Too Late Postmarks other

'Too Late' postmarks.

One of the reasons that I find postal history so interesting is that there is so much variety. I do collect stamps as well, but anyone can amass a collection of stamps issued by the present day postal authorities, in which ever country you have an interest, but the old letters are all individual, and the postal markings on them are seldom the same on two letters. These examples show some of the different shapes and lettering and colours used by the different postmasters in different towns.

The first two are oval shaped and in red ink. The first from Manchester, and also in red, as is the Manchester datestamp which usually indicates that the postage was pre-paid, it is dated 1828.This was also a mileage mark.

The second one is from Preston, England to Dunfermiline, Scotland, and is somewhat blurred, as though it was struck twice, so it appears to have a double frame. it was dated 1837. The Additional ½d stamp is the type in use in Edinburgh in 1837, showing that the letter went through Edinburgh for onward despatch to Dunfermiline.

This example is dated June 10 1835 and was sent from Lichfield to Derby.

This is the only example we have of this type of semi-circle, and we can find no illustrations like it in our reference books.

The letter is short, but interesting in that it shows that the passenger coaches were so much a part of everyday life, the timetables and the names of the coaches were well known.

Lichfield Close, 10th June 1835
Dear Sir,
Holbrook Chapel
I shall be at home the whole day on Monday next and shall be happy to see Mr Simpson re the above Consecration.
There are two coaches which go thro' here to Birmingham at a 1/4 before 3 oclock — these are the earliest after the Rapid & Standard.
I remain Dr. Sir
Yours Truly
Jn Haworth
Messrs Simpson and Freer
Solcrs
Derby

The next one is the only one I have seen that has the words 'TOO LATE' in two lines, in a frame. It was posted in Leicester.

The next type shows the words written in a flowing script. I have two of this type and they were both handed in at London local post offices and subsequently transferred to the Chief Office of the General Post.

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They were both applied in red ink, and both had the postage prepaid.

This is a manuscript marking, initialled by A. McP. It is possible this may have been put on in the local Penny Post Office No.11, when the letter was received. The Glasgow datestamp is clearly the 9th April, but the letter is dated the 8th. However, it may have been applied by the Glasgow Chief Office staff at the same time as the PAID at GLASGOW stamp was applied.

This Liverpool mark was applied to incoming letters for local delivery. Liverpool was the only town with this particular postmark. The example shown has been cut from a letter, which would probably have down a "FREE" mark, as the signature is that of the Duke of Norfolk, who was entitled to free postage at this time.

Manchester to Bromyard, April 14th 1832.

This is an unusual Too Late stamp which is in red, boxed and includes the letters N P. It measures 1" x ½". It is thought to be for "night post", which seems likely.

This is only a sample of the different types of TOO LATE postal markings that were used over a long period of time, and there are no doubt many others that I have not seen!

Irish

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