How did GPO staff know foreign stamps were demonetized?
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2023 1:03 pm
Hello from Switzerland
I have a letter that was sent from St. Gallen/Switzerland to the UK in late 1924.
The stamp was a 30 Rappen from the special issue "50 Years UPU" (Zumstein #168).
This stamp was issued on October 9 and only valid until November 30.
As it was stamped in St. Gallen on December 3, it was already demonetized when the letter entered the UK; therefore, it was considered not franked and the receiver was charged 5p "Postage Due."
My question: Considering the number of letters that arrived from all parts of the world, how did the GPO inform its employees about demonetization of foreign stamps? Did they have posters hanging in the office showing such stamps, did they have daily/weekly briefings?
Thank you in advance for any information
Chris
I have a letter that was sent from St. Gallen/Switzerland to the UK in late 1924.
The stamp was a 30 Rappen from the special issue "50 Years UPU" (Zumstein #168).
This stamp was issued on October 9 and only valid until November 30.
As it was stamped in St. Gallen on December 3, it was already demonetized when the letter entered the UK; therefore, it was considered not franked and the receiver was charged 5p "Postage Due."
My question: Considering the number of letters that arrived from all parts of the world, how did the GPO inform its employees about demonetization of foreign stamps? Did they have posters hanging in the office showing such stamps, did they have daily/weekly briefings?
Thank you in advance for any information
Chris