Morning Duty PAID date stamps 1810-1857
The double-framed 'tombstone' paid date stamps are thought to have been used for midday duty as well as for morning duty. I have found that the shape of the stamp used on incoming mail (probably morning duty), is quite different from that on outgoing mail, (possibly midday duty), as can be seen in these two examples
click here for details	Letter dated March 7th 1825 addressed to Mr. Jno. Wilson 159 New Bond St, London. The interesting thing about the postal markings on this letter is the charge which was prepaid 2/6d. This was 3 times the amount required for the distance of between 120 and 170 miles, and the Newark mileage mark on the back shows that Newark was 121 miles from London. The reason it cost 3 times the 10d rate (=30 pence i.e. 2 shillings and six pence), was that it had an enclosure and this must have pushed up the weight of the letter to three quarters of an ounce.
Newark Dr Sir I again beg leave to trouble you with enclosed £35 for Bill our a/c the 9th Inst pble to Mr. J. Becket and shall be oblig'd by your doing the needful and remain Very respectfully yrs J. Bush
click here for details	This is a different size and shape of tombstone with block capitals, and the day either side of the month (13 MY 13). The letter originated in London and was posted in the Oxford St. W. O. Receiving House and marked 1d Paid. It was addressed to Benjamin Hart Lyne Esq, Liskeard Cornwall and received the LISKEARD date stamp the following day 14 May 1842.
Copyright 2002 E. J. Shanahan By EARS Leisurewrite	Morning Duty Paid datestamps continued Introduction Return to our Home Page