United States Postage Meter Stamp Catalog/GROUP I – Frameless design with large sitting eagle in center

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GROUP I – Frameless design with large sitting eagle in center[edit | edit source]

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  • The Group I stamp design was the first used on a massive scale by commercial mailers in the United States. Postage meter use became the dominant form of postage, outstripping the sales of traditional postage, in the 1950s when the Pitney Bowes RF and RT model series (Sub-group IA) were at their height of use.
  • All Group I stamps have single circle town mark at left and the value box at right under the eagle's wing at right.
  • All Group I stamps are from mechanical meters. Most are multi-value models. Two in Sub-group IA are from single-value models, and all in Sub-group IB are from limited value models.
  • Eight sub-groups exist based on the size and shape of the frank.
  • Group I meters were first used in January 1940.



Sub-group IA – Value box contains "U.S. POSTAGE" underlined at top[edit | edit source]

  • Frank including town mark is 49-50 mm wide by 22 mm tall except for Types IA5.1 through IA5.3 which are slightly wider.
  • "U.S. POSTAGE" underlined at top of value box.
  • Value box normally 15-15½ mm square but considerably larger for Types IA5.1 through IA5.3 at 17-18 mm wide.
  • Meter models: the Model RF series (ten dollar maximum), the Model RT series (one dollar maximum), the Model 2295 (decimal printer), and a forerunner of the Model 5300:
Model Postage range First used
RF .00½ to 9.99½ Jan 1940
RF-3 .01 to 9.99 Nov 1963
RT .00½ to 1.00 Jan 1940
RT-2 .00¼ to 1.00 Oct 1961
RT-3 .01 to 1.00 Nov 1963
RT-4 .001 to .10 Mar 1968
RT-8 single value: 2⅝, 3¾, or 2⅞ Dec 1962
RT-13/-14 single value: 05, 06, 08, 10, 13, or 15 Jun 1964
2295 .001 to .999 1981
5300 forerunner range unknown 1958
  • Meter numbers in 100000, 300000, 600000, and 700000 series.
  • Earliest known use, January 4, 1940, generated in a Pitney Bowes public demonstration. A stamp dated January 3, 1940 exists but is probably a misdate. The first commercial use of the the IA stamps probably took place in February 1940.




IA1. Models "RF, RT" (multi-value), January 4, 1940. [R]

Right side of frank ends at the right edge of the value box.
The meter number is at bottom center below "METER" and to the right of tall "P.B."
Meter numbers used: 100019 through 100033.
V/F: . 00 :

NOTE. See the NOTE following Type IA2. Stamps appearing to be Type IA1 may in fact be IA2.



IA2. Models "RF, RT" (multi-value), January 30, 1940. [S]

As IA1 but with five dots stacked along right edge of the frank.
Meter numbers used: 100034 through 100489.
V/F: . 00 :

NOTE. The dots along the right side often do not print clearly or at all. The meter number is the only certain way to identify such stamps as Type IA1 or IA2.



IA3. Models "RF, RT" (multi-value), April 1940.

As IA1 but with thirteen stars stacked along right edge of the frank.
Meter numbers: 100000, 300000, and 600000 series
V/F: . 00 :
a. With "P." (number) at base of TM
b. With hour slug at left of TM, two vertical lines above and below
c. With "INSURED" at left of TM
d. With "REGISTERED / No." in double line frame at left of TM (104682)
e. With permit number at left of TM, with or without vertical frame lines above and below
f. With "INSURED / No." in box at left of TM
g. "QUEENS COUNTY" vertical at left of TM, indicating special discount rate (103420, 105848) [RRR]

SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L ⅛¢ PD. (114788) [R]
-2. AD'L ¼¢ PD. (114788) [RR]
-3. AD'L ⅜¢ PD. (114788) [RRR]

NOTES:

  • For Type IA3 designs with meter numbers in the 51000 series, see Group PV, the self-service vending machine stamps.
  • Some meters initially issued with the IA2 stamp die may have been re-issued with the IA3 die.



Type IA4A in 2001 edition

IA4.1. Models "RF, RT" series (multi-value), March 1942.

As Type IA3 but value figures with wavy line "triad" instead of decimal point at left.
V/F: 00 : (Two colon sizes were used. The earliest had spacing between the dots of 2½ mm. Starting in January 1948 a smaller colon with dots 1½-2 mm apart came into use.)
a1. With hour figure at left of TM, two vertical lines above and below
a2. As a1 but lines only, hour figure removed (107755, 178055 (or 56), 352360)
a3. With hour in two lines (e.g. 5:00 over PM) at left of TM (119815, 132198, 353825)
b. "ADDITIONAL POSTAGE / AT THIRD-CLASS RATE / PAID FOR ENCLOSURES / (town name) / PERMIT NO." at left
c. With "REGISTERED / NO" in double line frame at left of TM
d. With "INSURED / MINIMUM FEE" at left of TM (129478, 156480)
e1. With "AM" or "PM" at left of TM, two vertical lines above and below
e2. With "PM" reading up at left of TM (622434)
f. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic ) (397057, 621694) [RR]
g. With permit number at left of TM (397057)
h1. With "P-" (number) at base of town mark ( e.g. 306458 INDIANAPOLIS, IND. / P.-449)
h2. With "PERMIT 938" at base of town mark (105904)
i. With Zone number at base of town mark (e.g. UNIVERSITY CITY / ST. LOUIS 5, MO.)
j. With 5-digit ZIP Code at base of town mark, city and state at top
k1. Base of town mark blank, city and state at top (130669, 640709)
k2. Base of town mark blank, city at top, without state: BALTIMORE (611991), CHICAGO (643820)
l. Town mark blank or with date only
m1. With user's initials "O" and "C" at sides of town mark: CORVALLIS / OREG. (134761) ♦♦ [R]
m2. With town name NEW YOPK instead of NEW YORK (109103) ♦♦♦ [R]
m3. With town name BONUD BROOK instead of BOUND BROOK (169212)
m4. With town name EAST STROUDSBUG instead of EAST STROUDSBURG (139463)
n. Town mark with "AMF KANSAS CITY, MO. PTS" at top, ornament (dash over dot) at bottom (336336)
p1. Town mark with "U.S. POSTAL SERVICE MN 553" at top, blank at bottom (320564, 397079)
p2. Town mark with "U.S. POSTAL SERVICE" at top, "TX 787" at bottom (307126)
q. Town mark with "MSC NORTH SUBURBAN" at top, "ILL." at bottom (341867)
r. Town mark rotated 90 degrees with city at left, state at right (309717)
s. Provisional town mark, top half of circle different size from bottom half (600892)
t. With day preceeding month in date (395393)
u. Very small meter number (180101)
v. State abbreviation "N.J." with backward "J" (115443)


The four dashes indicate that the meter was installed on a "Parcelmatic" machine designed to process packages. The dashes were impressed by bars that helped feed adhesive meter tape through the meter. For an illustration, see Type IC3.1 variety "a".

♦♦ The meter was issued to the O.S.C. Cooperative (Oregon State College Cooperative) in error with a Post Office town mark containing "P" and "O" at the sides. A creative member of the O.S.C. Cooperative with too much time on his hands removed the leg of the "P" and filed a notch in the "O" to yield "O" and "C".

♦♦♦ The meter was issued to the General American Transportation Corporation of New York. A creative employee with too much time on his hands deliberately removed a leg of the "R" in YORK to yield free advertising in the form of "NEW YOPK, a promotional stunt that had zero impact on the company's fortunes.

SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L ⅛¢ PD.
-a. ⅛¢ Additional / Postage Paid in slogan slot (105954)
-b. ⅛c PAID handstamped above indicium (175853)
-2. AD'L ¼¢ PD.
-a. The surcharge is positioned below the frank rather than at left. (This is possibly a hand stamp.)
-3. AD'L ⅜¢ PD.
-4. AD'L ¾¢ PD.
-5. AD'L ⅝¢ PD.
-6. AD'L ⅞¢ PD.
-7. AD'L 0.1¢ PD.
-a. AD'L .1¢ PD. ♦♦♦
-8. AD'L 0.2¢ PD.
-9. AD'L 0.4¢ PD.
-a. AD'L .4¢ PD. ♦♦♦
-10. AD'L 0.6¢ PD.
-a. AD'L .6¢ PD. ♦♦♦
-11. AD'L 0.7¢ PD.
-12. AD'L 0.8¢ PD.
-a. AD'L .8¢ PD. ♦♦♦
-13. AD'L AMT PD. ♦♦♦♦
-a. AD'L PD. ♦♦♦♦
-14. ADDITIONAL POSTAGE PD. [RRR]

♦♦♦ Surcharges -7a, -9a, -10a, and -12a were probably made from fractional surcharges by removal of the first figure and the slanted line.

♦♦♦♦ Surcharges 13 and 13a were made by removal of the fractional surcharge value completely. In some instances the actual amount of the surcharge is known applied by rubber stamp.

NOTES:

  • For Type IA4.1 designs with meter numbers in the 50000 series, see Group PV, the self-service vending machine stamps.
  • Stamps are known with large colon with dots 3½ mm apart. This larger colon was supposedly used only with the RT-3 model (Type IA4.5) which could print whole numbers only. Stamps exist from meters 615035 and 618104 with fractional values ¼ and ½ and also with whole number values showing the larger colon. No explanation is offered.
  • Examples of Type IA4.1 are known with surcharges applied separately either by hand stamp or machine. See the example at right.


Type IA4B in 2001 edition

IA4.2. Models "RF, RT" series (multi-value), 1976.

As Type IA4.1 except the meter number is larger and appears below "P.B. METER".
Meter numbers in 600000 and 750000 series plus earlier (lower) numbers with replaced frank dies.
V/F: 00 : (spacing between colon dots 1½-2½ mm apart)
a. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic) (See IA4.1 variety f)
b. With 5-digit ZIP Code at base of town mark, city and state at top

SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L 0.6¢ PD. [RRRR]
-2. AD'L AMT PD.



Type IA8 in 2001 edition

IA4.3. Model "RT-8" (fixed value), December 1962.

As Type IA4.1 but able to print only a single fractional postage value.
V/F: 02 ⅝ 02 ¾ 02 ⅞
a. With permit number left of the town mark (606425) [RRRR]

SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L 0.6¢ PD. (197820) [RRRR]
-2. AD'L ¼¢ PD. [RRR]
-3. AD'L ⅞¢ PD. (606489) [RRRR]

NOTES:

  • This single-value machine was issued to meet the needs of mass bulk rate mailers. The 2⅝ cents value was the first to appear. Bulk mail rate changes in 1964 and again in 1965 necessitated the change of the value to 3¾ cents and 2⅞ cents respectively. The model RT-8 was withdrawn from use in March 1968 when more versatile meters capable of printing fractional rates were placed into use.
  • The wavy lines and the value figures are printed by a single solid die rather than from movable denomination wheels.



Type IA9 in 2001 edition

IA4.4. Models "RT-13" and "RT-14" (fixed value), 1964, re-issued in 1977.

As Type IA4.3 but printing only a single whole number postage value.
V/F: 05 [R] 06 08 10 13 15

NOTE: Spacing between the wavy lines and the numbers in the value figures is usually quite tight but not always.




Type IA10A in 2001 edition

IA4.5. Model "RT-3" (multi-value), 1965.

Very similar in appearance to Type IA4.1 but the colon at right of the value figures is larger with the dots 3½ mm apart.
The meter prints whole numbers postage values only, and the colon always shows.
V/F: 00
a. With 5-digit ZIP Code at base of town mark, city and state at top
b. With hour figure at left of TM, two vertical lines above and below
c1. With large "PM" or "PM-" at left of TM
c2. With "PM" reading up at left of TM
c3. With "AM" or "PM" at left of TM, two vertical lines above and below (622434, 635312)
d. Roman numeral month in date (i.e. 12 IV '80) (632778) [RRRR]
e. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)


SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L ¼¢ PD. -8. AD'L 0.6¢ PD.
-2. AD'L ⅜¢ PD. -9. AD'L 0.7¢ PD.
-3. AD'L ¾¢ PD. -10. AD'L 0.8¢ PD.
-4. AD'L ⅞¢ PD. -a. AD'L .8¢ PD.
-5. AD'L 1¢ PD. -11. AD'L 1.4¢ PD.
-6. AD'L 0.2¢ PD. -12. AD'L AMT. PD.
-7. AD'L 0.4¢ PD. -13. AD'L PAID. ♦♦
-a. AD'L .4¢ PD.












Surcharges -5, -7a, and -10a were probably made from fractional surcharges by removal of one figure and the slanted line.

♦♦ Surcharge 13 was made by removal of the fractional surcharge value completely.

NOTE: See the second NOTE following Type IA4.1.



Type IA10B in 2001 edition

IA4.6. Model "RT-3" (multi-value), 1976.

As Type IA4.5 (with large colon) but the meter number is larger and appears below "P.B. METER".
Meter numbers in the 600000 series plus a few earlier (and lower) numbers with replaced frank dies.
V/F: 00
a. With 5-digit ZIP Code at base of town mark, city and state at top
b. With "PM" at left of TM (656613)
c. Town mark with state abbreviation and ZIP code at bottom (678011) DALLAS-FORT WORTH AIRPORT / TX 75261
d. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)
e. Provisional town mark, top half of circle different size from bottom half (675016)

SURCHARGE:

-1. AD'L AMT PD.




Type IA11 in 2001 edition

IA4.7. Model "RF" or "RT" (multi-value), April 1965. [R]

As Type IA4.1 but value figures show a zero rather than the wavy-line triad at left.
Only one meter is known with this value figure format, 607691, GREENSBORO N.C. It is probably the result of a factory mix-up.
V/F: 0 00 :



Type IA12A in 2001 edition

IA4.8. Model "RT-4" or "2295" (multi-value), March 1968.

Similar in appearance to Type IA4.4 with wavy-line triad at both sides of the value figures, but the spacing between the figures is much wider and the machine can print tenth of a cent fractions in place of the right side triad.
The left side triad is fixed, and the machine can print postage values only up to 10 cents (RT-4) or 99.9 cents (2295).
V/F: 00 (when showing a decimal value: 00 1 )
a. With 5-digit ZIP Code at base of town mark, city and state at top
b. Value figures missing the wavy-line triad at left (387324) [RRR]

SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L ¼¢ PD.
-2. AD'L ⅞¢ PD.
-3. AD'L 0.2¢ PD. [RRRR]
-4. AD'L 0.4¢ PD.
-5. AD'L 0.6¢ PD.
-6. AD'L 0.7¢ PD.
-7. AD'L 0.8¢ PD. [RRRR]
-8. AD'L AMT PD.

Since the RT-4 model could print tenths of a cent fractions these surcharges were unnecessary.



Type IA12B in 2001 edition

IA4.9. Model "RT-4" and "2295" (multi-value), 1976.

As Type IA4.8 but the meter number is larger and appears below "P.B. METER".
V/F: 00 (when showing a decimal value: 00 1 )
a. With 5-digit ZIP Code at base of town mark, city and state at top
b. Town mark inverted
c. City at top of town mark, blank at bottom, without state abbreviation
d. Without line below "U.S. POSTAGE" [RRRR]
e. Town mark with "MAILED IN SCF" at top, "018" at bottom (783090)

SURCHARGE:

-1. AD'L AMT PD.

NOTE: Impressions of IA4.9 that do not show the wavy-line triad at left of the value figures may be from defective machines.




Type IA5 in 2001 edition

IA5.1. Model "5300" forerunner (multi-value), earliest known use 15 Jun 1956. [R/RR/RRRR]

"U.S. POSTAGE" at top of the value box has space at both sides unlike earlier IA types which show no space.
Three meters used, 341038 [R], 341039 [RR] and 341040 [RRRR].
V/F: 00 :


NOTE. Types IA5.1, IA5.2 and IA5.3 were all trial designs of a machine that would evolve into the Pitney Bowes model 5300 (see Sub-group IC). Four machines were used by Pitney Bowes in their Stamford headquarters and one was placed with a cooperating nearby company.




Type IA6 in 2001 edition

IA5.2. Model "5300" forerunner (multi-value), 1958. [RRRR]

As Type IA5.1 but value figures with extra-wide spacing between the wavy-line triad and the numbers.
Two meters used, 341040 and 341041.
V/F: 00 :




Type IA7 in 2001 edition

IA5.3. Model "5300" forerunner (multi-value), 1958. [RRR]

As Type IA5.1 but with decimal point between the wavy-line triad and the first number
One meter, 341042, used by the Markham Company of Stamford CT.
V/F: .00 :







Sub-group IB – Small frank, 35-37 mm wide[edit | edit source]

  • Frank including town mark is 35-37 mm wide by 20-21 mm tall.
  • Value box 8-12 mm wide.
  • Meter model DM (desk model), limited value.
  • Meter numbers in 100000, 200000, 400000, and 700000 series.
  • Earliest known use, October 9, 1942.



IB1. Pitney Bowes “DM” (LV-21), October 9, 1942.

"U.S./POSTAGE" above value figures in tall narrow value box with rounded corners at top.
"P.B.METER"/(number) at bottom center.
* Meter 109960 [S]
* Meter 109961 [RRRR two examples known]
* Meter 109962 [RRRR]
* Meter 109963 [RRRR]
V/F: 00



IB2. Pitney Bowes “DM” (LV-21), 1946.

As Type IB1 but top corners of value box are more rounded
and with "PB" in angle at lower left.
"METER NO."/(number) at bottom center.
* Meter 200003 [RRRR]
* Meter 200004 [RRR]
* Meter 200005 [RRRR]
* Meter 200008 [RRR]
V/F: .00

NOTE: Meter 200006 exists as a proof. No postally used examples known.



IB3. Pitney Bowes “DM” (LV-21), 1948. [RRRR]

As Type IB1 but value box is much narrower and top is notched.
"U.S." is inside the notch and above "POSTAGE".
Inner sides of the value box have four dots.
"P.B. METER”/(number) at bottom center.
* Meter 200014 * Meter 200019
* Meter 200015 * Meter 200024
* Meter 200016 * Meter 200029
* Meter 200017






V/F: 00



IB4. Pitney Bowes “DM” (LV-21), 1948.

"U.S. POSTAGE" above eagle at top right.
Value box shorter than on earlier IB types.
"P.B. METER”/(number) at bottom center.
Meter numbers: 200000, 400000 and 700000 series
V/F: = 00
a. With slogan in color different from the stamp. (This was an unadvertised feature of the Model DM. It could easily be altered to print a bi-colored impression.) [RRR]
b. With misspelled town name
"FALLSBURGH" for "FALLSBURG" (247944) [MSSQB 148]
"HUNTNGTON PARK" for "HUNTINGTON PARK" (425783) [MSSQB 138]
SURCHARGES:
-1. "AD'L ⅛¢ PD"
-1a. Slug reads down (473722)
-2. "AD'L ¼¢ PD."
-3. "AD'L ⅜¢ PD."
-4. "AD'L ½¢ PD."
-5 "AD'L ⅝¢ PD."
-6. "AD'L ¾¢ PD."
-7. "AD'L ⅞¢ PD."
-8. "AD'L 0.4¢ PD."
-9. "AD'L 0.6¢ PD."
-10. "AD'L 0.7¢ PD."
-11. "AD'L 0.8¢ PD."
-12. "AD'L PD."




Sub-group IC – Value box contains tall "U.S. POSTAGE" with NO underline at top[edit | edit source]

* Frank is very similar to Sub-group IA stamps but the value box is larger except for Types IA5.1-IA5.3 which are forerunners of the 5300 series models (which produced Sub-group IC stamps).

  • "U.S. POSTAGE" is larger than with Sub-group IA stamps and without underline.
  • The frank including town mark is 50-51 mm wide by 21-22 mm tall.
  • Value box 17 mm tall by 17-18 mm wide.
The various IC types are identified by the value figure format including spacing and the position of figures under various letters of "U.S. POSTAGE".
  • Meter models in the 5300 series:
Type number Models Banks Postage range First used
IC1 5300 3 .00½ to 1.09½ 1959
IC1 5314 3 .00¼ to 1.09¾ 1959
IC2 5302 4 .00½ to 9.99½ 1960
IC3.1 5303 4 0.01 to 99.99 1963?
IC3.2 5303, 5336, 5382 4 0.01 to 99.99 1979
IC4.1 5308 3 .01 to 10.99 1963
IC4.2 5308, 5335, 5380 3 .01 to 9.99 1979
IC5 5310 3 .00⅛ to 1.09⅞ 1964
IC6 5317 4 .00⅛ to 9.99⅞ 1965
IC7 5309 3 .001 to 1.099 1968
IC8.1 5322 4 .001 to 9.999 1968
IC8.2 5322, 5337, 5383 4 .001 to 9.999 1979

These models were fitted with the Remote Meter Resetting System (RMRS) which came into use in 1979. RMRS allowed the mailer to reset the postage balance via telephone hookup rather than taking the meter to the post office for resetting. They can be identified by their meter numbers in the 2000000, and 3000000 series.

  • Meter numbers in 500000, 800000, 900000, 2000000, and 3000000 series.
  • All meter models are multi-value machines.
  • First seen in 1959.



IC1. Models "5300" and "5314", earliest known use 28 Apr 1958 (500001)

Value figures with small (3 mm tall) wavy-line triad at left and small colon (2½ mm tall) at right, the colon falling under the "AG" of POSTAGE.
The Model 5300 was able to print half cent values, and the Model 5414 cojuld print quarter cent values.
V/F: .00 : (range: .00¼ to 1.09¾)
a. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic) (507932) [RRRR]
b. With 5-digit ZIP Code at base of town mark, city and state at top (552121)
c. Without colon at right (553605)

SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L ⅛¢ PD.
-2. AD'L ¼¢ PD.
-3. AD'L ⅜¢ PD.
-4. AD'L ⅞¢ PD. [R]
-5. AD'L 0.4¢ PD. [RR]
-6. AD'L 0.6¢ PD.
-7. AD'L 0.7¢ PD. [R]
-8. AD'L 0.8¢ PD. [RR]

NOTE: The $1.00 value on early machines is spaced more closely together than on later ones.




IC2. Model "5302", 1960. [S]

Nearly identical to Type IC1 but value figures with space added between the wavy-line triad and the decimal pushing the colon farther right so it falls between the "G" and "E" of POSTAGE.
V/F: .00 : (range: .00½ to 9.99½)

SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L ⅛¢ PD. [RRRR]
-2. AD'L ¼¢ PD. [RRR]
-3. AD'L ⅜¢ PD. [R]
-4. AD'L 0.6¢ PD. [RRRR]
-5. AD'L 0.8¢ PD. [RR]



Type IC3A in 2001 edition

IC3.1. Model "5303", 1963?.

Value figures with wavy-line triad at left, either large or small, and no symbol at right (does not print fractions of a cent).
A. Large wavy-line triad (4 mm tall)
B. Small wavy-line triad (3 mm tall) [RR]
Meter numbers: 544000, 857000, 920000, 950000, and 960000 series.
V/F: 0.00 (range: 0.01 to 99.99)
a. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)
b. With 5-digit ZIP Code at base of town mark, city and state at top



Type IC3B in 2001 edition

IC3.2. Model "5336", "5382", and rebuilt "5303", 1979.

As Type IC3.1 except the meter number is larger and appears below "P.B. METER".
A. Large wavy-line triad (4 mm tall)
B. Small wavy-line triad (3 mm tall) [RR]
Meter numbers: 2500000 and 3300000 series.
V/F: 0.00 (range: 0.01 to 99.99)

USA meter stamp IC3p1aa.jpg

a. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)
b. With 5-digit ZIP Code at base of town mark, city and state at top
c. With date but without town mark including the ring
d. With large "PM", "P.M.", or "PM-" at left of TM

NOTE: Type IC3.2 stamps with town mark LOS ANGELES OLYMPICS 1984 are from machines used in temporary post offices. They are catalogued as Type PO-A7.4a.



Type IC4A in 2001 edition

IC4.1. Models "5308", "5318", 1963.

Value figures with wide wavy-line triad at left and no symbol at right (does not print fractions of a cent).
When printing dollar values a narrow wavy-line triad appears left of the dollar number.
Meter numbers: 500000, 600000, 800000, and 900000 series.
V/F: . 00 (range: .01 to 10.99 for the Model 5308, to 9.99 for the Model 5318)
a. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)
b. With 5-digit ZIP Code at base of town mark, city and state at top
c. City and state at top of town mark, blank at bottom
d. Provisional town mark, top half of circle different size from bottom half
e. Value figures without decimal: 00



Stamps with dollar values show a small wavy-line triad at left of the dollar number. These stamps resemble Type IC3.1 stamps. The right-most number of the value figure appears under the "AG" of POSTAGE for IC4.1, and it appears under the "GE" of POSTAGE for IC3.1. The wavy-line triad and the dollar number are very tightly spaced with IC4.1 and more widely spaced with IC3.1.


SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L ¼¢ PD. -7. AD'L 0.6¢ PD.
-2. AD'L ⅜¢ PD. -8. AD'L 0.7¢ PD.
-3. AD'L ¾¢ PD. -9. AD'L 0.8¢ PD.
-4. AD'L ⅞¢ PD. -9a. AD'L .8¢ PD.
-5. AD'L 0.2¢ PD. -10. AD'L 7.3¢ PD. (833536) [RRRR]
-6. AD'L 0.4¢ PD.










Type IC4B in 2001 edition

IC4.2. Models "5335", "5380", and rebuilt "5318", 1979.

As Type IC4.1 except the meter number is larger and appears below "P.B. METER".
When printing dollar values a narrow wavy-line triad appears left of the dollar number.
Meter numbers: 980000, 990000, 2015000, 2500100, 2800100, and 3000000 series.
V/F: . 00 (range: .01 to 9.99)
a. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)
b. Provisional town mark, top half of circle different size from bottom half (989289)

SURCHARGE:

-1. AD'L AMT PD.

NOTE: See the comment above at IC4.1. It applies to IC4.2/IC3.2 as well.



IC5. Model "5310", 1964.

Nearly identical to Type IC1 but the colon at right of the value figures is larger with the dots 3½ mm apart.
The meter can print eights of a cent fractional values.
The colon (or fraction of a cent) falls below the "AG" of POSTAGE.
Meter numbers: 500000 and 800000 series.
V/F: .00 (range: .00⅛ to 1.09⅞)

SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L ¼¢ PD. (error) [RRRR]
-2. AD'L ⅞¢ PD. (error, 853435) [RRRR]
-3. AD'L 0.4¢ PD.
-4. AD'L 0.6¢ PD. [RRR]
-5. AD'L 0.7¢ PD. [RRR]
-6. AD'L 0.8¢ PD. [RRRR]



IC6. Model "5317", 1965.

Nearly identical to Type IC5 but value figures with space added between the wavy-line triad and the decimal pushing the colon farther right so it falls below the "GE" of POSTAGE.
Meter numbers: 500000 and 800000 series.
V/F: .00 (range: .00⅛ to 9.99⅞)

SURCHARGES:

-1. AD'L ¼¢ PD. (error) [RR]
-2. AD'L 0.2¢ PD. [RRR]
-3. AD'L 0.4¢ PD. [RRRR]
-4. AD'L 0.6¢ PD. [RR]
-5. AD'L 0.8¢ PD.



IC7. Model "5309", 1968.

Value figures with tall (4½ mm tall) or small (3 mm tall) wavy-line triad at left and tall wavy-line triad at right, the right triad falling under the "AG" of POSTAGE.
This meter could print decimal fractions in tenths of a cent but could not print a dollar value stamp.
A. Tall triad at left ()
B. Small triad at left ()
Meter numbers: 500000 and 800000 series.
V/F: .00 (range: .001 to .999)

SURCHARGES: (All these surcharges are errors since the meter could print tenths of a cent fractions.)

-1. AD'L 0.4¢ PD.
-2. AD'L 0.6¢ PD.
-3. AD'L 0.7¢ PD.
-4. AD'L 0.8¢ PD.



Type IC8A in 2001 edition

IC8.1. Model "5322", 1968.

Nearly identical to Type IC7 but value figures with space added between the wavy-line triad and the decimal pushing the right triad farther right so it falls below the "GE" of POSTAGE.
A. Tall triad at left ()
B. Small triad at left ()
Meter numbers: 800000 and 900000 series.
V/F: .00 (range: .001 to 9 .999)
a. As A, with four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)
b. As B, with four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)

SURCHARGES: (All these surcharges are errors since the meter could print tenths of a cent fractions.)

-1. AD'L 0.2¢ PD.
-2. AD'L 0.4¢ PD.
-3. AD'L 0.6¢ PD.
-4. AD'L 0.7¢ PD.
-5. AD'L 0.8¢ PD.



Type IC8B in 2001 edition

IC8.2. Models "5337", "5383", and rebuilt "5322", 1979.

As Type IC8A except the meter number is larger and appears below "P.B. METER".
A. Tall triad at left ()
B. Small triad at left ()
Meter numbers: 970000, 2500100, 2600000, 2700000, 2800100, and 3300000 series.
V/F: .00 (range: .001 to 9 .999)
a. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)
b. Assembly error, the wavy-line triad at left is tight against the decimal, below "S.P" of U.S.POSTAGE (3306672) [RRRR]

SURCHARGES: (Both are errors since the meter could print tenths of a cent fractions.)

-1. AD'L 0.6¢ PD.
-2. AD'L AMT PD.









Sub-group ID – Value box contains small "U.S. POSTAGE" with NO underline at top[edit | edit source]

** Frank including town mark is 49-50 mm wide by 22-23 mm tall.

  • Small "U.S. POSTAGE" without underline at top of value box.
  • Value box 19½-20 mm tall by 18 mm wide.
  • Meter models in the 5700 (Touch-Matic) series.
  • All models are multi-value machines.
  • Meter numbers in 100000, and 200000 series plus 720302 and 726906.
  • First seen in 1967.



ID1. Model "5700" forerunner, 1967. [RRR]

Two small dashes, i.e. equal sign (=) at right of the value figures. Another such mark is outside the frank, left of the town mark.
This is an experimental stamp used in trials of the Model 5700 meter.
Tall "P.B." at left of "METER" / number.
One meter only, 720302.
V/F: .00 = (range: .01 = to 9.99 =)

NOTE: Proofs of this stamp exist with meter number 718301. No examples are known used on live mail.



ID2. Models "5702, 5705, 5707", July 12, 1968.

As Type ID1 but without the equal sign (=) at left and in the value figures.
"P.B.METER" above meter number.
Meter numbers: 726906 [RR], 1000000 and 200000 series.
V/F: 0.00 (range: 0.01 to 9.99)
a. TM inverted, date upright [R]
b. TM blank or with date only

SURCHARGE:

-1. AD'L 0.8c PD.


ID3. Model "5703", 1971.

As Type ID2 but the meter can print decimal values and has different value figures.
Meter numbers: 1000000 and 200000 series.
V/F: 0.00 (range: 0.001 to 9.999)
a. TM inverted, date upright [R]
b. Assembly error with zero in place of the left wavy line triad. Value figures 0.00
c. Town mark blank or with date only







ID4. Model "5750" (Mini-Matic), 1988. [S]

As Types ID2 and ID3 but the meter can print postage values only up to 99 cents.
Meter numbers: 1700000 series.
V/F: .00 (range: .01 to .99)









Sub-group IE – Value box much wider than tall[edit | edit source]

* Frank including town mark is 56 mm wide by 21 mm tall.

  • Tall narrow "U.S. POSTAGE" without underline at top of value box.
  • Value box 16½-17mm tall by 20 or 22mm wide.
  • Meter models in the 6500 series.
  • All are multi-value machines.
  • Meter numbers in 6000000 series.
  • First seen June 13, 1980.



IE1. Model "6500" series, 13 June 1980.

Meter numbers in 6000000 series.
V/F: /0 .00 (range: 0.001 to 99.999)
A. Tall triad at left ()
b. As A, with four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)
B. Small triad at left ()
c. As B, with four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)
g. Town mark contains partially obliterated "US and "PS" (6132685, 6748579)
k. Assembly error with zero in place of the right wavy line triad. Value figures 0 .000 (6030237) [RRR]
q. Misspelled town name
GRAND FORK (6717601)



The following are unspecified as to which subtype (more info desired)
a. With - PM vertical at left of the town mark
d. Without town mark but with date
e. Town mark contains city, state, and 5-digit ZIP code
f. Town mark contains Post Office name at top and 5-digit ZIP code at bottom but shows no state abbreviation:
f1. AMF O'HARE, AMF-O'HARE (6056540, 6793850, 6837166)
f2. PIEDMONT TRIAD AREA / 27102
h. Town mark with 3-digit partial ZIP code at top: THE LAKES 889 / NV.
j. Town mark with 3-digit partial ZIP code at bottom: THE LAKES / NV. 889
l. Assembly error with no wavy line triad or zero at right. Value figures 0 .00 (6850843)
m. Assembly error, no decimal in the value figures: 0 00 (6848987)
n. Group IE die fitted on Group IC meter. Value figures: .00 (3320747) [RRR]
p. Provisional town mark with different letter sizes

SURCHARGE: (This is probably an error since the meter could print fractions of a cent.)

-1. AD'L AMT PD.

NOTES.

  • The earliest known use of the 6500 meter model is 13 June 1980 by Pitney Bowes in Stamford CT. It was first presented to the public at the National Postal Forum XIV held in Washington DC from 7 to 10 September 1980. It wasn't until 1981 that it was made available for commercial use.
  • The meter numbers are found in variety of widths from 9mm to 12mm wide. The wider numbers (11-12mm) are more common than the narrower widths.
  • The value box is also found in two widths, 20mm and 22mm.
  • P B METER with or without periods also occurs.







Sub-group IF – "U.S. POSTAGE" with overline, at bottom of nearly square value box[edit | edit source]

  • Frank including town mark is 61 mm wide by 26 mm tall.
  • "U.S. POSTAGE" with overline at bottom of value box.
  • Value box 21-21½ mm tall by 22-23 mm wide.
  • Meter models in the 6900 series.
  • All are multi-value machines, stand-alone units that are refilled by the RMRS postage-by-phone system.
  • Meter numbers in 5000000 series.
  • Earliest known use, July 23, 1986.



IF1. Model "6900" series, July 23, 1986.

Similar to Sub-group ID but frank is larger with "U.S. POSTAGE" below line at bottom of value box.
V/F: .00 (range: .001 to 9.999)



a. Without meter number
b. Provisional town mark, top half of circle different size from bottom half (5097052)

NOTES:

  • This meter can print slogans in a different color from the stamp. The choices are red, blue, green, or black.
  • The value figures are known in two styles of fonts, angular and large (5.4mm tall), and rounded and short (4mm tall). The smaller font is more common with IF1. The larger font is standard with Sub-group IH.








Sub-group IG – "U.S. POSTAGE" with overline, at bottom of value box which is wider than tall[edit | edit source]

  • Two franks used, identical in format but of different overall sizes.
  • Frank including town mark is 55-56 mm wide by 22½-23 mm tall for Type IG1, and 61-62 mm wide by 23½ mm tall for Type IG2.
  • "U.S. POSTAGE" with overline at bottom of value box.
  • Value box 23-23½ mm wide by 18-18½ mm tall for IG1, by 24-24½ mm wide by 19 mm tall for IG2.
  • Meter model "A900 Postage-by-Phone" [IG1],and "B900" [IG2] multi-value machines.
  • Meter numbers in 8000000 series.
  • NOTE: The meter numbers on both IG1 and IG2 are found in various sizes.
  • Earliest known use, October 28, 1991. (IG1)



IG1. Model "A900", October 28, 1991.

Nine to ten mm between TM circle and value box.
Three wing feathers extend over the town mark at left.
V/F: 0 .00 (range: 0.001 to 99.999)
a. Without meter number
b. With four dashes at left of TM (Parcelmatic)
c. Provisional town mark, top half of circle different size from bottom half (8047804)






IG2. Model "B900", 1996 (between Mar and Jun)

As Type IG1 but fourteen to fifteen mm between TM circle and value box.
Two wing feathers extend over the town mark at left.
V/F: 0 .00 (range: 0.001 to 99.999)
a. Misspelled town name
- INDIANNAPOLIS (8305638)
- GRAND FORK (8467880)
b. Meter number "1150303" (MSSQB 254(6))







Sub-group IH – "U.S. POSTAGE" without overline, at bottom of value box[edit | edit source]

  • Frank including town mark is 66-67 mm wide by 26 mm tall.
  • "U.S. POSTAGE" without overline at bottom of value box.
  • Value box 21½ mm tall by 26 mm wide.
  • Meter model "PARAGON", a multi-value machine.
  • Meter numbers in 7000000 series.
  • NOTE: The meter numbers are found in various sizes.
  • Earliest known use, January 24, 1992.

  • Related listing: "AR-FPO4"



IH1. Model "Paragon", January 24, 1992.

Similar to Type IG2 but slightly larger and with shorter "U.S. POSTAGE" without overline at bottom of value box.
The "P.B." of "P.B. METER" is much taller than "METER".
For impressions without a date, instead of having a blank spot where the date normally appears, a series of double tildes (≈) fills the date field, i.e. ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈ ≈. These double tildes also appear in partial dates such as NOV ≈ ≈ '92.
V/F: 0 .00 (range: 0.001 to 99.999)
a. With decimal between the Month and Day in the date.
b. Without town mark but with date
c. Printed in blue. Some meters were fitted with blue ink during a six month experiment in 1995. The color was considered "not to work out" and was abandoned.
d. At a date later than 1995, green and blue colors can be found (non-experimental)
e. Inverted town mark, "SPRING GROVE, IL" [7208703]








IH2. Model "Paragon", Earliest Known use (EKU) 11 Oct 1995

Similar to Type IG2 but slightly larger and with shorter "U.S. POSTAGE" without overline at bottom of value box.
The "P.B." of "P.B. METER" is much taller than "METER".
V/F: 00 .00
One meter is known, from two different cities, two years apart