The use of the "Cospicua" [COS-4] datestamp before 1940

Abstract

COS-4 was a handstamp having a double circle with killer block spacers. COS-4 was originally thought to have been used only after the transfer of Cospicua Branch Post Office to Pawla Sub Post Office in June 1940. It has been reported that this handstamp was sent to Malta in the 1930's, "but only five strikes of it are recorded prior to the office being bombed (in 1940)". It was further suggested that "all strikes of the COS-4 dates tamp prior to 1940 were backdated strikes" and that the fact that all strikes recorded were reportedly used internally within Malta indicated that these strikes were probably philatelic. The additional find of a First Day Cover of the Coronation posted on 12 May 1937 with four strikes of the COS-4 and a postman's personal handstamp PHS-15 was also reported. This suggestion was not shared by some prominent overseas Postal Historians of Malta. [excerpt]