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The backdating of the postmark on mail is
expressly forbidden, except when a specific written
authorization is granted to provide philatelic treatment
on a new stamp issue beyond the issuance date. Such
authority is extended only when public demand for a
specific first-day issue exceeds daily cancellation
capabilities. Never backdate mail even for a friend.
POSTMARKING EQUIPMENT
The USPS furnishes all canceling machine dies,
hand postmarking and canceling equipment.
Canceling machine dies and postmarking stamps must
contain the legend U.S. Navy and the FPO number or
name of the ship and hull number as applicable as well
as the month, day, and year. Only USPS-supplied
black ink is to be used for canceling and postmarking
purposes.
APPLYING THE POSTMARK
If you are on a large ship or at a shore activity, you
may have a canceling machine (see figure 9-9).
However, most ships and small commands use the
hand canceller because the volume of outgoing mail
does not warrant the use of a canceling machine. Do
not postmark over the stamp(s). If more than one
stamp has been used, cancel the stamp farthest to the
left and those to the right of it with the tips of the
canceling bars. Cancel the last stamp to the left with
the postmark and canceling bars, and ensure that the
postmark does not hit the stamp (see figure 9-10).
When postmarking and canceling mail:
The date of mailing (month, day, and year) must
be included in all postmarking devices.
The a.m. or p.m. indicator must not be used in
any postmarking device.
PHILATELIC CANCELLATIONS
Occasionally you will receive a request from
collectors to apply a postmark on certain stamped
cards and envelopes. It is in the best interest of the
Navy to provide this service to philatelists because of
the public relations value. A philatelist is a person who
collects and/or studies postage stamps.
Philatelic
service must be carried out within the resources of your
post office and should not be provided if it interferes
with regular business.
The USPS will release
9-21
PCf0909
Figure 9-9.—An example of a canceling machine.
N
22
20
20
20
N
1 NOV
1 NOV
2000
2000
POSTMARKED AND CANCELED BY
CANCELING MACHINE.
PCf0910
Figure 9-10.—Examples of canceled stamps by canceling machine and hand device.
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