The stamps are mostly printed in red. A few early types have town marks in black. Modern digital stamps are often found in blue rather than red.
Meters manufacturers in Great Britain:
Automatic Stamp Selling Machines (aka Wilkinson)
Neopost (Roneo Neopost, Roneo Vickers)
Setright Registers
T.I.M. (Ticket Issuing Machines)
Universal Postal Frankers
Westinghouse-Garrard
The stamps are grouped according to the monogram of the reigning monarch and also according to appearance and use.
Machines for private use
A - No monogram, circular frank with squares in corners
B - Upright rectangle with simulated perforation border, monogram of George V
C - As B but monogram of Edward VII
D - As B but monogram of George VI
E - As B but monogram of Elizabeth II
F - Frameless frank with crown at top and floral emblems at sides
G - Frameless frank with large crown at top right and column of horizontal lines at left
H - Rectangular frame with crown and top and with vertical text outside frame lines at left and right
I - Rectangular frame with bar codes at sides
J - MailmarkTM stamps: "Delivered by Royal Mail" at left, 2D barcode in center, mail class in rectangle at right
Machines for special uses
PO - Post office window machine stamps
PD - Post office stamps used for postage due
PP - Post office stamps used for parcel post
PV - Special stamp for public vending machines
MM - Special stamps for Military use
RP - Special stamps for railway parcel post
Until approximately the 1940s, if a mailer used more then one postage meter, the license numbers were given a letter prefix, “A” for the second machine, “B” for the third and so forth.
Prefix letter “X” indicates the meter is a relief or loaner machine that was lent to a mailer while his meter was being services or repaired. “X” varieties are scarce.
For specialized information about the meter stamps of Great Britain, see “GB Meter Franking ⎯ History with a Future” by Jack Peach, serialized in Gibbons Stamp Monthly, May-Dec 2001.
See also dependencies of Great Britain “GUERNESY”, JERSEY” and “ISLE OF MAN”.
GROUP A: Circular frank with blocks (squares) in all four corners[edit | edit source]
* The corner blocks contain the denomination which is also spelled out in the upper half of the circle.
A horizontal bar through the centre of the frank contains "GREAT (licence number) BRITAIN".
Five variations of the centre bar exist, as pictured.
A1. Pitney Bowes (FV-1), 23 August 1922.
Frank with wavy lines at sides.
Centre bar A, square ends and circular centre.
Frank size excluding wavy lines is 25 x 25mm.
Licence number with or without “A” prefix.
Licence number varies in size from small san-serif to large with serifs.
Values: ½, 1½
Values: 2½
Values: 1, 2, 3½, 4½ [Scarce]
a. Provisional stamp blank in upper semicircle. Values: 1, 2½ [Scarce]
b. As a, 1d value with space at right of the ‘1’, made from altering a 1½d die [Scarce]
c. With slogan in red printed separately on the front, usually at lower left [$100]
d. With slogan in color other than red printed on the front (shown) [$150]
e. With slogan in any color printed on the back [$150]
A2. Universal Postal Frankers “N.Z.” '(Pre-production model)' (FV-6), 18 October 1922.
Frank without wavy lines at the sides. Centre bar B (round ends and open at top and with semicircle at bottom).
Top portion of frank does not touch centre bar. Frank 25 x 25mm. Licence number 1 only, except for A2D.
The "NZ" model is a modification of New Zealand's Automatic Franking Machine Model "D" meter (see New Zealand Type B2) which Universal had purchased the rights to use. The Model D was able to print a frank only, no town mark. The Type A2 sub-types (A through D) reflect Universal's experiments with adding a town mark by use of a separate printer mounted on the mailing machine. To get both the frank and the town mark (with or without slogan) the mail had to be fed through the mailing machine twice, once through the frank printer and then through the town mark printer.
A2A. Black TM: three text lines within five wavy lines printed at a considerable distance left of frank. [Rare]
Values: ½, 1, 1½
A2B. Black TM: three text lines and slogan within six wavy lines.
Two slogans were used:
“Stop stamping/ TRY FRANKING” [$150]
“Don’t Use Stamps/ TRY FRANKING” [$200]
Values: ½, 1, 1½
Values: 3, 6, 1/- [Add $50]
A2C. Red TM: Single circle within six wavy lines 40mm long. [$300]
With slogan “Don’t use Stamps, GET A FRANKER”.
Value: 1½
A2D. TM 45mm across comprising 3 text lines within 7 wavy lines, without slogan.
a. Printed by letterpress, not a franking machine [Rare]
TM black
Licence number 57
Value: 1½
Examples are dated 17 JUN 22
b. Appears to be a demonstration machine [Very rare]
TM red
Licence number blank
Value: 1½
The value die has differences from the letterpress version, for example the value figures are not cut by the outer circle of the frank.
One Specimen known, dated 4 JUL 22
A3. Universal “N.Z.” (FV-6), 1923. [$200]
Very similar to Type A2 but the frank is narrower, 22mm wide.
This is the first machine that allowed the frank and town mark to print together in a single pass.
TM: SC in six wavy lines, with slogan (as Type A2C), in red.
Date in one line.
Licence numbers 1 and 17 known
Values: ½, 1, 1½, 2½, 3
A4. Universal “N.Z.” (FV-6), 1923. Centre bar C, bottom line straight across. Frank size 22 x 25mm.
A4A. Red or black TM: text in two or three lines amidst six wavy lines.
Values: ½, 1½, 2½
Values: 1 [Scarce]
Values: 3, 4½, 5½, 6, 1/- [Very scarce]
Values: 2, 3½, 4, 9 [Rare]
Value: 4/- [$100]
a. Centre bar with break at bottom (appears to be caused by damage)
b. With postage meter promotional slogan (as found with Type A2C, or "Note the frank and ask about it") [Add $50]
c. Relief machine. Licence number with “X” prefix [Add $25]
A4B. Black TM: text in two or three lines between single wavy lines at top and bottom [$200]
Values seen: ½, 1
a. With slogan (in red) [Add $100]
A4C. TM: small single circle, in black.
Licence number 1 only (LEICESTER).
Values: ½, 1, 1½, 2½ [Very scarce]
Values: 3, 3½, 6, 1/- [Rare]
A4D. TM with Wembley Exhibition lion within seven horizontal lines.
Licence numbers 1, 12, X3, and X12 only.
Large date figures.
Licence number 1 is the only one known used on actual mail. The others are all found (so far) only as specimens.
A. Licence number 1 with black town mark (13 June to 16 September 1924) [$250]
B. Licence number 1 with red town mark (17 September to 1 November 1924) [$250]
C. Licence number 12, X3, or X12 [Extremely rare. Meter 12 is known at present by a single example, X3 by three examples. Several impressions of X12 are known but all are in Royal Mail archives.]
Values: ½, 1, 1½
Values: 2½, 6 [Add $25]
Values: 1/- [Add $50]
NOTES:
1) The Exhibition was open from 23 April to 1 November 1924 and again from 9 May to 31 October 1925. The dates given for A and B span the known examples. It is possible earlier dates will be found for A. It also seems likely the machine was not in use during the second, 1925, session.
2) All the known examples of X3 and X12 are demonstration specimens dating from the period between the two sessions when the Exhibition was closed.
3) See also Type A7.1.
A4E. TM: DC, BIC or SC, in red.
Values: ½, 1½, 2½ [Scarce]
Values: 1, 2, 3, 6, 1/- [Very scarce]
a. TM: BIC
b. TM: SC
c. TM: “EFFICIENCY/ EXHIBITION”, Licence number “X13” [Rare]
A5. Universal Postal Frankers Ltd. Model "HS" and "EHS" (FV-1), 1923.
With “N” at bottom left. Bottom frame line continuous.
Double straight frame lines inside faux perforation outer line either double or single line. (The inner frame lines are close together and often appear as one line.)
A. FV-1 machine, 40mm between centers of town mark and frank
B. FV-4 machine, 48mm between centers of town mark and frank
TM: BIC, large (23.5mm) or small (21mm) diameter
Values: ½, 1, 1½, 2, 2½
a. TM below frank
b. TM at right of frank [Uncommon]
c. Trial machine. Licence number with “X” prefix
d. TM: DC ("LEYLAND PRESTON LANCS." # A1 seen)
B6. Neopost "2-V, 3-V, 2-VS, 3-VS, 6-VS" (1927 for the 2- and 3-values, 1930 for the 6-VS).
As Type B5 but 43mm between the centers of the town mark and the frank.
Double or single straight frame line/s inside faux perforation outer border.
A. Bottom frame line continuous (models 2-V and 3-V)
B. Bottom frame line with two small breaks below the sides of the value figure (models 2-VS, 3-VS and 6-VS)
GROUP G: Horizontal frank, "GREAT BRITAIN" and large crown at top[edit | edit source]
Column of horizontal lines at left
"POSTAGE PAID" small at bottom
G1. Hasler “F88” (MV), 1967.
License number with “fml” prefix below column of horizontal lines or below “POSTAGE PAID”.
A. Meter number below column of lines
B. Meter number below "POSTAGE PAID"
TM: DC
V/F: 00/0
GROUP H: Rectangular frank with vertical "GREAT BRITAIN" at left and vertical "POSTAGE PAID" at right[edit | edit source]
NOTES:
The frank dimensions shown in the descriptions are from the outside of "GREAT BRITAIN" to outside of "POSTAGE PAID" and from the top to bottom frame lines. The License number may extend below the bottom frame line in some cases.
Most stamps of this group (and some in earlier groups) have meter/license number suffixes as well as prefixes. The suffixes are a means of extending the range of numbers available. They can also symbolize information such as the year the meter was deployed.
Sub-group HA: Stamps from meters with mechanical (solid) die printing mechanism[edit | edit source]
HA1. Neopost “105” (LV-6, 8, -10), 1968.
License number with “N” or “NA”, “NB”, “NC” etc. prefix.
TM: BIC
Values: 1½ up in ½ step increments
NOTE: Through acquisition Neopost postage meters became products of Roneo, Roneo Vickers, Roneo Alcatel and Neopost Alcatel. For the sake of simplicity this catalog uses ‘Neopost’ for all of them.
HA2. Neopost “205” and "2205" (MV).
License number with “J”, “JA”, “JB”… , "P", or "2N" prefix.
A. Tall date figures ("205")
B. Short date figures ("2205") (This was previously cataloged as Type HA18.)
TM: BIC
V/F: 0(½) 0– 00(½) 00– 000
a. With slogan in color other than red
HA3. Neopost “305” (MV).
License number with “N–“, “NA–“, “NB–“, “NC–“… also “PX–“ prefix.
TM: DC
V/F: 00(½) 000(½)
HA4. Neopost “405/505” (MV).
Frank wider than tall.
License number with “R”, “RD”, “RH”, “RM”, “RN”, “RR” or “RV” prefix.
A. Frank 27-28 x 21-22 mm
B. Frank 31 x 23-24 mm
TM: BIC
V/F: 0(½) 00(½) 000(½) 0000
HA5. Neopost “605” (MV).
License number with “TN” prefix.
V/F: 0(½) ≋00 ≋.00 000
NOTE: This stamp with “RN” prefix is a specimen.
HA6. Pitney Bowes “CV” (LV-6).
License number with “PB C” prefix followed by 3-digit number and “A”.
A. Small TM, 1-line date
B. Large TM, 2-line date
TM: DC
Values seen: 2½, 3, 3½, 4½, 5
HA7. Pitney Bowes “Simplex” (LV-25).
License number with “P.B.S” prefix.
Frank variable in size from about 23 to 26 mm wide.
TM: DC
Values: ½ to 12½ in ½ increments
HA8. Pitney Bowes “Automax” (MV).
License number with “P.B.A” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F: 0(½) 00(½) =00(½)
HA9. Pitney Bowes “RF” or “RT” (MV).
License number with “P.B.R” prefix.
A. Large DC TM, ~21 mm with 4 mm spacing between rings.
B. Small DC TM, 19 mm with 2½ mm between rings.
V/F: 0(½) 00(½)
HA10. Pitney Bowes “5000” series (MV).
Value figures are below level of date figures.
A. Narrow frank. License number prefix “P.B.”, “P.B.C”, “P.B.H”, "P.B.J", “P.B.K”, “P.B.M”, “P.B.N” or “P.B.T”
B. Wide frank. License number prefix "P.B.E" or "P.B.V" (This was previously cataloged as Type HA20.)
TM: DC
V/F: 0(½) 00(½) 000 ≋00 ≋000 ≋00≋ 000≋
HA11. Hasler “F22” (MV).
License number with “fml” or “FML” prefix.
TM: DC, date with stop centered after the year figures
V/F: 00(½)
NOTE: Type HA12 in the previous version of this catalog is now cataloged as Type HA10A.
HA13. Pitney Bowes “6300” series (MV), 1970.
License number with “P.B.” prefix plus 4-digit number and letter, or with “P.B. D” or “P.B. L” prefix and a 3-digit number and letter.
Date and value figures are on same level.
TM: DC
V/F: 0(½) 00(½) ≋00(½) ≋00≋ ≋000
NOTE: See Type HA24 for a similar stamp.
HA14. Friden "PM4" (MV).
License number with “G” prefix.
TM: SC
V/F: 00(½)
HA15. Friden “9222” (MV), 1970.
Very narrow frank.
License number with “G” prefix.
TM: SC
V/F: 00(½)
HA16. Hasler “F66” (MV), 1973.
License number with “HAS” and "HGB" prefixes.
A. License number breaks bottom frame line
B. License number above complete bottom frame line
TM: DC, without stop after year.
V/F: 00(½)
NOTE: Type HA16 closely resembles Type HA11 which has a stop centered after the year figures in the date. Type HA16 has no such stop.
HA17. Neopost “105-2” (LV), 1973.
License number with “W” prefix.
TM: DC
Values: ½ to 10½ in ½ intervals
NOTE: Type HA18 in the previous version of this catalog is now cataloged as Type HA2B.
HA19. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV), 1978.
License number with “HB, HF, HM, HT” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F: 000(½) ≋00(½) ≋000 ≋00≋ 000≋ 0000
NOTE: Type HA20 in the previous version of this catalog is now cataloged as Type HA10B.
HA21. Pitney Bowes “6900” series (MV), 1986.
License number with “PBF or PBG” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F: ≋000
a. Self-service vending machine stamp, with boxed slogan titled “SMART MAIL TRIAL”. Printed in green [$250]
b. With slogan in color other than red
HA22. Pitney Bowes “A900” and “B900” series (MV), 1991.
License number with “PBC”, “PBW”, or “PB9” prefix followed by 4 or 5-digit number.
TM: DC
V/F: ≋000
HA23. Pitney Bowes “Paragon” (MV), 1992.
License number with “PBP” or “PBQ” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F: ≋000
HA24. Pitney Bowes “6600” (MV), 1993.
Similar to Type HA13 but frank is taller than wide.
License number with “PBB” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F: ≋00
HA25. Frama “E3/E4” (MV), 1982.
License number with “MMC”, later “FSC” prefix.
Value figures tall and thick.
TM: DC
V/F: 0.00(½) ≋000 00.00(½)
NOTE: See Types HA33, HB8, HB9 and HB10 for other stamps with “FSC” prefix.
HA26. Neopost “Electronic” series (MV), 1983.
License number with “1NE, 2NE, 5NE, 6NE, 7NE, 8NE” prefix.
TM: DC with widely spaced date figures
V/F: ≋00– ≋00(½) ≋0.00 ≋000
HA27. Neopost “SM78/SM94” (MV).
License number with “3NE” prefix above broken bottom line.
TM: DC
V/F: ≋000
HA28. Neopost “9000” (MV), 1988.
License number with “9NE” prefix above broken bottom line.
TM: DC
V/F: ≋000
NOTE: See Types HA36 and HB2a for stamp with same prefix.
HA29. Francotyp “A9000” (MV), 1969.
License number with “EGS” or “AC.A” prefix breaks bottom frame line.
License number and prefix variable in size from small to quite large.
Value figures large and thick.
Date figures widely spaced.
TM: DC
V/F: 00 00(½) ≋00– ≋000
HA30. Postalia “P3” (MV), 1983.
License number with “ENV” prefix.
The bottom frame line is complete
TM: DC
V/F: ≋.00
HA31. Postalia “MS5” (MV), 1984.
License number with “EMD” prefix.
The bottom frame line is complete.
TM: DC
V/F: 000 0.00 ≋0.00
HA32. Francotyp-Postalia “EFS3000” (MV), 1986.
License number with “EFS” prefix.
The bottom frame line is complete.
TM: DC
V/F: 0000 ≋000
HA33. Frama “EPS” (MV), 1994.
License number with “FSC” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F: 00.00
NOTE: See Types HA25, HB8, HB9 and HB10 for other stamps with “FSC” prefix.
HA34. ASCOM Hasler “Smile” (MV), 1995.
License number with “HS” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F: ≋000
HA35. SECAP “Alpha” and “Minipost” (MV), 1996.
License number with “ASA” or “ASM” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F: 00.00
HA36. Neopost “SM75/SM85” (MV), 1998.
License number with 9NE 5” prefix.
Bottom frame line is complete.
TM: DC
V/F: 0000
Sub-group HB: Stamps from digital meters[edit | edit source]
HB1. Ascom Hasler "InteliPost".
Licence number with "A" prefix breaks bottom frame line.
With block of alpha-numeric characters in three lines at lower left of TM. (See also Type HB6)
TM: DC
V/F: 0000
HB2.0. FramaZero-value impressions
Frama machines may show a line through the value if a zero-value impression is printed.
HB2.1. Frama “Sensonic 2000” (thermal), 1999.
Licence number with “FSC2” or "FSC3" prefix above bottom frame line.
Printed in red or blue.
TM: DC
V/F: 00.00
NOTE: See Types HA25, HA33, HB2.2 and HB2.3 for other stamps with “FSC” prefix.
HB2.2. Frama “Mailspirit” .
Licence number with “FSC7” prefix breaks bottom frame line.
TM: DC
V/F: 0000
NOTE: See Types HA25, HA33, HB2.1, and HB2.3 for other stamps with “FSC” prefix.
HB2.3. Frama “OfficeMail” .
Very similar to Type HB2.1 but the frank and town mark are slightly larger.
Licence number with “FSC9” prefix above bottom frame line.
TM: DC
V/F: 0000
NOTE: See Types HA25, HB2.1, and HB2.2 for other stamps with “FSC” prefix.
HB2.4. Frama “Matrix F2/F4/F6” .
Very similar to Type HB2.3 but the value figures are wider.
Licence number with “F1” prefix above bottom frame line.
I4.2. Francotyp-Postalia “T1000” or "EFS"??? (digital). [Rare]
License number with “FPE” prefix.
V/F: 0000
I5.1. Frama “EPS” (MV). [Rare]
License number with “FAE” prefix.
V/F: 00.00
GROUP J: MailmarkTM stamps: "Delivered by Royal Mail" at left, 2D barcode at center, mail class rectangle at right[edit | edit source]
Mailmark is a trademark of Royal Mail. The Mailmark stamps are replacements for Group HB.
Format:
At left: Cross-shaped crown+"Royal Mail" logo with "Delivered by" above it on domestic mail, without it on international mail
At center: date as 00-00-00 above the value figures and license number above the 2D barcode. International mail has "UK" above the date.
At right: an upright rectangle containing the mail class often, but not always, with the weight at bottom
The stamps do not include a town mark.
The stamps are nearly identical and can be identified most easily by the license number prefix. Because of their identical nature, not all stamp types are illustrated.
Classes of mail seen so far:
1 / Letter
2 / Letter
1 / L Letter / (weight)
2 / L Letter / (weight)
1 / Small Parcel
2 / Small Parcel
1 / Medium Parcel
2 / Medium Parcel
1 / Advanced
2 / Advanced
2 / Advanced Letter
A / Europe
ITS / ROW1, ROW2 or ROW3 [ITS = International Tracked and Signed, ROW = Rest Of World.)
the hour of the day (for Special Delivery)
(blank) / Surcharge Payment
(blank) / Zero Test (identifies a non-postage stamp)
J1.1. Pitney Bowes "DM160i/220i" (digital), 2014.
A. License number with "PB16/17" prefix. Found in red as well as blue.
B. License number with "PB20" prefix. Seven digits in license number.
V/F: ₤0.00
a. Printed in red
J1.2. Pitney Bowes "Connect+" (digital), 2014.
License number with "PB55" or "PB66" prefix.
V/F: ₤0.00
NOTE: The Connect+ model is capable of printing a multi-color slogan across the entire length of the envelope.
GROUP PC: Digital stamps from PC/internet systems[edit | edit source]
PC1. Royal Mail “SmartStamp” , 15 January 2004.
Square 2D barcode at left with value figures and identification code above and the ‘POST BY’ date below.
At center is a large negative letter indicating the class of mail/ “ROYAL MAIL”/ and a postage paid statement.
At right are two vertical bars of uneven widths (a mail class barcode).
Mail classes:
A. “1” (1st class mail)
B. “2” (2nd class mail)
C. “A” (international airmail) (‘Par Avion’ after the postage paid statement.)
D. “SU” (international surface mail)
E. “Royal Mail / specialdelivery”) (This appears in a large box replacing the middle box and bars at right.)
F. “SP” (vertical) (standard parcel)
V/F: £0.00
a. For use in Wales, with "POST/ BRENHINOL" replacing "ROYAL MAIL"
b. "POST BY THE END OF" instead of "POST BY"
c. Without value figures. The weight (or weight/service) appears where the value figures normally are. (Possibly this is a format used by bulk mailers.)
d. “ROYAL MAIL”/ the postage paid statement/ “SmartStamp.co.uk”.
e. “ROYAL MAIL”/ service/ and the postage paid statement.
f. With "Signed For" postal direction added below the frank. Examples: "Signed For 1st Class", "Int Signed For Small Packets"
g. Value figures and date small
h. 2nd class stamp with 1st class barcode (larger bar at right)
NOTE: The SmartStamp on-line postage program was overhauled in August 2006. The update allowed users to add slogans in color. Some minor changes appeared in the frank but they are not consistent. For example, “POST BY” is often larger but is also found in the earlier, small size. The value figures and inscriptions can also vary in size. The frank may be slightly smaller than the first version although this may be due to printer variables rather than software changes.
PC2. Royal Mail “SmartStamp” , 2004. [Appears to be rare]
As Type PC1 but the mail class indicator is positive and "ROYAL MAIL" is negative at the bottom.
Due to the early date (March 2004) this may be an early experimental or test design.
V/F: £0.00
PC3. Royal Mail “Click & Drop” (digital), 2017.
Click & Drop is an online system that allows anyone to print postage at home without having to register beforehand. The only requirement is that the franked mail must be dropped at a post office or specially designated post box.
The service offers postage labels for both parcels and letters. Shown here is the top of a large label which was used on a parcel. It is very likely that the labels for letters are smaller and in a different format.
The parcel stamp has the Royal Mail logo at top right and the service indicator at top left. Below this is a band containing the weight, the service indicator repeated, and the value figures. In the bottom section are a 2D barcode field and a tracking barcode.
V/F: £0.00
PC4. Royal Mail “Click & Drop” (digital).
Similar to type PC3 but with data rearranged.
The parcel stamp has the Royal Mail logo at top right and the service indicator at top left.
Under this is a band containing the service type, parcel type and weight. The next section contains a 2D barcode field and a tracking barcode.
Below this are the recipient and sender's addresses (greyed out and labelled in the examples illustrated)
"A". With "Postage Paid GB" below Royal Mail logo at upper right, and with the postage cost and latest mailing date in the lower panel of the stamp.
"B". For Royal Mail account holders, with "Postage on Account GB" below Royal Mail logo at upper right, no value shown, and with customer data in the lower panel of the stamp.
V/F: £0.00
Note: Two versions of the Royal Mail logo exist:
GROUP PO: Stamps generated by Post Office counter (window) machines[edit | edit source]
Types PO1 and PO2 include a service indicator code. Not all the codes were used by both types. Many did not come into use until after PO1 was retired, and several became obsolete before PO2 was inaugurated. Here is a list of all codes seen or reported:
"1ST" (2002) or “1st” (2003) (letter mail weighing up to 60 grams)
"1af" ("1st" in Welsh)
"1PK" (1st class packet)
"1L" (large letter or packet weighing up to 60 grams)
"1LL" (replaced "1L" in 2003)
"1LG" (replaced "1LL" in 2006)
"2ND" (2002) or “2nd” (2003) (letter mail weighing more than 60 grams)
"2il" ("2nd" in Welsh)
"2L" (large letter or packet weighing more than 60 grams)
"2LL" (replaced "2L" in 2003)
"2LG" (replaced "2LL" in 2006)
"2PK" (2nd class packet)
“A” (airmail)
“AX” (overseas insured mail)
"AAX" (replaced "AX")
"FP" (Fully Paid, found on reposted underpaid airmail)
"IT". (International Tracking)
"ITS" (International Tracking & Signature)
"MOR" (Mail order return)
“PF” (“parcel force worldwide”, replaced by “PE" and "PS” in July 2002) [Rare (see NOTE below)]
"PE" (International economy parcel)
"PS" (International standard parcel)
"RPR" (Packet post return)
"RSF" (Recorded, signed for)
“P” (parcel post, replaced by "SP" in 2005)
“SP” (standard parcel)
“S” (surface letter mail weighing over ten grams, replaced by "SU")
“SU” (international surface mail)
“SD” (special delivery)
"B" (2002) (British Forces mail)
"1B" (British Forces mail, letter mail weighing up to 60 grams)
"2B" (British Forces mail, letter mail weighing more than 60 grams)
"BL" (British Forces mail, large letter or packet weighing more than 60 grams)
"BLL" (replaced "BL" in 2003)
"BLG" (replaced "BLL" in 2006)
"BF" (British Forces parcel)
"BPK" (British Forces packet)
"FF" (British Forces freepost)
NOTE: "PF" is probably not the only code that is rarely found.
PO1. Horizon (digital), 14 February 2002.
Plain white self-adhesive label with rounded corners and anti-peel slits.
Text applied in black.
Large service indicator code at top between horizontal bars.
Below the code are “Royal Mail”/ ”POSTAGE PAID UK”/ date, value figures, post office ID/ numeric coded data in the form of #-########-#.
A. Inscriptions short and thick (early stamps only)
B. Inscriptions taller and thinner (replaced A starting in 2003)
V/F: £0.00
a. Label without anti-peel slits (used during experimental period, February to April 2002) [add $25]
b. For use in Wales, with “Post Brenhinol/TALWYD Y POST DG” (or “Talwyd Y Post DG”) added below “POSTAGE PAID”.
c. As b but misspelled as "Post Brenhino"
NOTE: First day covers are rare because the first day of use was not announced publicly.
PO2.1. Horizon (digital), 2010.
As Type PO1 but the label shows a large version of the Arnold Machin portrait of Queen Elizabeth in gold and white.
With semi-circular anti-peel slits.
A. The die-cut label has simulated perforations
B. Die-cut label with straight edges and rounded corners
C. As A, with "." plus lower case letter after "Royal Mail" and a number added after "POSTAGE PAID UK" (first appearing 29 September 2011)
D. As B, with "." plus lower case letter after "Royal Mail" and a number added after "POSTAGE PAID UK"
Two formats for the date are known: DD/MM/YY and DD-MM-YY.
V/F: £0.00
a. For use in Wales, with “Post Brenhinol/TALWYD Y POST DG” (or “Talwyd Y Post DG”) added below “POSTAGE PAID”.
NOTE: The added letter and number of sub-type C indicate the service and tax rate applied to the postage.
PO2.2. Horizon (digital), 2010.
As Type PO2.1B but the label is for domestic use only. It does not include "Royal Mail" or "UK".
Left justified at top left:
* The service indicator between two horizontal lines,
* Value figures and weight,
* Destination details (postcode),
* Post Office branch number and date,
* Transaction number (Session ID) and VAT code,
* Another line,
* Unique postage number ("postage recognition number" ?) with "PRN:" prefix.
2D barcode at lower left, service indicator code ("L" - letter, "S" - special delivery) or mail class ("1", "2") at lower right.
V/F: £0.00
PO3.1. Horizon (digital), 2015.
Label is predominantly white with Machin portrait of Queen Elisabeth II in pale color at upper right.
The stamp is as Type PO2.1D and has the addition of "· SINGLE USE ONLY ·" between two semi-circles at lower right.
Otherwise as Type PO2.1B for international use.
A. The portrait and underprint are printed in beige.
B. The portrait and underprint are printed in grey.
V/F: £0.00
PO3.2. Horizon (digital), 2015.
Label as with Type PO3.1 but stamp as Type PO2.2.
With "· SINGLE USE ONLY ·" between two semi-circles at lower right
A. The portrait and underprint are printed in beige.
B. The portrait and underprint are printed in grey.
V/F: £0.00
PO3.3. Horizon, Post&Go Kiosk (digital), 2016.
As Type PO3.2 but the text at top left below the mail class is underlined and in this order:
* date
* weight and value figures
* identification number
At right of the 2D bar code field are various codes between two parallel lines.
V/F: £0.00
GROUP PD: Special stamps used for Postage Due[edit | edit source]
PD1. Pitney Bowes “5000” (MV), 1991. [$250]
Simple square frank with crown at top.
Double circle TM with POSTAGE DUE at bottom.
Special slogan SURCHARGE POSTAGE DUE.
One example known printed in black on green tape
V/F: ≋000
PD2. Neopost “Electronic” (MV), 1994. [Rare]
Nearly square frank with TO PAY at top.
With or without special slogan “(town name) SURCHARGE DUTY”.
Printed in green
TM: DC
V/F: ≋000
GROUP PP: Special stamps used for Parcel Post[edit | edit source]
A. Used at Romford, Essex, from 28 April 1947 to 24 Sep 1948, but withdrawn between 21 Jan 1948 and 15 Mar 1948.
B. Used at Cambridge from 28 April 1947 to 28 Sep 1948, but probably withdrawn for a similar period to the machine at Romford.
Boxed “PARCEL POST” vertical at left.
Values: 6d to 1/5 in 1d increments
a. One example of Type PP1B is known with the boxed "PARCEL POST" printed in black, spaced at a larger than normal distance to the left. This should not be possible based on the design of the machine, so may be a trial with a manually-applied 'PARCEL POST' marking.
Circular stamp with “POSTAGE PAID” and crown below value figure.
Used from 25 January to 31 August at G.P.O. London E.C.
A. First day cover [$125]
B. Printed in red, used on any day other than 25 January [$175]
C. Printed in maroon or red-brown (found sporadically in late February, consistently in later months) [$200]
D. Last day cover [$300]
Value: 1d
NOTE: The Wilkinson machine was promoted in the philatelic press of the day, and several stamp collectors made a point of getting examples on the first day of use. Use of the machine tailed off rapidly thereafter. It was finally removed from service because of lack of use.
PV1.1. Samkyung Hitech "Weigh and Pay” (digital), 25 March 2004. [Scarce]
The stamp is similar to Post Office stamp Type PO1 but the printed design is nearly square rather than tall like PO1.
The bottom line is in a much smaller font than with PO1.
Several services were available. Those verified are as follows:
A. “1st” (letter mail weighing up to 60 grams)
B. “2nd” (letter mail weighing more than 60 grams)
C. “A” (international air mail)
D. "SU" (international surface mail)
E. "HM" (special rate for mail to British military overseas)
V/F: £0.00
NOTES:
* Three machines were trialed in Alfreton, Broadgate (London), and Luton.
* They were withdrawn from service after eight months of use, on 20 October, due to slow and awkward operation.
PV2. Pitney Bowes and Fujitsu “Post & Go” (digital), 29 January 2007.
The stamp is nearly identical to Post Office stamp Type PO1 and is most easily identified by the lengthier alpha-numeric code at lower right which has the form of ##X####X-######-##. (or PAG-######-#)???
A full range of services was probably available but only these two are verified:
A. “1st” (letter mail weighing up to 60 grams)
B. “2nd” (letter mail weighing more than 60 grams)
V/F: £0.00
NOTE: Two kiosks were tested in Birmingham starting on the date indicated. Soon after other kiosks were installed in Birmingham and Belfast and at other locations even later.
PV3. Wincor Nixdorf "Post & Go" (digital), 8 October 2008.
Horizontal label with service indicator at top center above "Royal Mail"
A. Label with smooth edges, replaced by B starting in January 2009
B. Label with simulated perforations at top and bottom
V/F: £0.00
NOTE: These machines also produced dateless stamps that could be used anytime and anywhere. Such stamps show the Machin profile portrait of the Queen or color illustrations. They are not cataloged here.
PV4. Wincor Nixdorf "Post & Go” (digital), 7 May 2010.
Similar in design to Type PC1 but without the square digital bar code at left.
Both "1st" and "2nd" stamps are found and have different bar configurations at the right.
With or without service indicator added below the value figures.
The stamps are printed on self-adhesive labels with security field at far left.
A. Prototype design printed on label with straight edges and rounded corners and security field that does not touch the left edge of the label, in use for a couple days only at the London 2010 Festival of Stamps exhibition. [Rare]
B. Standard design printed on label with simulated perforations at top and bottom. The security field varies in density, is wider and touches the edge of the label.
V/F: £0.00
a. With characters but no date under "Post By" (The font is larger than normal, and the "2" and bars are smaller than normal.)
Meter stamp essays are experimental designs that were either abandoned or changed in some way before being approved for use. Experimental designs that reach field testing or production intact are known as pre-production proofs.
Meter stamp essays are almost universally rare with some being unique and others unknown in collectors' hands.
It is likely that more essays were created than are listed here. Most may be lost forever as meter companies went out of business, with their records eventually being lost or destroyed. Others may still exist in company archives or in the memorabilia of active and former employees.
Meter stamp proofs are identical to approved, issued stamps. Those generated before the stamp design was released are technically essays but are categorised as pre-production proofs and are not included in the ESY Group. Collectors should be aware of them however, since they are generally quite rare and have significance.
Demonstration dies with various images or text advertising the benefits of franking machines.
This machine was demonstrated to the Post Office by Mr. Hislop, secretary to Sir Joseph Ward (then Postmaster General of New Zealand), on 16th August 1909.
a. One 'escaped' example bearing the 'King's Head' design is known to have been used on live mail on 26th August 1909.
Design as per New Zealand Type B1A, but with town name "LONDON".
M# 1-2
Values: ½d, 1d, 3d, 6d, 1/-
ESY-ASM-D-A. Moss "Model D" (FV5), 1919.
Design as per New Zealand Type B2, except that the word "PAID" above the M# and the value in words below the M# are replaced by dashes. With town name "ANYWHERE" at bottom of dies.
This machine was demonstrated to the Post Office on 8th March 1919 by Miss A. Saunders, secretary to Sir Joseph Ward (the Minister of Finance for New Zealand). It had been sent to London on 4th December 1918 for demonstration by Sir Joseph at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919.
M# 2
Values: 0d, 0d, 0d, 0d, 0d
ESY-ASM-D-B. Moss "Model D" (FV5), 1921.
Design as per New Zealand Type B2, but with town name "LONDON" at bottom of dies.
Four machines, being part of a shipment of six machines sent to London on 4th February 1921, the remaining two of which were for demonstration in the United States.
M# 1-4
Values: ½d, 1d, 1½d, 6d, 1/-
ESY-ASM-D-C. Moss "Model D" (FV5), 1921.
Value-dependent designs with different town names and M#.
Submitted to the Post Office on 8th August 1921 and trial conducted on 12th November 1921.
Values: ½d, 1d, 1½d, 6d, 1/-
ESY-ASM-D-D1. Moss "Model D" (FV5), 1921.
Revised value-dependent designs with different town names and M#.
Submitted to the Post Office on 2nd December 1921.
Values: ½d, 1d, 1½d, 2d, 3d, 6d, 1/-
ESY-ASM-D-D2. Moss "Model D" (FV5), 1922.
As per Type ESY-ASM-D-D1 but with M#1.
Examples of the 1½d and 1/- values are known cancelled by a black "MAR.28.22. / CHELSEA SW3" cancellation essay
A set of all five values is known cancelled by a black "APL.26 22 / CHELSEA S.W.3" cancellation essay (note the difference in date and townname format). This was possibly the machine demonstrated by R. Leonard, Esq., at the meeting of the City of London Philatelic Society on that date.
Values: ½d, 1d, 1½d, 6d, 1/-
ESY-ASM-D-E. Moss "Model D" (FV5), 1922.
Simplified designs showing the value and M# only.
The Post Office Archives contain example of the individual values cancelled by a black "APL 26.22 / CHELSEA. SW3." cancellation essay. The date and townname format is again different, and this machine may be another contender for the machine demonstrated by R. Leonard, Esq. (see Type ESY-ASM-D-D2).
Proposal for "LATE FEE" die to permit mail to be franked after normal business hours then accepted by the Post Office the following day. This frank would have been impressed in addition to the normal postage.
Standard Design A die, but with "Great Britain" and M# replaced by large boxed "LATE FEE".
V/F: 2
Supplied by the engravers, Zang & Co. Ltd., to Neopost between 1st October and 31st December 1925.
NOTE. Black and white scan - original would have been printed in red.
ESY-NEO-LV-A. Neopost (FV1), 1926.
Proposal for Design B die design for use with the new Neopost Limited Value machines, but fitted to a FV1 machine.
"POST PAID" at top, value repeated at left and right at bottom.
M# "N1" breaks oval below royal cypher.
V/F: 1½
Supplied by the engravers, Arthur Tremayne Ltd., to Neopost on 20th November 1926 with the M# unengraved.
NOTE. Black and white scan - original would have been printed in red.
ESY-NEO-LV-B. Neopost (FV1), 1926.
Proposal for Design B die design for use with the new Neopost Limited Value machines, but fitted to a FV1 machine.
"POST PAID" at top, value repeated at left and right at bottom.
Large royal cypher without crown.
Solid box for M# breaks oval below royal cypher.
Not known with TM.
V/F: 1½
Supplied by the engravers, Arthur Tremayne Ltd., to Neopost on 20th November 1926.
NOTE. Black and white scan - original would have been printed in red.
ESY-NEO-LV-C. Neopost (FV1), 1926.
Proposal for Design B die design for use with the new Neopost Limited Value machines, but fitted to a FV1 machine.
Crown above smaller royal cypher, petal-like patterns on either side replaced by a more open design.
M# "N1" breaks oval below royal cypher.
Not known with TM.
V/F: 1½
Supplied by the engravers, Arthur Tremayne Ltd., to Neopost on 20th November 1926.
NOTE. Black and white scan - original would have been printed in red.
ESY-NEO-LV-D. Neopost (FV1), 1926.
Proposal for Design B die design for use with the new Neopost Limited Value machines, but fitted to a FV1 machine.
"POST PAID" at bottom above value figures.
M# "N1" in oval below royal cypher.
V/F: 1½
Supplied by the engravers, Arthur Tremayne Ltd., to Neopost on 11th December 1926.
ESY-NEO-LV-E. Neopost (FV1), 1926.
Proposal for Design B die design for use with the new Neopost Limited Value machines, but fitted to a FV1 machine.
Value shown only once, in a box below the royal cypher.
M# "N12" only. The authorities objected to the small size of the M#.
V/F: 1½
NOTE. Black and white scan - original would have been printed in red.
ESY-NEO-LV-F. Neopost (FV1), 1926.
Proposal for Design B die design for use with the new Neopost Limited Value machines, but fitted to a FV1 machine.
Similar to Type ESY-NEO-LV-E, but the box surrounding the value has been removed.
M# blank.
V/F: 1½
NOTE. Black and white scan - original would have been printed in red.
ESY-NEO-LV-G. Neopost (LV2), 1926.
Proposal for Design B die design for use with the new Neopost Limited Value machines.
Similar to Type ESY-NEO-LV-F, with the addition of the M# in a larger font than used in Type ESY-NEO-LV-E.
This is the design that was finally adopted as Design B, but M# with "N" at right instead of at left.
’ 0 –
seen. (possibly similar to the V/F for RP6)
