From the late 1950s the British Post Office experimented with parcel post stamps that were printed and dispensed by machines, for any value between 1d and 19/11d. They were operated by counter staff who were instructed not to sell mint stamps, but only to attach them directly to parcels which were then placed in the post system. The stamps had the words ‘PARCEL POST PAID’, a value, date and the name of the issuing office. They were printed on white gummed, imperforate paper in red ink that was the same as used in franking machines. In reality only parcel rate values were produced. The machines were provided to most Head Post Offices.
In the Channel Islands, Jersey was first to receive a machine on 26 October 1959, followed by Guernsey on 1 February 1960. They remained in use until at least 1965 and possibly until postal independence on 1 October 1969. Their use was not publicised and few collectors appeared to be interested in them at the time. These stamps are scarce from any location, but particularly so for the Channel Islands. Most surviving examples are a bit tatty.
I am undertaking a census to try and find out what values and dates of usage have survived so am keen to hear from anyone who may have an example, and would appreciate a scan or photocopy. My contact details are Jon Aitchison, Old Tithe Hall, Start Hill, Near Bishop’s Stortford CM22 7TF, United Kingdom. Email britishlocals@gmail.com. Telephone +44 (0) 1279 870488.
Interestingly the concept of machine-printed stamps was resurrected by the Jersey and Guernsey Post Offices from 2009 with the introduction of EPOS labels. I had not looked at mine for a long time, but when I opened the album I discovered that most of the earliest types had faded away completely, even though they had not seen sunlight for years. Qué será, será.
References:
Newport, O. W. and Simpson, O. J. 1961. Further Channel Islands Postal History. 20-21. Sidcup: Channel Islands Specialists’ Society.
Newport, William. 1969. Specialised Priced Catalogue of Channel Islands Stamps, 18. 5th (and subsequent editions). Sidcup: Channel Islands Specialists’ Society.
‘Unusual Aspects of Channel Islands’ Philately’ was the title of the display given by Jon Aitchison FRPSL to the members of the Royal Philatelic Society London on 27 January at very short notice.
Far-ranging in its appeal, the display covered such diverse areas as money paid to spies in the 18th century, Ballon Monté to and from the Channel Islands, mail carried by rail and air, revenues and perfins. The vote of thanks was given by Gerald Marriner FRPSL, President of the Channel Islands Specialists’ Society, who commented that few appreciate the ‘variety and extent of unusual philatelic material from these small Islands’. Peter Cockburn FRPSL President of the Royal also thanked Jon for his ‘extraordinary exhibit’, presenting him with the Society’s plaquette.
