All stamps are inscribed “BRASIL”. The first meter was placed into use on 15 April 1925.
Frank designs were affected by the many changes in currency generated by inflation. These changes are:
Reis and Milreis (REIS, MILREIS) used until 1942
from Reis to Cruzeiro (1942, Cr$)
to Cruzeiro Novo (1967, NCr$ / NCr$)
back to Cruzeiro (1970, Cr$ / CR$)
to Cruzado (1986, CZ$)
to Cruzado Novo (1989, NCZ$)
again to Cruzeiro (1990, Cr$)
to Cruzeiro Real/Real (1993, Cr$ / R$)
The stamps are grouped according to appearance and usage as follows:
A - lozenge in center
B - globe and stars in center
C - convex rectangle (“TV screen”)
D - flag and map, no outer frame
E - flag and map, with outer frame
F - rectangle with small globe in lower left corner
G - rectangle containing text only
H - no outer frame
PO - special designs use only with Post Office meters
NOTE: Due to inflation a practically limitless number of value figure formats exist. A large number are documented in this catalog, but others certainly exist.
For more information about the meter stamps of Brazil see Classificação Básica das Franquias Mecânicas Brasileiras (Basic Classification of Brazilian Meter Stamps) by Mario Xavier Jr., 2006, Sao Paulo, published by the author.
GROUP A: Upright or square frank with simulated-perforation outer border and lozenge at center[edit | edit source]
A1. Universal “NZ” (FV-5), 1925.
The lozenge in center is relatively small, 10 mm on a side.
M# without prefix in small square in top of lozenge.
Value figures at bottom. Frank in red with TM in red or black.
As Type A1 but lozenge is larger, 11 mm on a side.
M# without prefix.
Frank in red with TM in red or black. Never with slogan.
A. TM: 4, 5 or 6 wavy lines without mailer’s name (Black) [$10]
B. TM: 4, 5 or 6 wavy lines without mailer’s name (Red)
C. TM: 3 or 4 wavy lines with mailer’s name included (Black) (M# 91, 94 seen) [$25]
D. TM: 3 or 4 wavy lines with mailer’s name included (Red) (M# 91, 94) [$25]
E. TM: SC (Black) [$5]
F. TM: SC (Red)
H. TM: SC inside rectangle (Black) (M# 47) [$50]
J. TM: SC inside rectangle (Red) (M# 47) [$35]
K. TM: Rectangle inside rectangle (Red) [$50]
L. TM: DC with user name at bottom (Black) [$50]
M. TM: DC with user name at bottom (Red) [$50]
N. TM: nil [$50]
P. TM: Single line oval (Black) [Extremely rare, one cover known]
Q. TM: Single line oval (Red) [Extremely rare, one cover known]
R. TM: Multi-lined text without frame, SECRETARIA DE ESTADO DOS NEGOCIOS DO INTERIOR at top, ESTADOS DE MINAS GERAIS surrounding date at center, and BELO HORIZONTE at bottom (M# 53) [Extremely rare, one cover known]
Impressions with brown TM exist, but they are not true brown and are instead a mixture generated as mailers transitioned from black to red ink in their machines.
A3. Universal “Midget” (FV-3/-5), 1926. [$10]
As Type A2 with large lozenge (11 mm/side), but M# usually has “M” prefix.
Meters M1 through M44, all printed in red and often with slogan.
NOTE: Meter M23 is known with both DC and wavy line town mark.
A4. Neopost (FV-4), 1935 [Extremely rare, one cover known]
Similar to previous A types but the lozenge is smaller and located above the value figures which are encased within an inner box with leaf-like ornaments at the sides.
"BRAZIL CORREIO" curved at top. Small "REIS" at bottom below the value box.
M# in lower corners with "N” prefix at left and the number at right. Meter N2 is the only one known at present.
TM: DC
Values: 20, 50, 200, 300, 700, 1000
NOTE: The 1936 registered cover shown at right was auctioned on eBay in July 2019. It is the first and so far only known example of a Neopost meter with this stamp design ever being used in Brazil. Records show that six Neopost machines of this type (N2-N7) were prepared but that Meter N2 was the only one placed into use. No examples of the stamp were known until this cover turned up. The mailer was Francisco Aguiar & Co., Maranhão. The town mark contains the company name at top (FRANCISCO AGUIAR & C) and "MARANHÃO · BRASIL" at bottom. Meter N2 was first placed into use on 3 May 1935 but was returned two days later. One year later it was again issued to Aguiar & Co. and remained in use until sometime in 1938.
GROUP B: Upright frank with simulated-perforation outer border and globe and stars at center[edit | edit source]
B1. Universal “NZ” (FV-5), 1928. [$25]
Similar to Type A2 but with globe and stars replacing lozenge.
“No” at left of globe, M# at right, without prefix.
Frank in red with TM in red or black.
A. TM: 4, 5 or 6 wavy lines with or without mailer’s name in top two lines, printed in black
GROUP C: Frank shaped somewhat like a television screen, a rectangle with bowed top, bottom and sides.[edit | edit source]
“BRASIL” in panel at top, “CORREIO” in panel at bottom. M# in cut-out in bottom frame line
See Group PO for similar designs.
C1. Universal (Francotyp “C”) (MV), 1933.
Wide spacing with or without S# high between TM and frank.
Meter number at bottom center. Line below “BRASIL” and above “CORREIO”.
Found with and without 4-digit transaction number between frank and TM.
Meter numbers 1003-1008, 1010-1012, and 1017-1020.
Date figures are small, without stops, and have Western numeral month figure.
TM: BIC
V/F REIS (Rs.): 0ooo (O,G) 0ooo 00oo 00ooo [$10]
V/F Cruzeiros (Cr$): 0oo oo 000oo [$20]
a. With “TV screen” frame surrounding TM. Meters 1004 and 1007
b. As 'a' but exceptionally wide, approximately 88 mm between centers of date and value figures. M# 1007 (shown top right)
c. Post Office stamp. Meter 1012 was used to uprate postal stationery cards. It is known with at least two different postal related slogans. [$35]
d. Post Office stamp. Meter 1010 printed in green without town mark was used to frank special registered mail postal stationery envelopes. Denomination 1000 Reis only [$100]
C2. Universal (Francotyp) (MV). [$20]
As Type C1 but spacing between TM and frank is narrow.
TM is half circle, below level of frank, with or without 4-digit S# above.
Date figures are small and have Western numeral month figure.
M#s 1013-1016.
V/F REIS (Rs.): 0ooo (A) 000ooo (A)
V/F Cruzeiros (Cr$): 0oo (A)
C3. Universal “MultiValue” (MV).
Spacing is narrow as on Type C2, but date figures are larger and have Roman month.
M#s 1021 up. (Meter 1007 (Type C2) reported but not verified as rebuilt and used as Type C3.)
A. TM level with frank
B. TM lowered with S# above. M#s 1659-1661 [$20]
TM: DC, BIC, SC
V/F Rs.:
0ooo ,
ooo ,
0ooo ,
00ooo
V/F Cr$:
0oo (A) ,
00o (O) ,
o0o (A) ,
00o. (A) ,
0,oo (O) ,
00oo (O) ,
00,oo (O) ,
o0oo (O) ,
0,0o⎯ (O) ,
000oo (O) ,
0000oo (O) ,
oo (A,O) ,
,00 (A,O) ,
,0o (A) ,
0oo (A,O) ,
00o (A) ,
oo0 (A) ,
0,00 (A) ,
,00≈ (O) ,
00oo (A,O) ,
0000 (A,O) ,
00o= (O) ,
0o00 (A) ,
00,00 (O) ,
000oo (A,O)
V/F NCr$:
0,oo (A,O) ,
0,0o (O) ,
0 00 (O) ,
,o0 (O) ,
=0,oo (O) ,
••0oo (A)
V/F CZ$:
0oo=
a. M# with “M” prefix
b. TM: BIC or SC
c. TM: DC with three arcs in top half, town name at bottom
d. "Cr" breaks frank frame at left
e. With both meter ("M" prefix) and license ("F" prefix) numbers at bottom center
NOTE: Mixed Angular and Oval value figures are known. This is often the result of a die with Angular fixed zero(s) at right fitted with value wheels with oval figures. A rare few are known with mixed Angular and Oval value wheels.
C4. Universal “MultiValue" (MV), 1933. [$50]
Large frank, 39 mm wide.
TM lowered with S# above.
One meter only, M# 1001.
TM: BIC
V/F: Rs. 000ooo
GROUP D: Flag and map of country, without outer frame line[edit | edit source]
Sub-group DA: Town mark connected to frank[edit | edit source]
DA1. Pitney Bowes “RF” (MV), 1944.
Inscribed “BRASIL CORREIO” above value box.
Star, “ECT” or blank at top right.
M# with “M”, “M.F.” or “M/F” prefix.
M#s in 5000 and 50000 series. A few in 50000 series have decimal between 2nd and 3rd digits.
A. Value box 14-16 mm square, star at upper right
B. Value box 14-16 mm square, “ECT” at upper right
C. Value box deep, 15 x 18 mm, “ECT” at upper right [$10]
D. Value box wide, 17-20 x 14 mm, star at upper right
E. Value box wide, 17-20 x 14 mm, “ECT” at upper right
F. Value box wide, 17-20 x 14 mm, blank at upper right
TM: SC, BIC, NOR
V/F:
Cr$/CR$:
0oo ,
000,o ,
0,oo ,
0000 ,
000 ,
00,oo ,
0o ,
.00 ,
,0o ,
,oo ,
0oo ,
000 ,
0o0 ,
00– ,
0,00 ,
0,oo ,
0.oo ,
o,oo ,
00,o ,
,oo= ,
,oo– ,
,oo ,
,oo ,
.oo ,
0oo ,
00oo ,
0ooo ,
0oo0 ,
oooo ,
000= ,
000– ,
00o ,
,oo•• ,
00,00 ,
00,oo ,
0,00 ,
0,00 ,
000oo ,
000,oo
NCr$:
,oo ,
0o– ,
,oo– ,
,oo= ,
,oo- ,
,oo ,
,oo ,
ooo ,
0,00 ,
0,oo ,
0,oo ,
00,00
CZ$:
00,00 ,
0,00 ,
0,0o==
RS/R$:
0,00= ,
00= ,
,00= ,
,00=
No currency indicator: 00,00 0,oo,oo– 0,oo 0,oo– 0,oo
a. Post Office stamp, M# with “DCT” prefix [$10]
b. As D, “ECT” in oval
c. Fixed zero indented in right margin
d. Right side of value box removed
e. Large meter number
f. Currency indicator breaks upper left corner of value box
DA2. Safag (MV), 1949. [$35]
Map of country behind value box, flag behind town mark.
“BRASIL CORREIO” in ribbon diagonal between TM and frank.
M# with “K” prefix below TM.
M#s 001 – 005 only.
TM: SC
V/F (Crs): 000
NOTE: A small number of Safag stamps are known with map of country touching all four sides of the value box, with flag touching both the TM and value box, and with “BRASIL CORREIO” above the value box. Proof impressions of this stamp are known dated 1950 and 1962. These are most likely essays, but it is possible some Safag machines were rebuilt with this die and placed in service. Proofs with meter numbers K-4 and K–5 are known.
DA3. Pitney Bowes “DM” (LV-21), 1951. [$10]
Small frank inscribed “CORREIO” above TM and “BRASIL” above narrow value box.
M# with “M” prefix in 7000 series at bottom center.
Right edge of map variable, can extend beyond right of value box.
One or two numbers at bottom center: M# with “M” or “M.F.” prefix alone or above L# with “F” prefix.
A. Star at upper right
B. “ECT” at upper right
TM: DC, BIC
V/F (Cr$/CR$): 000 000= 00,00 000,oo
V/F (RS): 0,00=
V/F with $ alone: 000,oo
DA5. Pitney Bowes-GB “5000” (MV).
As Type DA4 but larger. Date figures larger.
Value box taller but not as wide, 18-20 mm.
The country map extends 3-4 mm right of the value box.
M# with “M” prefix alone or above L# with “F” prefix.
A. Star at upper right
B. “ECT” at upper right
TM: DC, SC, BIC
V/F:
Cr$/CR$:
000= ,
0,000 ,
000 ,
0,00 ,
0,00 ,
000– ,
0,00= ,
00,00 ,
00,o0 ,
000,oo
0 00,00
NCr$/NCR:
00,00 ,
000,oo ,
00,00= ,
00000 ,
0,oo ,
000,00 ,
00000,oo
CZ$:
0,00
R/RS/R$:
00o ,
000 ,
0,00 ,
0,oo
“$” alone:
0,00 ,
0000 ,
00,00 ,
00,oo ,
0,00= ,
00o,oo ,
000,00 ,
0000,oo ,
00oo,oo ,
0.000,oo ,
0000.oo ,
00000,00
No currency indicator: 0,oo 0,00 0,0o 00,00
a. Value figures extend into right margin
b. Fixed value figures in right margin very thick and heavy
c. As B, “ECT” in oval
d. With large M# and large value indicator “R$” breaking bottom of flag
Due to frequent currency changes stamps that were altered by the addition of fixed zeros in the
right margin are often found with the zeros removed and the margin roughly repaired as shown at right.
DA6. Pitney Bowes-GB “5000/6500” (MV).
As Type DA5 but value box wider, 21-24 mm.
Country map variable, often extending beyond right side of value box.
M# with “M” prefix alone or above L# with “F” prefix.
A. Star at upper right
B. “ECT” at upper right
TM: DC, SC
V/F (Cr$/CR$): 0000 00,00 0 000 000,oo
V/F (NZ$): 00,00
V/F (NCZ$): 000
V/F (C.$): 0,00
V/F (RS/R$): 000 0,00 0,00=
V/F with “$” alone: =0,00= 00,00 000,00 000,oo 00000 000o,oo
a. Line at right side of value box missing
DA7. Neopost “205"/"2205” (MV), 1969.
Fairly small frank with large TM. M# with “M” prefix in 15000 series.
Currency indicator below value box.
Date either tall without stops (205) or short with stops (2205) with month in either Roman or Arabic numerals.
The sizes of the value box, “BRASIL” and “CORREOS”, and the shape of the map outline can vary significantly. Compare the images shown at left and right.
A. Country map extends 3-4 mm to the right of the value box
B. Country map does not extend or extends only slightly beyond right side of value box
C. Column of small dashes along right side
Meter number normally with "M" prefix.
TM: DC
V/F (Cr$): 0000 00,00 000,00
V/F (NCr$): 000 0.00 0,00
V/F ($): 000,00
V/F without currency indicator: 0,00 =
a. Meter number with "N.P.-M" prefix
DA8. Neopost “505” (MV), 1974. [$20]
Wide frank. Date figures short but wide.
Value box 17-18 mm wide. M# with “N.P.-M” prefix in 15200 series.
A. Value box 22-23 mm wide. The map extends slightly beyond the value box at right
B. Wider value box, 26-28 mm wide. The value box extends beyond the map at right
M# with “M” prefix in 72000 series, often with L# with “F” prefix.
Star at upper right.
TM: DC
V/F (CR$): 00.00
V/F (R$): 00.00
Sub-group DB: Town mark separate from frank[edit | edit source]
DB1. Pitney Bowes-GB “Automax” (MV), 1961.
Significant spaced between frank and town mark.
The flag staff is quite prominent.
M# with “P.B.-M.”, “MB-“, “M-B-“, "B.-M.", “M.” or “B.-“ prefix occasionally above L# with “F” prefix.
TM: DC, BIC, NOR, nil
A. Star at upper right
B. “ECT” at upper right
C. Blank at upper right
V/F:
Cr$/CR$:
=,00 ,
=0oo ,
=0,00 ,
=0,oo ,
=,oo≈ ,
=0000 ,
=00oo ,
=000– ,
=000= ,
=00o= ,
=00o– ,
=00== ,
00.000 ,
=00,0o ,
=00.oo ,
=00,oo ,
=0o,oo ,
=0,00= ,
=0,0o= ,
=0.oo= ,
=0,00– ,
=0,00 ,
=000≈ ,
=0,00 ,
=.00== ,
=,00== ,
=,00≈≈ ,
=,oo≈≈ ,
=,oo=– ,
=0000o ,
=00000 ,
=00ooo ,
=00oo0 ,
=0000= ,
=00oo= ,
=00oo ıı ,
=000,o0 ,
=000.00 ,
=000.oo ,
=000,oo ,
=000.0o ,
=00o,oo ,
=00,oo= ,
=00,00 ,
=0,oo≈=
NCr$/NCR$:
=,00 ,
=0,00 ,
=0,oo ,
=,00≈ ,
=,oo≈ ,
=00,00 ,
=00,oo ,
=0,00= ,
=0,00– ,
=0,oo– ,
=0,00≈ ,
=0,oo≈ ,
=0.oo= ,
0,00== ,
=,00≈≈ ,
=,00≈≈ ,
=,00– – ,
=,00– – ,
=,oo– – ,
=,00≈=
CZ$:
=00,00 ,
=000,00 ,
=0oo,oo ,
=000,0o
NCz:
=00,00 ,
=0,oo≈
R$:
=00,00 ,
=0o,00 ,
=0o,oo ,
=0000= ,
=00,00= ,
=00,00
“$” alone:
=00,00 ,
=0,00= ,
=0,oo= ,
000,00 ,
=000,00 ,
=000,0o ,
00 00,00 ,
=0000,oo ,
=000o,oo ,
=00oo,oo ,
=0000ooo ,
=00000,oo
No currency indicator:
=0ooo ,
=000= ,
=00,00 ,
00,oo ,
=0,00= ,
=0000= ,
=000,00 ,
=000,oo ,
=00o,oo ,
=0,00== ,
=0000,oo ,
=0000o,oo ,
000 00,00
a. “Cr$” above M# rather than left of V/F (P.B.-M. 6595)
b. “Cr” without “Value $”
c. “NCr$” with the “N” below the “C”
d. “ECT” in oval a
e. Printed in purple
DB2. Pitney Bowes-GB “Automax” (MV).
As Type DB1 but value box extended and squared off at right.
M# with “P.B.-M.” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F Cr$: =0,oo =0,00= =00oo,oo
V/F NCr$: =0,00=
DB3. Pitney Bowes-GB “6900” (MV), 1973.
Frank squared off at left. Flag without staff.
M# with “M” prefix.
A. Map extends beyond value box to the right
B. Wider value box without map showing at right
TM: DC, SC
V/F Cr$ or CR$: 0,00 00,00 00,0o
V/F R$: 0,00 0,00=
V/F CZ$: 0,00=
No currency indicator: 0,00
a. Top line of value box removed
b. Right line of value box removed
c. Inner box around date in the town mark
DB4. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV), 1984.
Flag with prominent staff as with Types DB1 and 2 but value box is squared off at both sides.
Currency indicator is below the flag rather than to the left of the value figures.
M# with “M” prefix above L# with “F” prefix.
TM: SC, DC
V/F Cr$ or CR$: 000,0o 00000= 0000,oo 000.00
V/F CZ$: 00.00 000.0o
V/F R$: 0,00= 00,00= 00.00= 00.00 00.00 00000=
V/F "$" alone: 0000o.oo
a. Large star at right of value figures
DB5. Neopost “Electronic” (MV), 1984.
Very similar in appearance to Type DB4 and can be most easily identified by the currency indicator which is below the value box.
Value box variable is width.
M# with “M” prefix above L# with “F” and second letter prefix.
TM: DC
V/F Cr$ or CR$: 000 00,00
V/F CZ$: 00000
V/F R$: 0,00
a. with “ECT” at top
GROUP E: Frank with map of country enclosed in a simulated-perforation outer border[edit | edit source]
E1. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1951.
Inscribed “BRASIL – CORREIO” across bottom.
Value figures contained with a box at center of frank.
M# with “M” prefix in 4000 series breaking bottom frame line.
TM: SC, DC (scarce), or nil
V/F:
Cr$:
0,oo ,
0,00 ,
000o ,
00,oo ,
000,oo
NCr$:
,00 ,
000 ,
0o= ,
0,oo ,
0,00 ,
00,oo
E2. Hasler “F88” (MV). [$100]
As Type E1 but flag on right instead of left.
Currency indicator Cr$ below flag.
One meter, M 4185, known
TM: DC
V/F: 0,oo
GROUP F: Upright frank with single line simulated-perforation border, curved “BRASIL CORREIO” at top, and globe in lower left corner[edit | edit source]
0ooo 
oo 
,
,
,
,
,
,
000 ,
0,oo ,
0,oo
,
00000=
0,oo ,
[$5]
