International Postage Meter Stamp Catalog/Norway
Norway
[edit | edit source]- Norway is one of the earliest countries to use postage meters. The first experiments were in 1900 and 1903. The first production meters were introduced in 1926.
- Except for Type A1 all meter stamps have “NORGE” or “NOREG” in the frank. “NORGE” is far more common. Only a few machines have “NOREG” although in principle any mailer has his choice.
- Meter manufacturers in Norway:
- 1 – Kahrs
- 2 – Uchermann-Krag
- 3 – Krag
- 4 – Columbi
- Norway stamps are grouped according to function and appearance:
- A – early experimental stamps
- B – frank with curved "NORGE" or "NOREG" above "POST" at top, "ØRE" at bottom
- C – frank with straight "NORGE" or "NOREG" at top
- D – frank with straight "NORGE" at bottom
- E – wide horizontal frank without town mark
- PO – used in Post Offices for over-the-counter mail
- PD – used in Post Offices for postage due
- PP – used in Post Offices for parcel post
- OO – used for Official government mail
GROUP A: Early experimental machine stamps
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- A1. Kahrs (FV-2), 1900. [$10,000]
- Post horn design with "Chra" above and "Aut. No. 1" below.
- Used for short time at head Post Office in Kristiania (Oslo) for public use.
- Used as a receipt stamp.
- The post office clerk would affix an adhesive stamp of the same value on the cover.
- Without TM
- Value: 5 øre (green)
- Value: 10 øre (red)
NOTES:
- Two covers each franked by the 5 and 10 øre values are known. The few other known examples of Type A1 are proofs.
- The color of the 5 øre illustration is added.
A2. Uchermann-Krag (FV-1), 1903. [$750]
- Shield design with crown at top and central oval around standing figure.
- The oval contains "NORGE FRIM".
- Seven machines were used in both Post Offices and private companies at various times.
- Without TM.
- Value: 5 øre (green)
GROUP B: curved "NORGE" or "NOREG" above "POST" at top, "ØRE" at bottom
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Sub-group BA: Franks taller than wide
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- BA1. Universal "5" (FV-5), 1926. [$50]
- Upright rectangle 19-20 x 22-23mm with single-line scalloped border.
- "NORGE" curved at top with small "POST" below.
- Large, thick value figure in center with “ØRE” below.
- 50mm between centers of date and value figures.
- M# at bottom outside border.
- M# 201-204.
- TM: DC
- Values seen: 5, 10, 20, 30, 40
The next six types (BA4 – BA9) all come from Francotyp meters. Spacing measurements are taken from center of date to center of value figures. This is the most reliable way of identifying Francotyp stamps. Meter numbers are 1-450 (except 201-204), 2401-5000, 24001up.
- BA5. Francotyp “B” (MV), 1926. [$5]
- As Type BA4 but spacing 74-75mm.
- With or without 4-digit impression counter between TM and frank. If present it is high in small figures or centred in large figures.
- Early machines have the date with stops, later without (as per Type BA6)
- TM: DC or SC
- Value figures 6 or 7mm tall.
- V/F: 000 (G,O) 000 (O)
- BA6. Francotyp “C” (MV).
- As Types BA4 and BA5 but spacing 77-79mm.
- With or without 4-digit impression counter between TM and frank. If present it is high in small figures or centred in large figures.
- Date without stops
- TM: DC or SC
- Value figures 5½ or 6mm tall.
- V/F: 000 (G,O) 00 (O) 0000 (O) 000 (O) ◆000 (G,O)
- V/F: 000 (Variable Oval) Shown at right
- a. As B, but with transaction counter number high left of the town mark
BA10, no catalogue entry
- a. Post Office stamp. TM contains "UNTERPOST- KONTOR”.
Sub-group BB: Franks nearly square or wider than tall
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BB1. Hasler "F22" (MV), 1928. [$25]
- Rectangular frank slightly wider than tall, 26 x 24 mm.
- With 5-digit transaction counter number raised between TM and frank.
- M# 701-767.
- TM: DC
- V/F: ★00 (O) ★000 (O)
- Similar to Type BB1, but with narrower spacing.
- The transaction counter number is centered between TM and frank.
- Value figures serifed.
- M# 801-1500, 1511-1800, 5001-9000.
- TM: SC
- V/F: ★000 (star hollow or solid)
- a. Top section of frank, including country name, removed. (1111)
BB3. Krag (MV).
BB4. Columbi (MV), 1938. [$50]
- Frank similar to Types BB2 and 3 but there is no transaction counter number, and spacing is very narrow.
- M# 501-511, possibly others.
- TM: SC
- V/F: 0000 (O) 000 (O) 000 (O)
NOTE: Proofs exist of meters 501 and 502 with non-standard spacing and transaction counter number in fancy frame between TM and frank or left of the town mark.
BB5. Universal "Multi-Value" (MV), 1947. [$15]
- Nearly square frank with medium spacing, ~16 mm.
- No transaction counter number.
- M# 1801-2100.
- TM: DC
- V/F: 00 (O,A) 000 (O) 0000 (O)
BB6. Pitney Bowes "Automax" (MV). [$5]
- Nearly square frank with two vertical parallel lines at each side.
- M#s in both 500 and 2000 series.
- TM: DC
- V/F: =000
BB7. Pitney Bowes "5000" (MV).
- Frank 26 x 23 mm with tall "NORGE" or “NOREG” curved at top.
- Date raised in relation to value figures.
- M# between TM and frank.
- M# in 9001-10000 and 22000-24000 series.
- TM: DC
- V/F: ≋000
- a. TM with “POSTVERKET/UTLÅNSMA- SKIN”. Temporary “loaner”
BB8. Hasler "F88" (MV), 1948. [$20]
- Nearly square frank, 25 x 27 mm.
- Medium spacing, 14-16 mm.
- When present, 5-digit transaction counter number is raised left of TM.
- M# 2101-2400, 14001-24000.
- TM: DC or nil
- V/F: ✳00 ✳000 ◇000
- a. Post Office stamp. TM contains "UNTERPOST- KONTOR”.
BB9. Pitney Bowes “6500” (MV).
- Similar to Type BB8 but frank is much wider.
- “ØRE” stacked at both sides.
- M# with “P.B.” prefix low between TM and frank.
- TM: DC
- V/F: ≋0000
BB10. Pitney Bowes "6300" (MV).
- Similar to Type BB7 but date and value figures are on same level.
- The meter number is below the frank rather than to the side.
- M# 30001-35000, 47001-50000, 54001-58000, 60001-65000, 77001 up.
- Also found with Type BB7 numbers as the older machines were replaced.
- A. Frank 26 x 23 mm
- B. Smaller frank, 22 mm square
- TM: SC or DC
- V/F: ≋000 ≋0000
BB11. Pitney Bowes "A900" (MV).
BB12. Neopost "405/505” (MV).
BB13. Neopost “Electronic” (MV).
- Similar to Type BB11 but frank slightly taller, 29/31 x 26 mm, and the date figures are slightly taller.
- TM: DC
- V/F: ≋000 ≋00.00
BB14. Neopost "205” (MV), 1972.
- Nearly square frank, 24 x 25 mm.
- Inscription letters are short and wide.
- Date figures tall.
- M# 10001-10500, 20001-22000, 50001-54000, 65001-70000.
- Spacing between TM and frank 6 mm.
- TM: DC, BIC or SC
- V/F: 000
BB15. Pitney Bowes "6900" (MV).
BB16. Pitney Bowes "6600" (MV).
- Similar to Type BB15A but value figures larger.
- Frank nearly square, 28 x 29 mm.
- TM: SC or DC
- V/F: ≋0000
GROUP C: straight "NORGE" or "NOREG" at top
[edit | edit source]Sub-group CA: "POST" below "NORGE" or "NOREG" at top, "ØRE" at bottom
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- CA1. Krag (MV).
- Upright frank, 22-23 x 31 mm.
- Value figures large, sans-serif oval.
- Small TM, 22-25 mm.
- M# 5001-9000, 15001-20000 series.
- TM: SC
- V/F: 0000
CA2. Satas (MV).
- Narrow frank, 22 x 28 mm.
- “NORGE” straight.
- Date figures tall.
- M# 12001-14000 series
- TM: SC
- V/F: 000
CA3. Postalia (MV).
- Frank 30 mm tall, variable in width from 25 to 28 mm.
- M# 10501-11000, 35001-40000.
- Value figures small and narrow.
- TM: SC, DC
- V/F: 000 0000 00000
- a. Loaner machine. TM contains “UTLANSMASKIN”
CA4. Krag (MV).
- As Type CA1B but value figures are smaller and with serifs.
- M# 5001-9000, 15001-20000 series.
- TM: SC
- V/F: ★000
CA5. Frama (MV).
- Small frank, 21-22 x 28 mm.
- Value figures thick and heavy.
- M# 11001-12000, 82001-87000 series.
- TM: DC
- V/F: 0000
CA6. Secap (MV).
- Small frank with straight-line border.
- M# 59001-60000, 75001-76000 series.
- TM: DC, SC
- V/F: 0000 00000
CA7. Francotyp-Postalia “T-1000” (digital).
- Bottom frame line broken.
- Line between "ØRE" and meter number.
- Narrow value figures printed through a mylar tape.
- M# 58001-59000
- A. Frank 27 mm tall, medium spacing
- B. Frank 29/30 mm tall, narrow spacing
- TM: SC, DC
- V/F: 00000
CA8. Pitney Bowes “PostPerfect” (digital).
- Simulated perforation border along right and bottom only.
- Two columns of numbers at right of tow mark.
- M# 78001 up.
- TM: DC
- V/F: 00000
Sub-group CB: "POST" at bottom
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CB1. Krag (MV).
- Frank without "ØRE".
- Meter number outside frank at bottom left.
- M# in 25001-30000 series.
- A. Frank 22-23 x 27-28 mm
- B. Frank 26-27 mm square
- TM: SC
- V/F: 0000 00000
CB2. Hasler "Mailmaster" (MV).
- Frank with straight-line border, 30-31 x 27 mm.
- "NORGE" at top, "POST" at bottom, both straight.
- M# in 14001-15000, 40001-49999(?), 70001-75000, 87001-90000 series.
- A. "ØRE" stacked at both sides of value figures
- B. "ØRE" stacked at left only
- TM: DC
- V/F: 0000 00000
- a. Post Office stamp. TM contains “POSTKONTOR”
- b. Loaner machine. TM contains “UTLAN”
Sub-group CC: "POSTEN" at bottom
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CC1. Hasler “Smile” (MV).
- Frank 27 mm square, with simulated perforation border.
- “POSTEN” above M# at bottom.
- M# with “ID03” prefix.
- TM: SC
- V/F: 00000
CC2. Pitney Bowes “Paragon” (MV).
- Similar in size to Type CC1 but slightly taller, 27 x 28 mm
- M# with "ID05" prefix.
- Value figures relatively small.
- TM: SC
- V/F: ≋00.00
CC3. Pitney Bowes “A900” / “B900” (MV).
CC4. Neopost "Electronic" (MV).
- Frank similar to CC3, slightly wider than tall.
- Value figures narrow.
- M# with "02" prefix.
- TM: DC with wide spacing between M and Y figures
- V/F: ≋00.00
The following meter numbers should exist as Group B or C stamps. Examples have not been seen or matched to the stamp type.
- 12001-14000 – Satas
- 41001-44000 – Hasler “F200”
- 44001-47000 – Hasler “F100”
- 80001-82000 – Postalia “PS4”
- 90001-99999 – ?
GROUP D: "POST" at top, "NORGE" at bottom
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D1. Postalia (MV), 1944. [$25]
- Upright frank, 26 x 31 mm.
- "POST" tall, centered.
- M# breaks bottom frame line.
- M#s 1501-1510
- TM: DC
- V/F: 000
- Square frank.
- "POST" small and at left.
- Value figures and "ØRE" also closer to the left.
- Meter number very small breaking the bottom frame line.
- Possibly only meter 1501.
- TM: SC
- V/F: 000
GROUP PO: Post Office machine stamps for over–the-counter mail
[edit | edit source]NOTE: See also Types BA8b, BA11a, BB8a, BB10a, and CB2a for stamps generated at Post Office counters.
Sub-group PO-A: Square frank with straight line town mark
[edit | edit source]- These stamps often but not always contain a 4-digit post code below the date.
PO-A1. Frama (MV), 1980.
- Straight-line town mark at left with "POSTVERKET" at top, town name at bottom, date and hour in center.
- Hour figures larger than date figures.
- M# 11001-12000.
- Printed in rose pink and later in brick red.
- V/F: 0000
Sub-group PO-B: Horizontal frank simulated perforation border, crown above post horn logo at top left
[edit | edit source]- These stamps often but not always contain a 4-digit post code below the date.
- The machines producing these stamps are deployed in some private businesses as well as in post offices.
PO-B1.1. Pitney Bowes “PersonalPost” (digital).
- "NORGE" characters with serifs.
- Two columns of numbers at left.
- M# with "ID050" prefix.
- V/F: ≋ 00.00 (lines in ≋ thin)
PO-B1.2. Pitney Bowes “EasyMail” (digital).
- "NORGE" characters with serifs.
- Two columns of numbers at left.
- M# with "ID051 / 056" prefix.
- V/F: ≋00.00 (lines in ≋ thick)
PO-B1.3. Pitney Bowes “DM” series (digital).
- "NORGE" characters with serifs.
- One column of numbers at left.
- M# with "ID053 / 054 / 057 / 058 / 059" prefix.
- Found in red or blue.
- a. Military use, with slogan identifying the military unit
PO-B2.1. Unidentified, probably Neopost (digital).
- "NORGE" characters sans-serif.
- Letters in "NORGE" about as tall as wide.
- Value figures fairly squat, only slightly taller than wide.
- M# with "ID040" prefix
- V/F: 000.00
PO-B3. Hasler (digital).
- "NORGE" characters sans-serif.
- Value figures tall, narrow, and thick.
- M# with "ID03" prefix.
- V/F: 000.00
PO-B4.1. Unidentified (digital).
PO-B4.2. Unidentified (digital).
PO-B5. Unidentified (digital).
Sub-group PO-C: As Sub-group PO-B but new logo, "'horns' in circle" above "posten"
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PO-C1. Unidentified, probably Neopost (digital).
- "NORGE" characters sans-serif.
- M# with "ID044 / 046 / 049" prefix.
- Found in red or blue.
- A. Frank 52-53 mm wide
- B. Wider frank at 54 mm
- V/F: 000.00
PO-C2. Unidentified (digital).
PO-C3. Unidentified (digital).
- Inscribed "NOREG", characters sans-serif.
- M# with "ID06" prefix.
- Date figures, post code, and M# quite heavy.
- V/F: 000.00
NOTE: It is presumed this stamp exists with "NORGE".
PO-C4.1. Unidentified, probably Pitney Bowes (digital).
- "NORGE" characters sans-serif.
- "1"s in the value figures are footed.
- M# with "ID056" prefix.
- V/F: 00.00
PO-C4.2. Unidentified, probably Pitney Bowes (digital).
- Similar in appearance to type PO-C3 with "NORGE" or "NOREG" in sans-serif letters and with date and value figures of similar shape.
- M# with "ID054" prefix.
- V/F: 0000.00
PO-C5. Unidentified (digital).
PO-C6. Unidentified (digital).
- As Type PO-C5 but M# with "PK17" prefix.
- One seen generated for registered mail, with large "R", bar code, and registration below the frank.
- V/F: 0000.00
GROUP PD: Post Office machine stamps for Postage Due
[edit | edit source]Inscribed "PORTO Å BETALE"
PD1. Francotyp “Cc” (MV). [$25]
PD2. Francotyp “Cc” (MV). [$10]
- Wide, nearly square frank with "PORTO/ Å BETALE" at top.
- Printed in blue.
- With 5-digit transaction counter number between TM and frank.
- M# 1477 only.
- Value figures with serifs.
- V/F: ★000
- As PD3 but frank is taller and narrower.
- With 5-digit transaction counter number between TM and frank.
- “PORTO/ A BETALE” at top.
- Value figures large oval, sans-serif.
- TM: SC
- V/F: 0000
GROUP PP: Post Office machine stamps for Parcel Post
[edit | edit source]NOTE: See also Types BA8c, and BA9a for Parcel Post stamps.
Sub-group PP-A: Franks applied to parcel post forwarding cards
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PP-A1. Anker-Werke (MV), 1925. [$35]
- Straight-line frank in violet as follows: from left, date, 4-digit transaction counter number, M# I, II or III, "OSLO", postage value.
- At far right is a colorless crown & post horn embossed sideways.
- A. Roman month (M# I and II)
- B. Month in letters (M# III)
- V/F: ★00.00
- Similar to Type PP-A1, but frank in two lines with crown & post horn and "OSLO" below date.
- 3- or 4-digit transaction counter number, —A (or H or N) —, and postage value.
- V/F: ★★★★★★0.00
- a. Without bottom line.
- Small open frank with post horn and post office name above ID number at top.
- Date, Transaction counter number and value figures across bottom.
- Year vertical.
- V/F: 0000.00
Sub-group PP-B: Large rectangular stamp with “PAKKEPOST” inscription
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PP-B1. T.I.M. (LV-?), 1950. [Extremely rare. Value uncertain]
- Large rectangular frank in two halves, one for the parcel and the other for the forwarding card.
- Printed in red on beige adhesive labels.
- Left half has large "-PORTO-/BETALT" at right, and right half has postage value at right.
- "PAKKEPOST" vertical at left.
- One machine used experimentally in 1950.
- Values seen: 1:15 , 1:80 , 2:15 , 3:50 , 4:60 , 5:30 , 5:40 , 6:20 , 6:30
NOTE: A few unused impressions exist, obtained from the machine after it was returned to England. [$100]
GROUP OO: Special stamps for Official mail used by government departments
[edit | edit source]- All stamps are inscribed "TJENESTE-MERKE", "OFFENTLIG SAK", or “O. S.”.
NOTE: See also Types BB10b and EA1.3a for stamps used for Official government (military) mail.
OO2. Francotyp "C" (MV), 1933. |
OO4. Krag (MV), 1933. |
OO5. Columbi (MV), 1938. [$25]
|
OO10. Hasler "K" (FV-8) |
Parcel Post Freight stamps
- Meter stamps used by the Norwegian State Railways on freight have a flying wheel logo at top and the inscription “NORGES STATSBANER” or “NSB” somewhere in the design. All have rectangular town marks.
- Similar freight meter stamps are used by steamship companies. They usually are inscribed “D/S ekspedition” which means the steamship agent office.
- All freight meter stamps have square TMs. They remain in use today by railways, steamships and bus companies.
Bulk mail "PORTO BETALT" stamps
- Bulk mail that was brought to post offices for franking were often stamped by what appear to be meter stamps reading "PORTO BETALT" and without postage value.
- Although these stamps were franked by meters, no actual metering (totalizing the postage generated) takes place. The meters are used as simple printers.
- Examples are shown below