Fancy Cancellations on the Large US Banknote
1870 to 1890
By Vince Costello
Purpose
This exhibit shows a selection of the fancy cancellations that can be found during the time the large Banknotes were in use. The specific town of use is indicated where it is known.
The postmaster of from Bridgeport, Connecticut used this cancel "DON’T USM” as a warning not to reuse this stamp.
Definition
Fancy cancellations are typically handmade from wood or cork, though virtually any material might be used, including a thumbprint, in a pinch. Manufactured cancellers such as PAID and rate markers also fall into this category.
Background
The postal regulations of the time called for the stamps to be defaced or “cancelled” at the mailing post office. This was to be done in black ink, the most common, but a number of other colors were used such as blue, red and violet.
Contents
Page 2 - Chicago Blues/New Orleans Geometries
Page 3 - Masonic/Fraternal
Page 4 - Paid/Rate Markings
Page 5 - New York Foreign Mail
Page 6-7 - Pictorial
Page 8 - Patriotic
Page 9 - Year Dates
Page 10 - Multiple letters
Page 11 - Postmasters’ Initials
Page 12 - Rubber Stopper Cancels
Page 13 - Geometric/Patent Cancels
Page 14 - Leaves
Page 15 - Stars
Page 16 - Boston Negatives
