Value: 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.
Value:2¢ [$35]
Value: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
Value:1¢ (601, 856) [$10]
Value:2¢ (519, 563, 619) [$25]
Value:3¢ (532) [$75]
B. Meter number with letter prefix (A, E, L, M, P or T). Meter numbers: 10001 - 10097
Values:2, 3¢ [$25]
Value:1¢ [$50]
Value: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]
Value: 1½¢ [$25]
Value: 1¢ [$50]
Values: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]
Value: 4½¢ [$50]
Value: 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]
Value: 1¢ [$25]
Value: 4¢ [$50]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "AD'L 1¢ (or 2¢) P'D" added below meter number.
Value: 2+1¢ [$10]
Value: 1+1¢ [$50]
Value: 4+2¢ [$100]
Value: 3+1¢ [$250]
USPMSC: CH6
CB7. US Postal Meter (FV).
As Type CB6 but with "CENTS PAID" alone in bottom panel.
Value: 1½¢ [$10]
Values: 6, 9¢ (602, 733, 919) [$25]
Values: 17 (608), 18¢ (623) [$50]
Values: 8 (570, 771, 896), 12¢ (787) [$75]
Value: 4½¢ (934, 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.
GROUP D: Nearly square frank with central oval and simulated perforation frame[edit | edit source]
Sub-group DA: Value figure in small circles at sides of frank, frank curved at top and bottom[edit | edit source]
DA1. Universal Postal Frankers "Midget" (LV-3), 1927.
Frank with vertical sides and curved top and bottom.
"METER NO.145" in bottom panel.
One machine was used on a trial basis for a short time only.
Only the 2¢ denomination is known used, but the machine could print a 5¢ value and another, unknown value.
Value: 2¢ [$1000, two covers known]
Value: 5¢ proof [$250]
Sub-group DB: As Sub-group DA but frank is horizontal at top and bottom[edit | edit source]
USPMSC: DB1, DB9, DB10
DB1. Pitney Bowes "HC", "HF", "H3" (LV-3), 1929.
With five wavy lines inside the central oval.
"METER NO. (number)" in the bottom panel.
The frame lines immediately within the outer border is thick or thin.
Meter numbers in 10000, 50000 and 60000 series. Numbers in 10000 series are more common than those in 50000 and 60000 series.
A. All lines in the frank, including the lettering, are generally of equal weight.
B. The lines defining the first inner frame line and the oval are heavier than the other frame lines including the lettering, M#s 14751-14771 and 15472 plus 50693-50755 and a few in 60000-60690 series [$5]
a. 2¢ stamp with "CENT" rather than "CENTS". Meter 10621 [Extremely rare, value uncertain]
b. 10¢ stamp with "CENT" rather than "CENTS". Meter 15347 [Extremely rare, value uncertain]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "AD'L 1¢ PAID" above frank
-2. As -1, but surcharge inverted [$25]
USPMSC: DB5, DB6, DB7, DB8
DB2. Pitney Bowes "Model M" modified (FV), 1929.
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
Value: 2¢ [$25]
Value: 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
Value: 1¢ green, STAMFORD [$25]
Value: 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¢
Values: 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¢
Value: 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]
NOTE: 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¢
Value: 2¢ [$5]
Value: 4½¢ [$25]
Values: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.)
NOTE: A meter of this type, M# 87904, was used erroneously in Anniston, Alabama with the Philippines counterpart to this stamp. The frank reads "P.I. POSTAGE" instead of "U.S. POSTAGE" (see right).
USPMSC: DF1
DC4. Pitney Bowes model "CA", "CS", "MS" (FV). [$10]
As Type DC1 but the TM is larger and date in two lines (or three if with hour figure).
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 for loose tape. Extremely rare on piece or cover, value uncertain]
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 $75. 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 [$15 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value uncertain]
Meter number: 90649 [$50 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value uncertain]
Meter number: 90796 [$25 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value uncertain]
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.
Meter number: 90016 [$250 on loose tape. Not known on cover]
Meter number: 90630 [$15 on loose tape. Extremely rare on cover, value uncertain]
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). [$20 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). [$50 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). [$5 on cut-out, $25 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 [meter 100011 is much scarcer than the others]
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 [$15 on cover]
b. As B, self-service vending machine stamp, "Mailomat". Meter numbers 51003-51029 (known both with and without "P O" [for Post Office] inside the town mark) [$10 on cover]
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)
V/F: ≋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 ≋ (≋≋.00 ½)
V/F: ≋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 ≋ (range: ≋.00½ to 9.99½)
a. Post Office stamp. "PARCEL POST" or "P.P." inside town mark [$15]
b. Extra-thick town mark circle
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 5000-10048 plus replacement dies.
TM: DC, BIC, SC
V/F: ≋.00 ≋
V/F: ≋ 0 #/4 ≋ (printing in quarters and eighths of a cent)
V/F: ≋ 0 #/10 ≋ (printing in tenths of a cent)
V/F: 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.
[extremely rare, estimated value $20,000-$30,000]
1¢
[$50]
2¢ red [$10], 
2¢ (M10087, P10020) 
0 00
