Finland

The first meter was used in 1926. All stamps contain “SUOMI FINLAND” with or without a dash between. The stamps are grouped according to appearance and function:

A – Rectangle with simulated perforation outer border

B – Rectangle with single straight-line outer border, three post horns at top

C – With simplified single post horn at top

D – With "●/ p●sti" logo

PO – Special stamps generated only by post office machines

For more information about the meter stamps of Finland, see Suomen Postimaksukoneleimojen Kasikirja (Handbook of Finnish Meter Marks), by Petteri Hannula, 2000.

GROUP A: Frank with simulated perforation outer border and straight line inner border

A1. Hasler “D106” (FV-8), 7 January 1926.

Horizontal rectangle with value in double oval in centre.

M# breaks bottom frame lines.

M# 101–143 known. Meter 101 was never used to frank live mail. It was used as a demonstration machine by the Hasler representative.

Without TM

Values: 40p, 50p, 1M, 1¼M, 1½M, 1¾M, 2M, 2½M, 2¾M, 3M, 5M, 10M, 15M, 25M, 30M, 40M

Values: 20p, 25M, 30M, 45M, 70M [Scarce]

Values: 10p, 30p, 60p, 3½M, 4M, 6M, 7M, 7½M, 8M, 9M, 12M, 16M, 20M, 24M, 35M, 50M, 55M [Scarce]

Values: 80M, 100M, 500M [Rare]

a. With slogan, printed in a separate pass with the slogan die set in place of a value die [Very rare]

b. With slogan “Kirjoihin” (registered mail) in oval [Very rare]

NOTE: The 5P value exists but is known only as a proof, not postally used.

A2. Neopost (FV-1), 1927. [Scarce]

Nearly identical to Type 1 except meter numbers in 200 series.

Four machines known used: 201, 202, 207 and 208

Without TM

Values: 40p, 50p, 1M, 1¼M, 1½M, 2M, 3M

Values: 20p, 2½M

A3. Universal Postal Frankers “Midget” (FV-3), 1929.

Vertical rectangle with denomination symbols above and below value.

Five machines only, meter numbers 301 through 305.

TM: normally nil

Values: 20p, 25p, 40p, 50p, 1M, 1¼M, 1½M, 2M, 2½M, 3M

Values: 40p [Scarce]

a. With town mark: [Scarce]

A3.1. Francotyp “C” (MV), 1929.

Large horizontal rectangle with 9, 10 or 11 “perforation holes” at each side.

M# breaks bottom outer frame line but not inner frame line.

Wide spacing between TM and frank.

Normally without transaction counter number but known with 4-digit number high between TM and frank.

Date without stops.

M# 401 up.

TM variable in size: SC, DC

V/F: 000 (A,G) 0000 (A,G)

000 (A) ◆000 (G)

0000 (A)

A4. Francotyp “Cc” (MV).

As Type A3.1 but date figures always have stops.

A. Wide spacing, ~48-53 mm, with 4-digit transaction counter number

B. Narrow spacing, ~9-16 mm, without transaction counter number

TM variable in size: SC, DC

V/F: ◆000 (O) ◆0000 (O)

a. With “mk” denomination symbol right of V/F [Scarce]

b. Used in Aland (“ALAND” or “MARIEHAMN” in TM) [Scarce]

c. As A, but without TM (674)

A4.1. Francotyp “Cm7000-10000” (MV).

As Type A4B but value figures are slightly narrower.

Approximately 35 mm between centres of date and value figures.

M# 401 up.

TM variable in size: SC, DC

V/F: ◆0000 (O)

A5. Hasler “F22” (MV), 1929.

Frank, 32-34 x 25-26 mm with 7 or 8 “perforation holes” at each side.

M#s 501-505 and 508 known.

Date figures have a stop centred after the year.

A. Wide spacing with 5-digit transaction counter number at top between TM and frank [Scarce]

B. Narrow spacing with TM raised and 5-digit transaction counter number below [Scarce]

TM: DC

V/F: ★00 ★000 ★00oo

a. Without TM (501)

A6. Hasler “F22” (MV), 1940. [Scarce]

Very similar to Type A5 but value figures narrower.

The town mark is level and not raised.

M# breaks bottom frame line.

M#s 1001-1009.

A. Frank 40 x 28-29 mm

B. Frank 32-34 x 25-28 mm

TM: SC, DC

V/F: 0000

A7. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1952. [Scarce]

As type A6 but “perforations” on solid background.

Spacing very narrow.

M# below bottom frame line.

M#s 1010 up.

Date figures never have a stop after the year.

A. No denomination indicator

B. with “mk” right of V/F

TM: SC, DC

V/F: 0000 00000

GROUP B: Frank with single straight-line outer border and three post horns at top

B0.1. Francotyp “C” (MV), 1964.

Frank 34-35 x 27-28 mm.

M# 401 up below bottom frame line.

With 4-digit impression counter number high between TM and frank.

Date without stops.

TM: SC

V/F:

000p

B1. Francotyp “Cc, Cm” (MV).

Very similar to Type B0.1 but the date figures have stops after D and before Y.

With or without 4-digit impression counter number high between TM and frank.

A. Very wide spacing, ~48-53 mm, transaction counter number raised between TM and frank

B. Narrow spacing, from as little as 1 mm up to 16 mm

TM: SC, DC (variable in size)

V/F: 000 p (O) 0000p (O)

000p (A)

000p (G,O)

a. Without “p” after value figures [scarce]

b. M# vertical inside left frame line

c. Used in Aland (“ALAND” or “MARIEHAMN” in TM)

B2. Francotyp “A9000” (MV). [scarce]

Similar to Type B1.

Spacing narrow ~5-8 mm.

M# below bottom frame line.

Value figures are narrow.

Date figures are widely spaced with stops after D and M.

Without impression counter number.

TM: SC

V/F:

000p

B3. Hasler :F66", “F88” (MV), 1966.

M# below bottom frame line.

Spacing narrow and very narrow.

Value figures distinctive.

M# 1001 up.

A. Frank 39-40 x 29 mm

B. Frank 35 x 28 mm [scarce]

C. As A, but value figures are smaller (model F66)

TM: large SC

V/F: 000 p 0000 p

B4. Hasler “Mailmaster” and “Smile” (MV), 1983.

Frank 33 x 27 mm.

M# below bottom frame line.

M# in 180000 and 190000 series.

A. Spacing approximately 7 mm between TM and frank (Mailmaster)

B. Spacing approximately 10 mm between TM and frank (Smile)

TM: large SC

V/F: 0000 p 00000 p

a. Used in Aland (“ALAND” or “MARIEHAMN” in TM)

B5. Krag (MV), 1965. [scarce]

Frank nearly square, 29 x 29-31 mm.

With 4-digit impression counter number centered between TM and frank.

M# 3001 up below bottom frame line.

TM: SC

V/F: 0000 p

B6. Krag (MV), 1965.

Upright frank, 25 x 28-29 mm.

M# in 600000 series.

M# below bottom frame line.

TM: SC

V/F: 0000 p

B7. Satas “Baby” (MV), 1972.

Upright frank 22-23 x 25 mm.

No bottom frame line.

Date figures tall.

M# 9001-9077.

A. M#: 9001–9077 below frank [scarce]

B. M# 340000 series vertical outside left frame line

TM: SC

V/F:

00 p p 0000

B8. Roneo Neopost “205/2205” (MV).

Frank 20-21 x 25mm with no bottom frame line.

M# vertical outside left frame line.

Date figures tall or short.

M# 6001-6091 and 340000 series.

A. Frank 20-21 x 25 mm

B. Frank 23 x 25 mm.

TM: SC

V/F: 0000 p p 00000

a. Used in Aland (“ALAND” in the TM)

B9. Roneo Neopost “405/505” (MV), 1978.

Frank 28 x 24mm with no bottom frame line.

M# vertical outside left frame line.

Date figures short.

TM: SC

V/F: 0000 p

a. Used in Aland (“ALAND” or “MARIEHAMN” in TM) [scarce]

B10. Postalia “MS5” (MV), 1979.

Spacing very narrow.

M# in 50000 and 500000 series.

A. Frank 25 x 28 mm, M# below bottom frame line [$15]

B. Frank 30 x 28 mm, M# below bottom frame line [$10]

C. Frank 27 x 30 mm. M# vertical at left

D. Frank 32 x 30 mm. M# vertical at left

TM: SC

V/F: 0000 p

000 p

0000 p

a. M# breaks bottom frame line

b. Used in Aland (“ALAND” or “MARIEHAMN” in TM) [scarce]

B11. Frama (MV).

Frank 30 x 25 mm.

Value figures very thick.

Spacing variable but generally narrow.

TM: SC

V/F: 000 p 0000 p 00000 p

a. Without “p” after value figures (shown)

B12. Pitney Bowes “5000” series (MV), 1966. [scarce]

Frank 26 x 20 mm with rounded corners.

“SUOMI-FINLAND” in one line below post horns at top.

M# inset in lower left corner.

Date raised in relation to value figures.

TM: SC

V/F: ≋000p

B13. Pitney Bowes-GB “5300” series (MV).

Frank 32 x 23-24 mm with rounded corners.

“SUOMI-FINLAND” in one line breaks bottom frame line.

Date raised in relation to value figures.

M# between TM and frank on 1 or 2 lines.

TM: SC

V/F: ≋000p ≋0.00 p

a. Used in Aland (“ALAND” or “MARIEHAMN” in TM)

B14. Pitney Bowes “6300” series (MV).

Frank 29 x 20 mm with rounded corners.

Date and value figures on same level.

“SUOMI-FINLAND” in one line above bottom frame line.

M# below frank.

TM: SC

V/F: ≋000p ≋0000 p

a. Used in Aland (“ALAND” or “MARIEHAMN” in TM)

B15. Pitney Bowes “6500” (MV).

Frank 31 x 20 mm with rounded corners.

“SUOMI-FINLAND” in one line above bottom frame line.

M# in 270000 series.

TM: SC

V/F: ≋0000 p

B16. Pitney Bowes “A/B900” (MV).

Frank as Type B15 but value figures larger.

M# in 250000 series.

TM: SC

V/F: ≋0000 p

a. Without “p” after value figures

B17. Pitney Bowes “6900” series (MV).

Frank 29 x 26-27mm with rounded corners.

“SUOMI-FINLAND” in one line above bottom frame line.

TM: SC

V/F: ≋000 p ≋0000 p (“p” is small)

B18. Pitney Bowes “Paragon” (MV).

Frank 32-33 x 25-26mm with rounded corners.

“SUOMI-FINLAND” in one line above bottom frame line.

TM: DC

V/F: ≋0000 P (“P” is large)

B19. Secap (MV).

Frank 25 x 24mm with square corners and “SUOMI/FINLAND” in two lines at bottom.

Without bottom frame line.

M# in 800000 series vertical at left.

TM: unidentified

V/F: 0000

B20. Neopost “Electronic” (MV).

Frank very similar to Type B19 but slightly larger at 26 x 25mm.

M# in 320000 series.

TM: SC

V/F: ≋000 p

GROUP C: Frank with either single modernized post horn or "● / p●sti" logo

Sub-group CA: Frank with single modernized post horn logo

Two types found:

CA1. Frama “EPS” (MV).

Square frank 30 x 30 mm. “SUOMI-FINLAND” at bottom.

M# with "71" prefix below bottom frame line.

TM: SC

V/F: 00000p

CA2. Pitney Bowes “B900” (MV).

Frame line at right and bottom only.

“SUOMI” above “FINLAND” at top.

M# in 250000 series.

TM: nil, SC?

V/F: ≋00.00

CA3. Pitney Bowes “PostPerfect” (digital).

Similar to Type CA2 but “SUOMI FINLAND” in one line.

Two columns of numbers at left of TM.

M# with “PB9” prefix.

A. Post horn without block

B. Post horn with block at right

TM: SC

V/F: ≋00.00

CA4. Pitney Bowes “Paragon” (MV).

As Type CA3 but taller design.

Meter number in 900000 series without prefix.

TM: DC

V/F: ≋00.00

Sub-group CB: Frank with "● / p●sti" logo

CB1. Pitney Bowes ""Paragon" (MV).

Similar to Type CA3 but non-digital stamp without columns of number at left.

M# with "PB9" prefix.

TM: DC

V/F: ≋00.00

GROUP D: Horizontal frank without town mark

Sub-group DA: Frank contains modernized post horn

DA1. Pitney Bowes “EasyMail” (digital).

Frank with frame lines at bottom and sides but not top.

Large post horn at top, left of “SUOMI FINLAND” Post code at bottom left.

Two columns of numbers at left of frank.

M# with “PB” prefix.

TM: nil

V/F: ≋00.00

DA2. Pitney Bowes "DM" series (digital).

Very similar to Type DA1 but the frank is slightly narrower and the value figures are more tightly spaced.

The triad (≋) in the value figures is larger than with DA1.

M# with “PB” prefix.

TM: nil

V/F: ≋00.00

Sub-group DB: Frank contains "●/ p●sti" logo

DB1. Pitney Bowes “DM400/500” (digital).

Frank very similar to Type C4 but with new logo at upper left.

“Pitney Bowes” at bottom left, and M# with “PB” prefix at bottom right.

Single column of stacked numbers at left.

Town identified only by post code below date.

V/F: 000.00

DB2. Neopost “SM”(?) series (digital).

Frank without outer frame lines but with segmented vertical box at left

with envelope design at top and class of mail designation reading vertically up at center.

Country name at top with postal logo at right.

“Neopost” and M# at bottom left.

Value figures and all numbers very narrow.

Town identified only by post code below “SUOMI”.

V/F: 000.00

DB3. Neopost “IJ” series (digital).

Very similar to Type DB2 but value figures and all numbers are rounder, not as narrow.

Country name at top with postal logo at right.

Meter number at bottom left.

A. Meter number prefix: N neopost

B. Meter number prefix: neopost ^N

Town identified only by post code below “SUOMI”.

V/F: 000.00

Sub-group DC: Frank inscribed "Itella Post Oy"

DC1. Pitney Bowes “DM”'series (digital).

As Type DB1 but with new inscription.

“Pitney Bowes” at bottom left, and M# with “PB” prefix at bottom right.

Single column of stacked numbers at left.

Town identified only by post code below date.

V/F: 000.00

DC2. Neopost (digital).

2D barcode at lower left of horizontal rectangle with thick outer line broken at center of both sides.

Inscribed at top left, "SUOMI FINLAND" above "Itella Posti Oy" at left, an alpha-numeric code at right.

Date at center left, value figures at center right.

neopost^N at center bottom flanked by numeral codes at the sides.

Itella Posti Oy is a private mail delivery company with the State of Finland being the sole shareholder.

V/F: 000.00

GROUP PO: Special stamps generated only by post office machines

PO1. Nokia (digital), 1988.

Frank without outer frame printed on plain self-adhesive labels.

Country name “SUOMI FINLAND” in top panel, and post office name in bottom panel.

Line separating left and right halves does not touch horizontal panel lines.

Date and postage value in right half.

Left half empty or with weight and/or registration data (with or without “R”).

Printed in either low resolution leaving tell-tale steps in diagonal letters and numbers or in high resolution that shows smooth diagonal lines.

Printed in red or black.

Value figures with or without space between the digits and “mk” suffix

A. Frank 65 mm wide, low resolution image

B. As A but high resolution image [scarce]

C. Frank 74-76 mm wide, low resolution [scarce]

D. As C but high resolution

V/F:

0.00

00.00

000.00 (decimal separators)

a. As A, commemorative label with stamp show name in bottom panel (FINLANDIA 88, shown at right) [scarce]

b. With large “R” and number in left half. Used for registered mail.

c. With 5-digit number added (where?) on parcel post forwarding cards used to foreign destinations

d. With large “V” and number in left half. Used for 'value mail'.

PO2.1. Unknown (digital).

Very similar to Type PO1A but the vertical line separating left and right halves connects with both horizontal panel lines.

All reported are printed by smooth, high resolution process and are in black.

Three lines of text at right, date, time (with "Klo" prefix), and value figures.

A. Value in Finnish Markka (currency valid until 28th February 2002)

V/F: (0)(0)0,00 with “mk” suffix.

B. Value in Euros (currency introduced on 1st January 2002)

V/F: (0)(0)0,00 without suffix.

a. With postcode before Post Office name

b. Without postcode before Post Office name

PO2.2. Unknown (digital).

Very similar to Type PO2.1 but the inscriptions are much larger and there are only two lines of text at right, the date and value figures.

V/F: 0,00 mk

PO3.1. Unidentified (digital), 2012.

Plain white self-adhesive label with point-of-sale data applied in black.

The label has no frame lines except one underlining the date and time at the top of the stamp.

Post code above town name at left, value figures at right.

"SUOMI FINLAND" centred at bottom.

V/F: 0,00 €

PO3.2. Unidentified (digital).

Very similar to Type PO3.1 but the stamp includes the weight (large at lower left) and mail class.

The zeros are slashed which is also a difference from PO3.1.

V/F: 0,00 €

PO4. Omnaposti. (digital).

"posti" logo at top left, date and time at top right.

V/F: 0,00 €