mbo1142

I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
18 Jan 2017
10:53:15am

re: Die Numbers on International Machine Cancels

If I am not mistaken, the 4 is the machine number and the C is the service letter. I believe the cancel was made by the International Machine Company on a Doremus machine. The 4 identifies the individual machine as a check on the canceling clerk at the hour in the post mark. In large offices with many machines, improperly cancelled mail can thereby be held to the responsible clerk. Except for Chicago and Boston that number was only used between 1894 - 1900. Since your post mark is dated 1904, I can only guess that is what the 4 means. As to the service number, I believe the C stands for “Collected” from letterboxes as apposed to “Dropped” in PO mail slots. All this information was gleaned from The Flag Cancel Encyclopedia by Frederick Langford, and Postmarks on Postcards, by Richard W. Helbock.

Maybe someone with a lot more knowledge can provide additional information or correct any errors I made.

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mbo1142

I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
18 Jan 2017
05:57:33pm

re: Die Numbers on International Machine Cancels

Smauggie, you are absolutely correct. My mistake. When researching the cancellations I found that there were 5 manufacturers that made machines that cancelled in the general design presented. International, Universal, Columbia, American Postal and Barry. The Doremus cancels were parallel vertical lines and not wavy.

Still trying to learn about postmarks.

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pedroguy

19 Jan 2017
08:28:57pm

re: Die Numbers on International Machine Cancels

DougN.........You're going to love being here..Welcome aboard

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