US - 1930 Universal Machine Cancel On Cover. Early Use?

I found this in my collection recently. It is a Universal Machine cancel, Model C223 I believe. The interesting aspect of this cancel for me is that it was used on the last day of 1930. All of the information I have been able to gather is that machine 3 in Chicago did not begin use until 1931. Does anyone have any up-to-date info on this one?



Apologies to wt1 for blocking out the recipient's name, I know how you enjoy researching people. Suffice to say the recipient is well known to me, being my great-grandfather.

There is an enclosure which is a very polite letter kindly declining to refund a booking fee. Apparently he was organizing passage for a relative in Germany to come to the US for a visit, and the plans fell through.

Smauggie, my database shows the same with 1931 earliest use. The earliest use date are often off due to the fact that such a small number of covers are reported for usage dates.

That makes perfect sense Russ. Thanks for taking the time to respond.