Red "5" handstamp on cover to NZ via Panama
Posted: Fri Mar 10, 2023 4:03 pm
Does anyone have a record of a red hand stamp being used in the UK on GB covers to overseas destinations?
Ordinarily I'd have assumed that this hand stamp on a rather tatty cover to New Zealand via Panama would have been applied in NZ & indicated postage due to be paid by the recipient of the letter.
However I can see no reason why any amount was due, and certainly not this amount.
The rate is correct for sending the letter. Postmarks are a bit indistinct, but the receiving one on the back of the cover is Auckland FE 6 67
I have consulted Gerald Ellott, FRPSL, RDP - and he has no record of a "5" being used in New Zealand at this time. He also doesn't understand why it would have meant 5d was due - it just doesn't match up with any rate at the time. His theory is that it could have been applied in the UK, and could have meant a number of letters sent at the same time... but neither of us have much confidence in the theory. I had thought that it was for accounting. Of the 6d paid, 5d would be kept by GB Post office... but again not seen this in use elsewhere on covers to NZ of the time so little confidence in this either.
Any ideas?
Ordinarily I'd have assumed that this hand stamp on a rather tatty cover to New Zealand via Panama would have been applied in NZ & indicated postage due to be paid by the recipient of the letter.
However I can see no reason why any amount was due, and certainly not this amount.
The rate is correct for sending the letter. Postmarks are a bit indistinct, but the receiving one on the back of the cover is Auckland FE 6 67
I have consulted Gerald Ellott, FRPSL, RDP - and he has no record of a "5" being used in New Zealand at this time. He also doesn't understand why it would have meant 5d was due - it just doesn't match up with any rate at the time. His theory is that it could have been applied in the UK, and could have meant a number of letters sent at the same time... but neither of us have much confidence in the theory. I had thought that it was for accounting. Of the 6d paid, 5d would be kept by GB Post office... but again not seen this in use elsewhere on covers to NZ of the time so little confidence in this either.
Any ideas?