United States Postage Meter Stamp Catalog/GROUP ESY – Essays

GROUP ESY: Essays

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• Meter stamps 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.
• In previous editions of the catalog essays were divided into three sub-groups based on the meter model the designs were prepared for (abandoned, eventually sanctioned, or non-USA origin). Because many essays are not associated with any particular meter model the current edition of the catalog abandons that scheme and uses one based on the developmental era in which the essays were introduced, as follows:

A.     Before meters were approved for general use in 1920 B.     Early competitive development, 1921 to 1938 C.     Later competitive development (mechanical meters), 1938 to 1990s D.     Digital meters, 1980 to date

• It is likely that more essays were created than are listed here. Most may be lost forever as meter companies went out of business and their records eventually being lost or destroyed. Others may still exist lurking in company archives or in the memorabilia of active and former employees.

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A word about Proofs. Visually they are identical to approved, issued stamps. Those generated before the stamp design was released are technically essays but are categorized 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. See the article about Essays/Specimens/Proofs in the Information for collectors section of the catalog.

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Sub-group ESY-A: Before meters were approved for general use in 1920

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Type ESY-A1 in 2001 edition

ESY-AA1. Elmer E. Wolf and William A. Scott, 1898.    [—]

In 1898, Elmer Wolf and William Scott experimented with a meter machine that was promoted as offering security from postage theft. No record could be found of it being submitted to the Post Office Department for consideration.

The illustration is from patent drawings. No actual examples of the stamp are known to exist. The stamp would have been printed on horizontal tape displaying the time, date, firm name, postage amount, and accumulated postage used. The machine was capable of printing nine different postage values.

Type ESY-A9 in 2001 edition

ESY-AA2. Elmer E. Wolf and William A. Scott, sometime between 1913 and 1920.    [RRRR]

Horizontal frameless design with ornamental line of dots and dashes above and below the following text: "UNITED STATES / POSTAGE" at top followed by "CENTS", GOOD & REESE CO", SPRINGFIELD, OHIO". Two shield ornaments containing the number 2 are at the sides. Below the ornamental line at bottom is "REGISTER" and a six-digit number.

Two examples are known, both printed in red.

Type ESY-A2 in 2001 edition

ESY-AB1.1. Pitney Postal Machine, 1901.    [RRRR]

Fancy double circle design with "UNITED STATES" at top and "POSTAGE" below inside the rings. Four-digit impression counter number in center. Outside the rings at bottom is "LICENSE 160 NUMBER". Value "TWO 2 CENTS" in ornaments at both sides.

Single denomination machine.

Only one stamp is confirmed to exist, printed in pale gray blue on cover. Two other examples are reported to exist, printed on gummed tape.

Type ESY-A3 in 2001 edition

ESY-AB1.2. Pitney Postal Machine, 1902.    [RRRR]

Similar to Pitney's 1901 circular design but the value ornaments at the sides have been moved to the bottom where they flank a panel containing the postage value spelled out. At bottom are “LICENSE / 264”.

The impression counter number is five digits rather than four.

This stamp is from a multi-denomination machine capable of printing 1, 2 and 5 cent stamps.

A. Hand-drawn image on cover (unique)

B. Die proof in black without the impression counter number, two cent stamp with one cent and five cent segments printed below the complete two cent stamp (unique)

C. Printed in red (four covers exist plus a single sheet with three die proofs with same impression counter number [45407])

D. Die proof in red without the impression counter number (one sheet with three impressions exists)

E. One cent stamp on cover (unique)

Type ESY-A4 in 2001 edition

ESY-AB2. Pitney Postal Machine, 1903.    [RRRR]

Shield shaped design with "UNITED STATES / POSTAGE" at top and "TWO (2) CENTS" at bottom. Below the shield is "LICENSE / 264". Rectangle at center contains a five-digit impression counter number.

A. The frank has three hollow circles at the sides of the shield. Two examples reported.

B. The frank has the circles filled in, possibly by colored pencil rather than a die change. One example known on cover.

Type ESY-A5 in 2001 edition

ESY-AB3. Pitney Postal Machine, 1903.    [RRRR]

Double two-lined oval design with "A PENALTY OF $300 IS FIXED / BY LAW FOR USING THIS ENVELOPE TO" in two lines at top and "AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE / ON PRIVATE MATTER." in two lines at bottom. No postage value shows. In the center is a five digit impression counter number.

This "official mail" design was submitted for a test proposed by the Post Office Department. It was rejected as too large for the small envelopes expected to be used for the trial.

It is not known how many, if any, examples of this stamp exist today.

Type ESY-A6 in 2001 edition

ESY-AC1. American Postage Meter Co., 1913.    [—]

Gummed tape with value figures at top followed by "PARCEL POST", "PERMIT 42", 4-digit impression counter number, "X.Y. CO.", "CHICAGO, ILL.", and the date.

Multi-denomination machine capable of printing 1, 2, and 5 cent values. The tapes were to be in different colors with the value figures applied in black.

The illustration was taken from patent drawings. The color is added. No actual examples of the stamp are known to exist.

Type ESY-B(AA1) in 2001 edition

ESY-AC2. American Postage Meter Co., 1913.    [—]

Shield shape design with inner rectangle very similar to Type AB1. In fact the appears to be a modification of the same die with town line changed to "CHICAGO,ILL." and with the permit number changed to a solid block. This essay is probably a transitional design toward Type AB2.

The illustration was taken from a newspaper photo. It is unlikely that actual examples exist.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-AC3.1. American Postage Meter Co. (from Arthur Pitney's personal archives), 1919.    [RRRR]

Sheet of paper with two stamp designs hand drawn in ink by Arthur Pitney. One design is circular and closely resembles essay Type ESY-AD3.2 below. The other is similar to Type ESY-AC3.3 below.

   This sheet and the others shown as Types ESY-AC3.2 through AC3.6 are all hand drawn by Mr. Pitney. Only one of each exists.

   All the AC3 series of essays include "CERTIFIED POSTAGE" in their designs. The use of this phrase was unlikely to have meant Certified Mail service but instead to identify the stamps as actual postage. At the time Pitney created these designs he was struggling to convince skeptical U.S. postal officials that a stamp from a postage meter could be trusted and reliable.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-AC3.2. American Postage Meter Co. (A is from Arthur Pitney's personal archives. B is pinned to a letter written by Pitney investor Harry G. Seger mailed to Walter Bowes in 1919.), 1919.    [RRRR]

These essays were hand drawn by Arthur Pitney.

Triple concentric circle design with all circles double lined. At top are “U.S. CERTIFIED / POSTAGE”. At center is the date and time. At the sides are two small circles containing the number “2”.

A. Drawn in ink on small sheet, "TWO CENTS PAID / NEW YORK, N.Y." at bottom. In lines below the frank: "PERMIT NO. 1946 / METER NO. 3275 / HUDSON TERM."

B. Drawn in pencil on small sheet, "CENTS PAID / WASHINGTON D.C." at bottom. In lines below the frank: "PERMIT NO. 3912 / METER NO. 6978". Pitney penned a note on this sheet, "I didn't have time to ink this one, but you can see how it would look. A.H.P.".

Only single examples of A and B are known to exist.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-AC3.3. American Postage Meter Co. (from Arthur Pitney's personal archives), 1919.    [RRRR]

Horizontal rectangle with top and bottom extensions, long at left, short at right. In ribbons at top and bottom are “CERTIFIED POSTAGE” (‘’top’’) and “CHICAGO ILL.” (‘’bottom’’). In the center are “TWO CENTS PREPAID” above an inner rectangle containing the date and time. At both sides are small circles contain the number “2”. In the corners are “U” at left and “S” at right.

Hand drawn by Arthur Pitney.

One sheet exists.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-AC3.4. American Postage Meter Co. (from Arthur Pitney's personal archives), 1919.    [RRRR]

Horizontal rectangle with six long line extensions at right. In the rectangle are curved “CERTIFIED POSTAGE” at top and “WASHINGTON D.C.” at bottom. At center is a large shaded “2”. Through the center is “TWO CENTS PREPAID”. At left of the large “2” are “P.” above “M”, and at right are “1946” above “375”. In the upper corners are “U” and “S”. Each lower corner contains the number “2”. At left is a single circle town mark reading "WASHINGTON D.C." at top and "STA. D" at bottom.

Hand drawn by Arthur Pitney.

One sheet exists.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-AC3.5. American Postage Meter Co. (from Arthur Pitney's personal archives), 1919.    [RRRR]

Very similar to Type ESY-AC3.4 but without the large shaded “2” in the center. The curved line at bottom reads “TWO CENTS PAID”. The permit and meter numbers are larger and in the center. At the center of both sides are circled “2”s. In the left corners are “U”s and in the right corners are “S”s.

Hand drawn by Arthur Pitney.

One sheet exists.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-AC3.6. American Postage Meter Co. (from Arthur Pitney's personal archives), 1919.    [RRRR]

Similar to Type AC3.3 but with top and bottom extensions going out to the edges of the sheet at both sides. In wavy text at top are “CERTIFIED POSTAGE / TWO CENTS PREPAID” and “WASHINGTON, D.C.” at bottom. In the center are large “2”s flanking the date and time. In the upper corners are “U” and “S”. In the lower corners are “^.U^.S^.”. At bottom center is a curved line ornament. Below the rectangle are “PERMIT N^o 3742” above “METER N^o 322”.

Hand drawn by Arthur Pitney.

One sheet exists.

Type ESY-A7 in 2001 edition

ESY-AD1.1. The Universal Stamping Machine Company (Walter Bowes), 1918.    [RRRR]

Double circle design with "NEW YORK, N.Y." at top and "HUDSON TERM. STA." at bottom. A barbell shaped panel traversing the design below center had a "1" at each end and "U.S. POSTAGE / ONE CENT" in the center. Above the barbell are "1" above the date and time. Below the barbell is "P. 184".

Printed in green.

This stamp along with Type ESY-AD1.2 were enclosed in a mailing of 5000 to Universal stock holders. Only ten examples are known to exist today, all with date "NOV 30-18".

NOTE: Two examples of ESY-AD1.1 and one of ESY-AD1.2 are on covers with corner card of the Universal Stamping Machine Company. They are probably from 1918. All the others known have corner card of The Postage Meter Company and are from the 1920 mailing.

Type ESY-A8 in 2001 edition

ESY-AD1.2. The Universal Stamping Machine Company (Walter Bowes), 1918.    [RRRR]

Double circle design with "WASHINGTON, D.C." at top and "CENTS" at bottom. At both sides of "CENTS" are two small circles containing the number "2". In the center are "U.S. POSTAGE / 2 / date / time / "P.184".

Printed in red.

Only eight examples are known to exist today, all with date "SEP 30-18".

See the NOTE following Type ESY-AD1.1.

Type ESY-A10 in 2001 edition

ESY-AE1.1. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company) (Walter Bowes), 1920.    [RRRR]

The frank consists of seven horizontal wavy lines with text interlaced: "FIRST-CLASS MAIL / POSTAGE 2c PAID / P. No.2327". At left, reading up, is the meter number. Two meter numbers known:

A. M-2753 in black on irregular sheet    [One example reported]

B. M.2758 in red    [Two examples reported, one on unaddressed cover and one cut-out]

This stamp design was used in the demonstration of the Model "M" meter for the Post Office Department in 1920. The machine was approved, but the stamp design was changed to a square with wavy lines at the sides, Type B1 in this catalog.

Double circle town mark reads "NEW YORK, N.Y." at top and "HUDSON TERM. STA." at bottom.

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Sub-group ESY-B: Early competitive development, 1920 to 1938

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Type ESY-B(BA1) in 2001 edition

ESY-BA1. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1920.    [RRRR]

This is a prototype design that led to the first commercial meter stamp design, Type B1. It looks like a permit stamp of the time with "PERMIT" and number removed from the bottom and "P.40" penned into the vacant spot. Meter number "M.1031" reads up vertically at right.

One example known, 8 cent value without town mark.

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BA2.1. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company) (from Arthur Pitney's personal archives), 1921.    [RRRR]

This hand drawn essay was dashed off by Arthur Pitney as he began thinking about a stamp design to replace the square (Group B) frank which the Post Office Department disliked due to its close resemblance to non-metered permit stamps of the day.

The top and bottom ribbons evolved into the oval frank found in Group C.

One sheet exists.

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BA2.2. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1921.    [RRRR]

This is another Arthur Pitney hand drawn essay, this one more structured than Type ESY-BA2.1 and also more closely resembling the oval design (Sub-group CA) that it was leading to.

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BA2.3. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1921.    [RRRR]

This is one of six two cent essays printed in white on blue paper (as a blueprint) that were produced in Pitney Bowes' efforts to come up with an acceptable replacement for the square Group B design.

Dated June 28, 1921 this one is a double oval inside a rectangular frame which itself is in a larger frame of straight lines at top and bottom that extend outward at the sides. Vertical columns of small circles are at each side. Smaller lines extending outward at the sides were added by hand in dark ink. "UNITED STATES" is spelled out at top, "M.1946" and "P.326" are in the lwoer corners.

One sheet is known.

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BA2.4. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1921.    [RRRR]

This essay is similar to Type ESY-BA2.3 but without the outer frame although with the dark lines added by hand at the sides.

"U." and "S." are in the upper corners. "M.1205" and "P.362" are in the lower corners.

Dates August 25, 1921.

One sheet is known.

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BA2.5. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1921.    [RRRR]

The design resembles Pitney's hand draws essay ESY-BA2.1 with ribbons at top and bottom containing "CERTIFIED POSTAGE" and "TWO CENTS PAID".

Double circle town mark at left.

Dated August 26, 1921.

One sheet is known.

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BA2.6. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1921.    [RRRR]

This design is a return to the double oval inside a rectangular frame and closely resembles Type ESY-BA2.4 except it has "U.S. POSTAGE" across the top and has a hollow bar-like ornament at bottom.

"M.2104" and "P.1527" are in the lower corners.

Dated September 2, 1921.

One sheet is known.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA2.7. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1921.    [RRRR]

Nearly identical to ESY-BA2.6 but the line extensions at the sides are machine printed in white rather than added by hand.

Dated September 2, 1921.

Two sheets are known.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA2.8. Arthur Pitney, 1924.    [RRRR]

Similar to Types ESY-BA2.6 and -BA2.7 but the oval reads [value] CENTS PAID at top, and NEW YORK, N.Y.” at bottom. “STA. D.” at bottom center. Value figure circles contain only the numeral.

No actual examples are known. The illustration is from a patent filed by Arthur Pitney in April 1922 and published December 2, 1924, U.S. patent number 1517248.

The patent indicates the design was for a fixed value machine capable of printing five values, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 cents.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA2.9. Arthur Pitney, 1925.    [RRRR]

Frank designed for a parcel post meter. Frank with double line outer border. “U.S. POSTAGE” and “PERMIT No. 2188” at top. “METER No 1092” and “SAN FRANCISCO CALIF.” at bottom. At center left is a circle containing “PAID 035 CENTS”. At center right is the date “MAY 22-22”.

No actual examples are known. The illustration is from a patent filed by Arthur Pitney in 1922 and published March 24, 1925, U.S. patent number 1530852.

The patent indicates the design was for a 3-bank multi-value machine capable of printing values presumably from 001 to 999.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA2.10. Arthur Pitney, 1925.    [RRRR]

(FV-3) The frank is similar to BA2.8 but includes elements of BA2.9 (double line outer border, and value circle at left and date at right center). “METER No” is spelled out.

No actual examples are known. The illustration is from a patent filed by Arthur Pitney in 1923 and published October 13, 1925, U.S. patent number 1557086.

The patent indicates the design was for a fixed value machine capable of printing three values.

Type ESY-A12 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA3. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1926.    [RRRR]

Double circle with "barbell" very similar to a two cent version of Type ESY-AD1.1 but with the barbell higher.

"NEW YORK" is at top and "N. Y." is at bottom. The date is above the barbell and "P.1" and the meter number are below.

Meter number: "METER NO. 502"

Printed in red.

Due to its similarity to Types ESY-AD1.1 and ESY-AD1.2 it is possible this essay was made around the same time and inscribed with a future date.

Type ESY-B(CA2)3 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA4.1. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1932.    [RRRR]

Essays BA4.1 through BA4.4 are trial designs generated in an attempt to come up with a way to change the postage value of single denomination Model M meters without having to replace the entire stamp die.

This is a 2 cent Type CA2.2 frank with "THREE CENTS PAID" added in large letters below.

Meter number 5294.

Undated.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA4.2. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1932.

This is Type CA1.2 with "CTS 3 PD" added by hand in red ink below "PERMIT".

Meter number 5726.

Undated.

Four examples known.

Type ESY-B(CA2)1 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA4.3. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1932.

This is a combination of Types ESY-BA4.1 and -BA4.2, "THREE CENTS PAID" added below the frank and with a three cent slug below PERMIT, in this case applied with a metal slug rather than hand drawn.

A. "PD 3 CTS" below PERMIT, meter number 7823    [RRRR]

B. "Pd 3 Cts" below PERMIT, meter number 2488    [R]

Type ESY-B(CA1) in 2001 edition

ESY-BA4.4. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1932.    [RRRR]

Similar to a Specimen of Type CA1.1 with "SAMPLE" applied diagonally across the frank but with "1^CT X PD" inside the town mark.

Meter and permit numbers "0000".

Dated November 20, 1932.

Value:    2+1 cent

Type ESY-B(CK1) in 2001 edition

ESY-BA4.5. Pitney Bowes (The Postage Meter Company), 1944.    [RRRR]

Although long past the time when Pitney Bowes was searching for a way to add a surcharge slug to fixed value Model M oval stamp dies this Type CA4 stamp has "Adl. 1¢ Pd." slug inside the town mark.

It is anomalous also because the CA4 stamp was produced by a limited value Model "CVS" machine rather than the fixed value Model M.

Meter number 9654.

Dated January 2, 1944.

Essays in the ESY-BA5 series (-BA5.1 through -BA5.13) were created for Pitney Bowes' Model HX meter. Each of the thirteen essays exists either as a hand-drawn image in pencil or ink on tracing paper mounted on card or drawn directly on the card stock in ink. These large essays measure approximately 3½ by 3¾ inches in size. Five of the designs were converted into metal dies which were used to print normal size stamps with town mark.

The purpose of these essays is not fully understood. The HX model first came into use in 1932, but the metal die ESY-BA5 essays have year date 1938. The HX model was old technology by that date. It is possible the year date is random and the essays were created in 1932 while working toward an appropriate design for the HX machine. Another possibility is that the dateless engineering drawings were created in 1932 but the steel die printed stamps were produced years later as souvenirs or for another purpose. All the metal die stamps have town mark "EL PASO / TEXAS" and are dated April 11, May 3, or May 11 1938.

Type ESY-B(DE3)5 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.1. Pitney Bowes "HX", 1938.    [——]

Essay labeled "HX-1" has eagle at top with "UNITED" and "STATES" in ribbons below the wings. In large solid characters in the center are "POSTAGE / 3 / CENTS". At bottom is the meter number. The frank frame is elaborate with leafy flourishes at the sides.

A. Large engineering drawing of frank with "HX-1" below    [RRRR]

B. Full impression with town mark, printed from a metal die    [RRR]

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.2. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-2" has eagle's head only at top with "UNITED" and "STATES" in small panels at the sides. Large "POSTAGE" is in a ribbon above a solid "3" in the center with "CENTS" below. At bottom is the meter number.

The frank frame is elaborately detailed with flourishes and rays at the sides.

The stamp exists only as a large engineering drawing with no meter die known to have been made.

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Type Type ESY-B(DE3)1 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.3. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-3" has "UNITED STATES" in a curved ribbon at top with "POSTAGE" immediately below. The letters in "POSTAGE" are negative with shadows and appear in a frame with vertically lined background. At the center is a "3" in oval with cross-hatched background. Below is "CENTS", curved in an elaborate frame. Framed at bottom is the meter number.

A. Large engineering drawing of frank with "HX-3" below    [RRRR]

B. Full impression with town mark, printed from a metal die    [RRR]

Shown below is a close-up of the die printed frank showing more of the detail.

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.4. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-4" is similar to ESY-BA5.3 but has 4 cent value. "POSTAGE", "4", and

"CENTS" are negative against a solid background. Instead of a simulated-perforation border the stamp has elaborate leaf-like ornaments at the sides.

The stamp exists only as a large engineering drawing with no metal die made.

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Type ESY-B(DE3)2 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.5. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-5" is similar to ESY-BA5.3 but has an overall background of vertical lines. "POSTAGE", "3", and

"CENTS" are solid against clear backgrounds.

A. Large engineering drawing of frank with "HX-5" below    [RRRR]

B. Full impression with town mark, printed from a metal die    [RRR]

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.6. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-6" is very similar to ESY-BA5.4 and has leaf-like side ornaments rather than a simulated-perforation outer border. "POSTAGE", "4", and "CENTS" are solid against clear backgrounds.

The stamp exists only as a large engineering drawing with no metal die made.

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.7. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-7" is a leafy frank as BA5.6 but with simulated-perforation outer frame line.

The stamp exists only as a large engineering drawing with no metal die made.

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.8. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-8" has straight "U.S.POSTAGE" in panel at top and the meter number in a scroll at bottom. The central area is shaped like a four-lobed oval containing large value figure ".02 with "AMOUNT" above and "PAID" below.

The stamp exists only as a large engineering drawing with no metal die made.

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.9. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-9" is similar to ESY-BA5.8 except "U.S.POSTAGE" is curved, and the ornaments surrounding the central oval is somewhat simplified.

The stamp exists only as a large engineering drawing with no metal die made.

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Type ESY-B(DE3)4 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.10. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-10" is greatly simplified from the previous -BA5 essays and is the first to resemble the approved stamp found in Sub-group DE. The stamp has simulated-perforation outer frame with straight inner frame lines. At top the letters of "U.S.POSTAGE" are arced, taller at the ends than in the center. The letters of "AMOUNT" and "PAID" are also arced although inversely. The central oval area has a much lighter but still ornamental frame.

A. Large engineering drawing of frank with "HX-10" below    [RRRR]

B. Full impression with town mark but no value figure, printed from a metal die    [RRR]

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.11. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-11" is very similar to ESY-BA5.10 but has vertical lined background below the central oval which has a slightly different ornamental frame. The letters of "AMOUNT" and "PAID" are all the same size.

A. Large engineering drawing of frank with "HX-11" below    [RRRR]

B. Full impression with town mark, printed from a metal die    [RRR]

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.12. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-12" is also very similar to ESY-BA5.10 but the inner frame surrounding the central oval is quite different and more a true oval shape.

The stamp exists only as a large engineering drawing with no metal die made.

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA5.13. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

Essay labeled "HX-13" closely resembles ESY-BA5.7 but "POSTAGE", "3", and "CENTS" are negative against solid backgrounds.

The stamp exists only as a large engineering drawing with no metal die made.

NOTE: See the statement above ESY-BA5.1.

Type ESY-B(DE1) in 2001 edition

ESY-BA6. Pitney Bowes. 1932?    [RRRR]

The frank is a Specimen version of a Sub-group DE stamp but it has a double circular town mark with "RETURN POSTAGE. / PREPAID" between the rings.

Meter number 00000

Postage value .02

Type ESY-B(FA)1 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA7. Pitney Bowes, 1930.    [RRRR]

This is an early trial design for Pitney Bowes' first omni-denomination machines, the Model J, which first came into use in July 1933. It has a rectangular frank and separate town mark with an impression counter number between. The frank includes a central oval inner frame around the value figures.

Two impressions are known, one dated October 25, 1930 and the other dated April 12, 1932. Both have town mark "WASHINGTON / D.C." and value figures:    0 00 :

Meter number 000000

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BA8.1. Pitney Bowes.   [RRRR]

Another trial design for the Model J omni-denomination meter, this one has no separate town mark and is a horizontal rectangle with simulated-perforation border with the town line ("WASHINGTON, D.C.") at the bottom. "U.S.POSTAGE" is curved at top between "U" and "S" in the upper corners, both letters bisected by horizontal bar containing a dash. At left is an oval containing the value figures with "AMOUNT" and "PAID" protruding at top and bottom. The right side of the inner oval is open to a shield ornament containing "METER" at top with a diagonal panel containing "E 12345". Date and impression counter number at center and right.

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BA8.2. Pitney Bowes, 1931.   [RRRR]

Very similar to ESY-BA8.1 this stamp has slightly different ornaments in the center, most notable in the absence of a curl above the "W" of "WASHINGTON".

Meter number E-00000

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA8.3. Pitney Bowes 1930.   [RRRR]

Similar to previous ESY-BA8 types but narrower design with "U.S. POSTAGE" straight rather than curved. The oval surrounding the value figures does not have protrusions above "POSTAGE" and below "PAID" and has an ornamental line at left. The shield containing the meter number is a different shape.

Meter number E12345

Type ESY-B(FB6) in 2001 edition

ESY-BA9. Pitney Bowes, 1934.   [RRRR]

This essay is very similar to the issued stamp (Sub-group FB) but instead of a single-line date it has the date, time, and year in three lines.

One example known with straight town line "NEW YORK / N. Y.", meter number 000000, dated October 5, 1934.

Type ESY-B(GA2) in 2001 edition

ESY-BA10.1. Pitney Bowes, 1935.    [RRRR]

The stamp is very similar to Type GA2 but the legs of the eagle are resting on a curved base rather than a straight horizontal line. The stars above the eagle's head are slightly smaller than in the issued stamp.

Meter number 00000

Type ESY-B(GB3) in 2001 edition

ESY-BA10.2. Pitney Bowes, 1938.    [RRRR]

The stamp is a preliminary design leading up to Type GB2.1. It differs from GB2.1 in that the background is filled with straight lines and and the eagle has three stars over its head.

Meter number 00000

Type ESY-A17 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA11.1. Pitney Bowes, 1934.    [RRRR]

Trial design for a U.S. Internal Revenue distilled spirits revenue stamp.

Wide tape with Eagle with wings spread inside circle in center with ribbons going off to both sides containing "U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE" at left and "DISTILLED SPIRITS" at right. Beneath the ribbons are "BOTTLE STAMP" and date at left and "METER 0000 / ½ Pt. / TAX PAID" at right. At the far ends are ornamented panels both containing "—THE— / RICHARD ROE / DISTILLING CO. / BALTIMORE MD."

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA11.2. Pitney Bowes, 1935.    [RRRR]

Sample design prepared for state government treasury agencies.

Yellow tape with serrated edges containing two-part design.

At left in a frameless circular design with scrolls at top and bottom are "LIQUOR" / value figures / "TAX PAID".

At right in a frameless oval design with scrolls are "STATE OF AMERICA / LICENSE 000" at top and "METER 0000 / TREASURY DEPT" at bottom. Between the two are the date at left and "EVERYONE'S / WHOLESALE / SUPPLY CO INC." at right.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA11.3. Pitney Bowes, 1936.    [RRRR]

Another sample design prepared for state government treasury agencies.

The two-part frank is similar but smaller that ESY-A19 and is printed on plain tape with serrated edges.

At left in ornamental frame are "STATE / OF / AMERICA" with date below.

At right in similar ornamental frame are "LIQUOR / PAID / TAX" with value figures below.

At far left reading up is "LIC No. 139".

V/F: . 00 :

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BA11.4. Pitney Bowes, 1936.    [RRRR]

Here is a third sample design prepared for state government treasury agencies.

As ESY-A20 printed on plain serrated tape.

The design is in two parts. At left are the date and "LICENSE 24" reading up with ornamental wavy line at right and bottom.

At right is an ornamental wavy line rectangle containing "STATE OF AMERICA" in arc above "TAX PAID" stacked at left and the value figures at center. At far left reading up is an impression counter number.

V/F: . 00 :

Type ESY-A23 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA12.1. Pitney Bowes, 1936.    [RRRR]

Essay design prepared for the U.S. Social Security system that became law in 1935.

Square frank with simulated perforation border. Inscribed at top "SOCIAL INSURANCE / PREMIUM PAID" and at bottom "AGENCY OF / GOVERNMENT". Stacked at the sides are "P B METER OOOO" at left and "undecipherable(LICENSE?) 0000" at right.

V/F: 0 00

Type ESY-A24 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA12.2. Pitney Bowes, 1936.    [RRRR]

This is a second design prepared for the U.S. Social Security system.

Square frank as with ESY-A22 but inscribed at top "SOCIAL INSURANCE / AGENCY OF / GOVERNMENT" and at bottom "PREMIUM PAID / P.B.METER 0000 / LICENSE 0000" with nothing at the sides. The month and year appear below the bottom frame line.

V/F: .00

NOTE. The illustrations for ESY-BA12.1 and ESY-BA12.2 are taken from The Insurance Stamp Pass Book System by W.F. Bernart, Jr. of Pitney Bowes, 1926-1937. Actual examples of the essays may not exist.

Type ESY-A25 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA13. Pitney Bowes, 1937.    [RRRR]

Trial design prepared for a federal stock transfer stamp.

Horizontal rectangle with simulated perforation outer border and with column ornaments at both sides. At left are the value figures above "TAX PAID" and at center is a double oval frame with "DOCUMENTARY" at top, "STOCK TRANSFER" at bottom, and with the date in the center. Below the double oval is "P.B. METER 546". At right is a vertical transaction counter number reading down. Small squares in each corner contain the letters U, S, I and R.

V/F: 00 00

Type ESY-A25 in 2001 edition

ESY-BA14. Pitney Bowes, 1936.    [RRRR]

Trial design leading up to and nearly identical to Mailomat Type PV-A1 differing only in the town name and meter number which is 7261 instead of 100.

The stamp appeared in early 1936 several months before Mailomat 100 was placed into service.

Six examples have been documented on unaddressed covers, all with the fictional "Woodmont Hotel" slogan shown here.

V/F: 00

Type ESY-A11 in 2001 edition

ESY-BB1. Mack Postograph Company, 1921.    [RRRR]

Square frame with seven long straight lines extending from the left side. Inside the frame: "U.S.POSTAGE / PAID / 2 / CENT / PERMIT N^o 8".

At left is a double circle town mark ("SAN FRANCISCO / CAL.")

Between the town mark and the frank is meter number 00147 reading up.

A. Hand drawn stamp with double line double circle town mark, dated APR 20 1921

B. Machine printed stamp with single line double circle town mark, dated APR 25 1921

The design was rejected because the Post Office Department had already abandoned the square (Group B) indicia in favor of the oval (Group C) design.

Type ESY-B(CC1) in 2001 edition

ESY-BB2. Mack Postograph Company, 1922.    [RRRR]

Prototype design leading up to Type CC1. The stamp is as Type CC1 except the lines emanating from the sides of the oval are straight rather than curved.

Two cent meter no. 231, permit number 25

Town mark reads "LOS ANGELES / CALIF/"

Type ESY-B(BA2) in 2001 edition

ESY-BC1. Mail-O-Meter, 1921.    [RRRR]

The stamp closely resembles Type B1, Pitney Bowes' first stamp approved for general use. The most obvious different is that the meter number, reading up between the town mark and frank, has "MN^o" prefix instead of the single letter "M".

Five different machines were used to print the essays:

A. MN^o 0001, PERMIT 1, 2 cents

B. MN^o 0002, PERMIT 2, 1 cent

C. MN^o 0003, PERMIT 3, 2 cents

D. MN^o 0004, PERMIT 4, 1 cent

E. MN^o 0005, PERMIT 5, 2 cents

Five sets of five stamps on covers are known to exist.

The design was abandoned after the Post Office Department decided the square indicia was inadequate and that an oval frank would replace it.

Type ESY-B(CB1) in 2001 edition

ESY-BC2. Mail-O-Meter, 1922.    [RRRR]

This is a preliminary oval meter design leading to Type CB1. It differs from CB1 in that the center contains "PAID / TWO CENTS / METER NO. / 0005" with "PERMIT" and a solid block in the lower panel. The lines at the sides sweep up rather than down as they do with CB1.

Two examples of this stamp are known, one on an unaddressed cover and the other on an addressed cover. Both stamps have the same date and time, September 8, 1922, 11:30 am, and the addressed cover has return address in New York City although the meter stamp shows "DETROIT / MICH." which is where Mail-O-Meter was located. These facts make it unlikely that the addressed cover was actually mailed.

Type ESY-C1 in 2001 edition

ESY-BD1. The Automatic Franking Machine Co. Ltd. (AFM) model "E", 1921.    [RRRR]

A sheet exists with several essay designs prepared by Ernest Moss of New Zealand, founder of AFM. The company had considerable success in its home country and in 1921 prepared to expand business into the rest of the world. Two Moss machines were shipped to England that were to be forwarded to the U.S. for testing, but that was never done.

The stamps are upright straight-line rectangles with small breaks low at the sides. At the bottom below the breaks is the town name. Small squares in the upper corners show the postage value. At center is a circled meter number with "POSTAGE" curved over "PAID" above and the postage amount spelled out below.

The sheet contains two sets of essays prepared for the U.S. Each set consists of 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 cent stamps printed in black. The set with meter number 1 has town name "WASHINGTON". The other set has meter number 2 and town name "NEW YORK". The full sheet is shown at right.

Other examples of these essays may exist.

Type ESY-C2 in 2001 edition

ESY-BE1.1. Universal Postal Frankers "NZ", 1923.    [RRRR]

Rectangular indicia with simulated-perforation outer border. Underlined "U.S.POSTAGE" is curved above a large shield in the center. Postage value "2c" appears in the lower corners. At center is a very small circle containing meter number 37.

The town mark is a single circle with wavy line extensions at the sides. It reads "LONDON / W.C.2".

This essay and the two following were produced in England and probably never traveled to the U.S.

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BE1.2. Universal Postal Frankers "Special Midget", 1924.    [RRRR]

Similar to Type ESY-BE1.1 but "U.S.POSTAGE" is not underlined, and the shield is smaller.

Meter number 9999 is in a small oval above the center. The postage value "2 CENTS 2" appears in a barbell ornament at bottom.

Date figures are very small.

Town mark reads "LONDON / W.1".

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BE1.3. Universal Postal Frankers "Midget", 1926.    [RRRR]

Very similar to Type ESY-BE1.2 but the meter number "3" is in a larger circle at center.

The town mark, reading "SPECIMEN / ONLY", has no wavy lines at the sides.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BF1. Whitlock, 1924.    [RRRR]

This is a typical oval stamp design except for the inscriptions. At top is "R.G.WHITLOCK" and at bottom is "SAMPLE INDICIA". In the center are "PRESS / No.19 / PATND. / 6/26/17". Double circle town mark reads "LOS ANGELES / CALIF."

Three impressions are known, one on an official Los Angeles Post Office Department envelope, and two on opposite corners of a plain envelope. All the stamps have the same date, July 22, 1924. The stamps have the appearance of a rubber hand stamp impression and may not have been produced by a meter.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BF2.1, Whitlock (William J. Pearson), 1928.    [—]

This is a design found on a patent filed by William J. Pearson in 1928. Although no connection with Mr. Pearson and Whitlock could be found the design is obviously a precursor to Type ESY-BF2.2 below which came from Whitlock. Either Pearson worked for Whitlock or Whitlock obtained the patent from him.

Shown reduced at lower right is the illustration as taken directly from the patent drawings. Shown above it is the illustration modified by the removal of the outer rectangle which is not part of the stamp.

The frank consists of four plain rectangles containing the ZONE and number, weight, postage, and "POSTAGE / PAID" respectively with "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" spelled out above. Below the four boxes are two lines of text:

"METER No.______ PERMIT No._____"

"METERED PARCEL POST MAIL"

With double circle town mark at left reading "LOS ANGELES / CALIF"

No actual examples of the stamp are known to exist.

Type ESY-A13 in 2001 edition

ESY-BF2.2. Whitlock 1930.    [RRRR]

This stamp is almost identical to Type ESY-BF2.1 except for the removal of the boxes around the central elements. Instead of lines after "METER No." and "PERMIT No., three zeros appear.

Type ESY-A16 in 2001 edition

ESY-BF3. Whitlock / National Postal Meter, sometime between 1930 and 1933.    [RRRR]

Square indicia with simulated-perforation outer border resembling Type DB through DD franks. The inner frames around the value figures are nearly square rather than round.

One set of impressions, without town mark, showing 1, 2, 3, 10, 50 cent, and one dollar values is known.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BG1. National Cash Register, 1925.    [RRRR]

Group C-like oval design inscribed "INTERNATIONAL" at top and "GENERAL ELECTRIC" at bottom.

Inside the side circles are script "G" and "E".

This appears to be an essay prepared for use as an internal control stamp for General Electric, but it shows that NCR was thinking of postage meters as early as 1925.

One example known affixed to a large photograph of the machine that produced the stamp.

Type ESY-B(DA1)1 in 2001 edition

ESY-BH1. Universal "Midget", 1927.    [RRRR]

This strip of three stamps (6, 2, and 1 cents) is a preparatory design leading to Type DA1. It differs from the issued stamp by having indented rather than vertical sides and straight-line rather than simulated-perforation outer border.

"U.S. POSTAGE" in both top and bottom panels.

Meter number 145, same as the issued stamp.

Type ESY-A14 in 2001 edition

ESY-BJ1. Ohmer Fare Register Company, 1930.    [RRRR]

Tape with frameless text-only format divided in left and right halves and with a line of data across the bottom.

At left are "PERMIT / NO. 1 / ISSUED TO / Ohmer Fare Reg. Co. / DAYTON, OHIO.

At right are "POSTAGE FOR / AMOUNT AS / SPECIFIED / BELOW" with vertical reading down "Met. No. 1991" at far right.

Across the bottom are the date, postal clerk ID number, type of service, postage amount, and an impression counter number.

This stamp is from an omni-denomination parcel post franking machine that may have been approved by the Post Office Department but which was never placed into use.

Type ESY-A15 in 2001 edition

ESY-BJ2. Ohmer Fare Register Company, 1931.    [RRRR]

Similar to Type ESY-A15 but with double circle town mark and oval meter stamp design forming the two halves.

The inside of the oval contains "PERMIT ' No. 5 / OFR METER / NO. 1991".

The line across the bottom contains the date, zone, weight, mail service, value figures, and an impression counter number.

The stamp appears to be from the same omni-denomination parcel post franking machine that produced stamp ESY-A15. Although the meter was never placed into use in the United States Ohmer Fare was successful in getting it placed in a post office in South Africa where it was trialed for a short time.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-BK1. Continental Postage Meter Company, 1930.    [—]

In 1930 Luther Mack (founder of Mack Postograph Company) applied for a patent (approved and issued in 1935) for a limited-value postage meter. At the time Mack was probably working for the Continental Postage Meter Company which had acquired Mack Postograph in 1928. The patent illustration shows a strip of stamps that appear nearly identical to Type DB1.1 except for using "METER N^o" instead of "METER NO." as a prefix. Shown are three different stamp values, 2, 3, and 5 cents, plus an empty dashed square probably indicating that the machine could insert another value in that spot.

Double circle town mark reading "LOS ANGELES / CALIF." with single line date

No actual prints of the stamp are known to exist.

Type ESY-B(DH1) in 2001 edition

ESY-BL1. International Postal Supply, 1931.    [RRRR]

This essay closely resembles Type DD1 except for the "N^o" prefix to the meter number. The issued design has "NO." prefix.

The most distinguishing feature is the very narrow spacing between the rings of the town mark.

2 cent value, meter number 0000

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BM1. Francotyp "C" (Germany), 1932.    [RRRR]

Upright rectangle with simulated-perforation border. "U.S.POSTAGE" with curved bottom at top, meter number 000000 very small at bottom. At center is a double oval with indented sides and "CENTS" above and "PAID" below. The space between the town mark and frank is wide and contains an impression counter number over a slogan, in this case "You see more and more Metered Mail".

The town mark reads "SPECIMEN".

Value figures:    000

Type XXX in 2001 edition

ESY-BM2. Francotyp "Automat No 3", 1933.    [RRRR]

The frank is identical to ESY-BM1 but has two bank value figures:    00

The town mark is closely spaced to the frank.

Only a single example of this stamp is known. It appears on an archival card discarded by Francotyp years after the essay was produced.

---

Sub-group ESY-C: Later competitive development (mechanical meters), 1938 to 1990s

---

Type ESY-B(PO-IA4) in 2001 edition

ESY-CA1.1. Pitney Bowes, 1939.    [RRRR]

Similar to Type PO-A6.3 but the frank has "PAID" below "U.S. POSTAGE".

Another difference is that the meter number (P.O.107914) is preceded by "P.O.

V/F: ≋ 00 :

Type ESY-B(IA1) in 2001 edition

ESY-CA1.2. Pitney Bowes, 1939.    [RRRR]

Very similar to Type IA1 but the value figures are much taller and have serifs. They are similar to the value figures found with Type GB2.1.

Another difference is that the meter number (100009) has "METER NO" above it rather than just "METER".

V/F: . 00 :

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-CA1.3. Pitney Bowes, 1960.    [RRRR]

Specimen version of Type IA4.1 with the line above the meter number extended to the right clipping off the bottom of the value box. "PITNEY-BOWES" is added by hand in colored pencil below this line.

A. Large "PITNEY-BOWES" only

B. "PITNEY-BOWES" with "METER" above "000000" at left

V/F: ≋ 00 :

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-CA2.1. Pitney Bowes, 1949.    [RRRR]

This essay and the next appear to be remnants of an abandoned attempt to update the eagle design used with Group I meter stamps.

The eagle's wings are wavy and its head looks upward. "U.S. POSTAGE" is embedded in the wing at right. Below that wing are the value figures, unboxed, with three stars stacked at right.

Meter number P.B. 113797

V/F: ≋.00 :

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-CA2.2. Pitney Bowes, 1949.    [RRRR]

As ESY-CA2.1 but the eagle's head is backed by an arc or radiating lines and its wings are simplified. The value figures have a line at bottom and five stacked stars at right.

The town mark has a leafy border at bottom

Meter number P.B. 000000

V/F: ≋.00 :

Type ESY-B(IB)1 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.1. Pitney Bowes, 1941.    [RRRR]

This is the earliest dated essay of a series of seven (through ESY-CA3.7) prepared for the small "DM" (Desk Model) meter first seen franking live mail in October 1942.

"U.S. POSTAGE" extends across the top of the entire frank which has no outer frame lines except for a vertical line at right of the value figures. The rimless town mark has arcs connecting "STAMFORD" at top and "CONN." at bottom.

Meter number: "P.B. METER" above 000000

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)6 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.2. Pitney Bowes, 1942.    [RRR]

Rectangular frank with simulated-perforation outer border and a background of straight horizontal lines. Empty circular town mark at left. At right is "U.S. POSTAGE" above the value box containing "PAID" at top. "METER / NO. / 200002" breaks the background lines at bottom center. Small "PB" at lower left.

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)4 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.3. Pitney Bowes, 1942.    [RRR]

The frank is slightly taller and narrower than with ESY-CA3.2 and it has no background lines. At center is an eagle looking right with its wings spreading above the empty town mark circle.

Meter number: "METER No. / 2000002"

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)5 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.4. Pitney Bowes, 1942.    [RRR]

Similar to Type ESY-CA3.3 but the eagle is in a downward flight and has wings spread over both the town mark circle and the value box.

Meter number: "METER No. / 2000002"

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)3 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.5. Pitney Bowes, 1942.    [RRR]

As Types ESY-CA3.3 and -CA3.4 but the town mark circle is larger touching both the top and bottom frame lines. The eagle is smaller with a wing spread over a much smaller value box.

Meter number: "METER NO. / 0000000"

Town mark contains "STAMFORD / CONN." and date.

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)2 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.6. Pitney Bowes, 1942.    [RRR]

As Type ESY-CA3.5 but the eagle has been replaced by a field of wavy horizontal lines.

V/F: . 00

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.7. Pitney Bowes, 1946.    [RRRR]

This essay most closely resembles the design approved for the issued stamp, Type IB4. It is a frameless stamp with "U.S. POSTAGE" centered at top above a standing eagle between the town mark at left and a narrow value box at right.

Meter number: 000000 with "PB" at left and "METER" above "SPECIMEN" in the town mark.

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)7 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.8. Pitney Bowes, 1946.    [RRR]

This "DM" essay and the next eight (ESY-CA3.9 through -CA3.16) are dated at least four years after the model went into production. It is possible Pitney Bowes was contemplating a change in the frank design but never followed through.

Frameless frank with sitting eagle looking left. Single circle town mark at left contains "CITY / STATE" and date. The small value box is below the right wing. "U.S. POSTAGE" reads down at far right.

Meter number: "PB METER" above 000000

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)8 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.9. Pitney Bowes, 1946.    [RRR]

As ESY-CA3.8 but the value box is larger.

"U.S. / POSTAGE" appears at the top of the value box.

Meter number: "PB METER" above 000000

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)9 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.10. Pitney Bowes, 1946.    [RRR]

The eagle closely resembles the eagle found in Type IB4 but for differences in the feathers at right. The value box is rectangular with "_U.S._ / POSTAGE" at top and inner line at bottom.

Meter number: "PB METER" above N^o 000000

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)10 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.11. Pitney Bowes, 1946.    [RRR]

Very similar to Type ESY-CA3.10 but the value box is narrower with an outer frame line running down most of the right side. No inner frame line at bottom of the value box.

Meter number: "PB METER" above N^o 000000

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)11 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.12. Pitney Bowes, 1946.    [RRR]

Very similar to ESY-CA3.11 but "U.S." is above TAGE of "POSTAGE" instead of centered. No outer frame line at right.

Meter number: "PB METER" above N^o 000000

V/F: . 00

Type ESY-B(IB)13 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.13. Pitney Bowes, 1947.    [RRR]

The design harkens back to the 1942 "DM" essays with a simulated-perforation outer border, specifically the eagled ESY-CA3.3 and -CA3.4. "U.S. POSTAGE" is above an awkward looking eagle with wings partially hidden by the town mark and value box. "METER 000000" reads up between the value box and right frame line. "P.B." is found in the upper left corner.

Town mark: "ALBANY / N.Y.

V/F: 00

Type ESY-B(IB)12 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.14. Pitney Bowes, 1947.    [RRR]

A conglomerate of Types ESY-CA3.2 and -CA3.5 with a horizontally lined background to much of the design and a smallish eagle at center, only smaller in this case and very official looking with a shield at its breast and an orb above. "UNITED STATES / POSTAGE" is spelled out in full at the top. The value box is pillared at the sides. This design may have been created with a nod towards an Official Business frank for the DM model meter. "P.B." is found in the lower left corner. Two short dashes are located below the frank right of center.

Meter number: "METER" above 100000

V/F: 00

Type ESY-B(IB)14 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.15. Pitney Bowes, 1947.    [RRR]

Very similar to Type ESY-CA3.12 except "U.S." is centered above "POSTAGE". The frank has a partial frame line at bottom and a column of thirteen stars at right.

Meter number: "P.B. METER" above 0 0 0 0 0

V/F:     = 00

Type ESY-B(IB)15 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA3.16. Pitney Bowes, 1947.    [RRR]

Identical to ESY-CA3.15 except "U.S." is above AGE of "POSTAGE".

Meter number: "P.B. METER" above 0 0 0 0 0

V/F:     = 00

Type ESY-B(IC)1 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA4.1. Pitney Bowes, 1957.    [RR]

The stamp is nearly identical to Type IC2 but has large blocky value figures which were not used with any issued meter. "METER" above the meter number is smaller than on the issued stamp and does not extend over the entire number.

Meter number: "P.B. METER 143273" (STAMFORD / CONN.)

Seen only with V/F:     5.42½

Type ESY-B(IC)2 in 2001 edition

>

ESY-CA4.2. Pitney Bowes.    [RRR]

The frank is as those found in Sub-group IC but with British sterling currency (£sd) value figures.

Without town mark circle.

Meter number: "P.B. METER 522844"

V/F:     ≋ 0/ 0 =

Type ESY-B(ID1)1 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA5.1. Pitney Bowes, ca. 1959-1960.    [RRRR]

The stamp is a typical Sub-group ID frank but the value figures are unlike those used with issued meters.

The zeros in the value figures are fully oval with rounded side unlike the straight-sided zeros found on issued stamps.

This stamp was used for testing phosphorescent and fluorescent ink.

One example known.

Meter number: "P.B. METER" with unreadable number

V/F:     0 .00

Type ESY-B(ID1)2 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA5.2. Pitney Bowes.    [RRRR]

As with Type ESY-CA5.1 the stamp is a Sub-group ID frank but with value figures unlike those used with issued meters.

The town mark circle is empty except for a series of small numbers across the center.

Meter number: "P.B. METER" with unreadable number

V/F:     ≋0 0 0 =

Type ESY-B(IE1)1 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA6.1. Pitney Bowes.    [RRRR]

Similar to Type IE1 except it has a line under U.S. POSTAGE. The approved stamp does not have this line. Additionally the meter number prefix has a tall "P.B." at left rather than in line with METER above it. The issued stamp does not have it this way.

Meter number: 000000

Type ESY-B(IE1)2 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA6.2. Pitney Bowes, 1958.    [RRRR]

This stamp is very similar to a Specimen of type IE1 but the meter number has a tall "P.B." at left rather than in line with METER above. The issued stamp does not have it this way. The value figures are somewhat blocky, unlike the more oval numbers found on the issued stamps. Additionally the value figures do not have a tenths of a cent bank. All the issued meters can print tenths of a cent values.

Meter number: 000000

V/F:     000.00

Type ESY-B(PD)1 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA7. Pitney Bowes, 1941.    [RRRR]

This stamp is a typical Specimen of Type IA3 but it has "POSTAGE DUE" reading up at left. This type of Postage Due slug was never used on live mail.

Three examples known.

V/F:     .00

Type ESY-A19 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA8. Pitney Bowes, 1951.    [RRRR]

Trial design prepared for the Internal Revenue Service to collect documentary tax.

Horizontal frank inscribed at top " UNITED STATES / INTERNAL REVENUE / DOCUMENTARY".

Leaf ornamental frame at left contains "P.B.190078" above the date. Framed at right are the value figures. Impression counter number reading up at far left.

V/F:     00.00

Type ESY-A20 in 2001 edition

ESY-CA9. Pitney Bowes, 1971.    [RRRR]

Computerized invoice revenue stamp.

Very wide design with sitting eagle at center with wings over two boxes at left and right. The left box contains "STAMFORD,CT" above the date. The right box contains "SPECIMEN" abouve the value figures. Below the eagle is the number 567.

The town, state and date are applied separately from the rest of the frank.

V/F widely spaced:     0 0 . 0 0

Types ESY-B(HB)1 and -B(HB)2 in 2001 edition

ESY-CB1.1. National Postal Meter, 1940.    [RRRR]

Similar to Type HB1 but the arcs above and below the value figures have small extruding points at the center. The two examples seen also have town mark formats that are not known used with issued meters.

A. Broken inner circle town mark with inner arcs spaced very closely to the outer ring

B. Single circle town mark with three dots at each side

Meter number: N^o 0000 – N.P.M.

V/F:    0.00 ≋

Type ESY-B(HB)3 in 2001 edition

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ESY-CB1.2. National Postal Meter, 1940.    [RRRR]

Frank similar to Type HB1 but without inner arc above the value figures and with "PAID" above the inner arc at bottom.

One example known without town mark or value figures.

Meter number: N^o 0000 – N.P.M.

Type ESY-A18 in 2001 edition

ESY-CC1. International Postal Supply Co., 1949.    [RRRR]

Horizontal rectangle with simulated perforation outer border. At left is a single circle town mark and at right is a square frame with "U.S.POSTAGE" at top and "I.P.S00000" at bottom. Between the two is an image of an obelisk which may represent the Washington Monument. At far right reading up: "SEC.562,P.L.&R.".

V/F:    0.00 ½

Type ESY-C5 in 2001 edition

ESY-CD1. Havas (France), 1952.    [RRR]

Havas, sponsored by the Commercial Controls Corporation, proposed a meter for use in the United States. It was not approved.

The frank is similar to Commercial Controls stamps (Sub-groups HB and HC) with its single simulated-perforation outer frame line but it is broken in the centers of the two sides. "U.S. POSTAGE" is at top and meter number "MH-22713" is at bottom.

Broken inner circle town mark (ROCHESTER N.Y.)

V/F:    00 00

Type ESY-B(JA) in 2001 edition

ESY-CE1. Postalia, 1960.    [RRRR]

The frank is similar to those found in Sub-group JB and differs mostly in having an inner box surrounding the value figures.

This essay was created in 1960 when Postalia was first getting started as a supplier of U.S. postage meters, three decades before the first JB stamp was released. It was a rejected design in 1960 but was resurrected 30 years later when the Postalia 7000 model was launched.

Meter number: POSTALIA METER 300007

V/F:    ≋.00

Type ESY-B(OO-JA1) in 2001 edition

ESY-CE2. Postalia, 1976.    [RRRR]

Very similar to Type OO-B1 differing only in the larger "PENALTY" at left and the smaller "PRIVATE USE $300" at bottom.

Meter number: POSTALIA 000000

V/F:    ≋.00

Type ESY-C7 in 2001 edition

ESY-CF1. Satas "Baby" (France), 1962.    [RRRR]

The stamp was generally modeled on the Pitney Bowes stamps listed in Group I with an eagle at center with wings spread over a single circle town mark at left and a value box at right. The resemblance ends there with a less robust looking eagle with legs extended below.

Meter number:   S METER o o o o

V/F:    ★ 0 :

Type ESY-C6 in 2001 edition

ESY-CF2. Satas "Baby" (France), 1962.    [RRRR]

As Type ESY-CF1 but with different meter number:   S o o o

V/F:    ★ 0 :

Type ESY-B(KA1) in 2001 edition

ESY-CG1. Friden, 1962.    [RRRR]

This is a design leading up to Type KA1.1. It differs from the issued stamp in the three stars at far right. The issued stamp has four stars. The value figures also are different with a zero instead of a triad of wavy lines showing at left.

Meter number: F METER 000000

V/F:    0.00≋

Type ESY-B(KD) in 2001 edition

ESY-CG2. Friden/ Singer, ~1970.    [RRRR]

Similar to Sub-group KE stamps this essay has torch flames and top and stars at bottom between the torch and the town mark. Thie issued stamp is empty in this area.

Meter number: S METER 123456

V/F:    0.00≋

Type ESY-B(KF) in 2001 edition

ESY-CG3. Neopost "9232", 1998.    [RRRR]

Very similar to Sub-group KF stamps this essay shows the "N " logo used by Neopost instead of the Friden "F" logo found on the issued stamps.

Meter number: N METER 19090

V/F:    ≋0.00

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-CH1. Hill & Lovercheck, 1966.    [—]

This is a design found on a patent (3,373,600) for a "Postage Meter and Stamping Machine Combination" filed in 1966 by Teresa L. Hill and Charles L. Lovercheck of Erie Pennsylvania. Shown at right is an edited image of what the stamp would like. The unedited patent drawing is shown below. It is unlikely that actual stamp impressions exist.

Meter number: T. METER 34488D

V/F:    ≋.00

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-CJ1. Gunn, 1971.    [—]

This is a design found on a patent (4,024,380) for a "Self Service Postal Apparatus and Method" filed in 1975 by Damon Mott Gunn of Washington DC. Shown at right is an edited image of what the stamp would like. The unedited patent drawing is shown below. It is unlikely that actual stamp impressions exist.

V/F:    ≋00

Type ESY-A22 in 2001 edition

ESY-CK1. Bell & Howell, 1987.    [—]

Stamp design used by Bell & Howell in various print advertisements in 1987. The images differ somewhat in each advertisement but are similar enough so that it appears a printing die existed. Actual examples of the stamp may exist within Bell & Howell archives but are not known in collectors' hands.

Horizontal frank with hollow frame elements across top and bottom with smaller parts at the sides. At far left is a circular town mark with the left half made up of an arc of solid stars. The value box contains "U.S. POSTAGE" at top and an indecipherable element at bottom. Below the frank is "ZIP+4 PRESORT".

V/F:     .00^o

Type ESY-B(VM)-C) in 2001 edition

ESY-CL1. Pi Electronics (with Hasler) "Zipster Plus", 1992.    [RRRR]

This is a Type LA1.1 Specimen stamp with slogan "This item Sent By: ZIPSTER PLUS The World's First, Self-Service Automated Mailing Machine". The stamps actually used in the Zipster Plus kiosks were all of Type LB1.1.

Meter number: H METER 0000000

V/F:    00.00

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Sub-group ESY-D: Essays for digital meters, 1980 to date

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Type ESY-B(POX-E) in 2001 edition

ESY-DA1. Intermec, 1980.    [RRRR]

Stamp design leading up to PO-B5 series of experimental Post Office stamps. The essay is quite different from the issued stamp being taller and narrower, containing a bar code and the USPS eagle. About the only thing the stamps have in common is that they are printed on self-adhesive labels with a fluorescent red stripe at right.

Identification number: PVI No. 00002

V/F:    $000.00

Only a single example is known to exist.

Type ESY-A21 in 2001 edition

ESY-DB1. Pitney Bowes "Meter Strip Imprinter", 1984.

Design from experimental Post Office window machine using a heated die pressed through a mylar ribbon onto gummed tape. The technology was demonstrated at a CeBIT computer trade show in Germany in 1984.

At center is a standing eagle facing right with wing over "U.S. POSTAGE / 00.000 / CITY-STATE" at left. At right are three lines of vertical text reading upward: "23 MAR 84 / P.B. METER000000 / ***SPECIMEN***".

A. Impression in bright cherry red (primary ribbon)    [RRR]

B. Impression in a deep dark red (alternate ribbon)    [RRRR]

V/F:    00.000

NOTE: Very light impressions are known. They were printed before the die was fully warmed up.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-DB2(1). Pitney Bowes, 1994.    [RRRR]

Prototype stamp design prepared for the digital "Pulsar" meter model. With its "UNITED STATES POSTAGE" arc above the eagle's head the stamp more closely resembles the PostPerfect stamp design (Type NA1) that the Pulsar (NA3).

The stamp has SPECIMEN above MAILED FROM / ZIP CODE 06484 at right of the eagle's wing.

The bottom line displays the meter number and a code of some sort: PB 4567890 7654321 0 56 90.

V/F:    $ ≡0.00≡

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-DB2(2). Pitney Bowes, 1995.    [RRR]

Prototype stamp design prepared for the digital "Pulsar" meter model. The Pulsar was released to the public in 1998 with a different stamp design (Type NA3.1) with the eagle flush with the left edge of the stamp.

Printed in black.

Identification number: PB1234567

V/F:    $00.00^o

Type ESY-B(RD) in 2001 edition

ESY-DB3. Pitney Bowes, 1997.    [RRRR]

Early prototype PC postage stamp design taken from a patent drawing. The unedited patent image is shown below.

The stamp is dominated by a large 2D bar code with 1D bar codes appearing both above and below. At right is a rectangle containing the value figures and the identification number. Right of the rectangle are two columns of symbols and a simple frame line.

Identification number: PB 1450

V/F:    00.000

Type ESY-B(RD1) in 2001 edition

ESY-DB4.1. Pitney Bowes, 18 February 1997.    [RRRR]

Prototype design leading to the PC-D1/D2 series of stamps. With 2D barcode across the bottom. At top right is a logo showing a short-winged eagle looking right. Stacked left of the eagle are the date, the value figures, "US POSTAGE" and three stars, "MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 06484".

Identification number: 12345678901234

V/F: $ 00.000

Type RD1 in 2001 edition

ESY-DB4.2. Pitney Bowes “ClickStamp Plus” (digital), 22 September 1998.    [RRRR]

As ESY-DB4.1 but much larger, 88mm wide. The inscriptions are in a different, heavier font.

"Mailed From Zip Code 06084" is not all capitals.

The system required the mailer to maintain postage credit in a hardware device (vault) attached to his computer.

Identification number 022P0002300164

V/F: $ ~0.000

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-DB4.3. Pitney Bowes “ClickStamp Plus” (digital), 22 September 1998.    [RRRR]

A Specimen version of ESY-DB4.2 with solid block in the value figures and "Not Valid for Mailing" inside the 2D barcode which is not as wide as with ESY-DB4.2.

Identification number 022P0002300164.

V/F:    $ ■.000

In early 2020 verifiably postally used examples were reported of the stamp previously cataloged as ESY-DB4.4. It appears the system was given a public trial at some point. This makes the stamp valid postage rather than an essay, and it has been recataloged as Type PC-D0. The essays previously listed as ESY-DB4.5 through ESY-DB4.8 also needed to be moved since they are not essays but specimens. They are now catalogued as Types SPE-PC-D0.1 through SPC-PC-D0.4.

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-DB5. Pitney Bowes "ClickStamp Online", 1998.    [RRRR]

Prototype design leading up to the PC-D2 series of PC postage stamps.

The essay differs from the issued stamps in having the date above the value figures which is in turn above "US Postage" rather than having "US POSTAGE" (all capitals) at top. The mail class is horizontal below the eagle. On the issued stamps it is left of the eagle reading up.

License number: 024P0007501001 seen

V/F:    $00.00^o

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-DB6. Pitney Bowes "LPS-1 Label Printer", 2004.    [RRRR]

Stamp on self-adhesive label from an online system demonstrated at the eBay Live convention in New Orleans in 2004. It is similar to the PC-D5 series of stamps but does not resemble any of them very closely.

At right is "Pitney Bowes" above a 2D "DataMatrix" bar code with the license number below. At the upper left is a large P in a square next to "US POSTAGE PAID" above "NO SURCHARGE". Without value figures. The date, origin ZIP code, weight and zone appear left of the 2D bar code.

License number: 024P0007504057

Type ESY-B(RA) in 2001 edition

ESY-DC1. E-Stamp, 1996.    [RRRR]

Early prototype design which includes a circular town mark centered above the 2D bar code. Value figures are at upper right above a very small "U.S. POSTAGE".

This stamp is also known without "SAMPLE" at bottom. "SAMPLE" may be from a hand stamp.

V/F:    ≋  .00^o

Type ESY-B(RA1) in 2001 edition

ESY-DC2. E-Stamp, 1997.    [RRRR]

Prototype design used for publicity purposes during the months before live trials. The essay does not show the E-Stamp negative "e " logo which is present on all stamps used on actual mail. The value figures are at upper right above the mail class and "US Postage".

A. 2D bar code complete

B. As A but with "VOID" centered in the 2D bar code field

V/F:    00.000

Type ESY-B(RB)1 in 2001 edition

ESY-DD1. StampMaster/ Stamps.com, 1998.    [—]

Prototype design pictured on the StampMaster web site. No actual examples of the stamp are known to exist.

The image has "StampMaster" at top center above the user's address and the license number. Value figures, mail class, and "US POSTAGE" are at upper right.

License number: DEVICE 01234567890123

V/F:    $0.00

Type ESY-B(RB)2 in 2001 edition

ESY-DD2. Stamps.com, 1998.    [RRRR]

Created shortly after StampMaster changed its name to Stamps.com this essay is similar to Type ESY-DD1 except that the company name is not present.

License number: "DEVICE 061A0000000007" seen. Presumably numbers -0001 through -0006 were created.

V/F:    $0.00

Type ESY-A26 in 2001 edition

ESY-DE1. ascom Hasler, 1997.    [RRRR]

Trial design prepared for a PC postage system that was never implemented.

The stamp is similar to most early PC stamps in that it has text data above a wide 2D bar code. The most distinctive feature is the ascom eagle logo at upper left. The bar code is taller than what is typical on the early PC stamps.

License number: 12345654321221

V/F:    $0.00

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-DE2. ascom Hasler, 1999.    [RRRR]

This is a design introduced at the CeBIT computer exposition in 1999. It does not resemble any digital stamp issued by Hasler or Neopost-Hasler but may have been a prototype for the stamps cataloged in Sub-group QA.

At top the stamp has the Hasler eagle at left and the date and value figures at right. At bottom is the ID number above "MAILED FROM ZIP CODE 00000". A square "DataMatrix" barcode is at far left.

Identification number: 222 A01 52 CEBIT002

V/F:    $0.00

Type ESY-B(RC1) in 2001 edition

ESY-DF1. Neopost, 1998.    [RRRR]

Prototype design that evolved into Type PC-B2. The essay differs from the issued stamp in that it has the license number at the top instead of "U.S. POSTAGE". The mail class is below the FIM barcode rather than above the value figures. The value figures also have a different format.

License number: N0004000010099901

V/F:    ~ 0.00

Type RC3 in 2001 edition

ESY-DF2. Neopost “Postage Plus”™, 1998. [RRRR]

Another prototype design that evolved into Type PC-B2. This essay has a 'star and stamp corner' ornament at left and a rectangular block at top right containing point-of-sale data in alternating bands with negative "U.S. POSTAGE" in solid panel at top above ID number in clear panel, the value figures in panel with shaded sides, "HAYWARD CA 94544, and "FIRST CLASS" also in a solid panel.

"PDF417" barcode across bottom with date below left.

ID# 043N00000064

With or without "FIM" barcode at top left above star and stamp corner ornament.

V/F: $0.00

NOTE: This stamp was previously cataloged as Type PC-B1, but it was never used on live mail.

Type ESY-B(SA) in 2001 edition

ESY-DF3. Neopost, early 2000s.    [RRRR]

Prototype design that evolved into the PC-B4 series of stamps. The essay has both the fluorescent red bar and the "NEOPOSTNEOPOST..." microprinting at right. "Mailed From" and "U.S. Postage" are in mixed case letters rather than all capitals as found on the issued stamps. A small Neopost "N " logo is in the lower left corner.

License number: 04N310001316 seen

V/F:    $00.00^o

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-DG1. Data-Pac, early 2013.    [RRRR]

Prototype design that evolved into the QD series of stamps. Unlike the issued stamps this stamp has a square 2D barcode (with VOID) at left and has "US POSTAGE" above the value figures instead of the barcode.

License number: 082B 2458014 seen

V/F:    $   0.00^o

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-DG2. Data-Pac, early 2000s.    [RRRR]

Similar to ESY-DG1 but the 2D barcode field is at right rather than left.

License number: 082B 2458014 seen

V/F:    $ 0.00^o

Unlisted in 2001 edition

ESY-DH1. Data-Pac "America2" (digital).

Found only in the upper portion of large address labels printed by the meter.

Value figures at upper left, "US POSTAGE" and town line at upper right.

Flag logo and "IBI Lite" barcode below.

V/F seen:$0.00

NOTE: This stamp has not been reported by collectors. The image shown is from Data-Pac's web site.

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