Postmen's handstamps [The PSM magazine, 12(3)]

Abstract

A stamp collector's first introduction to Postal History has often been the result of acquiring an interest in Postmen's Handstamps. the reason for this is mainly due to the fact that many of these handstruck markings are too difficult to acquire. Any collection of pre-war picture postcards, either locally used, or incoming to Malta, is bound to produce a number of Postmen's Handstamps. Whereas in previous years these same markings were generally ignored, the inclusion of a section on this subject in Said's catalogue in recent years has understandably aroused considerable interest among collectors. Once having acquired a number of these handstamps, usually without initial outlay, a collector is then tempted to start a collection, often with the result of ''discovering'' other interesting markings whilst doing so; and of inducing him to take a keener interest in other aspects of Postal History. [excerpt]