A brief survey of modern postmarks used in Malta

Abstract

Having completed a collection of Elizabethan Maltese stamps and, having before me only the prospect of waiting for new issues and variety hunting, I turned my attentions to the postmarks and envelope markings used in Malta since Queen Elizabeth came to the throne. Expecting to find a small number of standardized types, I was agreeably surprised to find that in fact they are just as interesting and complex, in their way, as the marks of 50 or more years ago. With the added delight that most of them are still in use and readily available. Therefore the study of them is made far easier and can be much more complete and rewarding because of it. I will now give a brief survey of my findings so far. [excerpt]