Question About Cancellations. What Are They Exactly?

Since I'm really new to this hobby, there are still a lot of basic things that I don't know. One of which is about cancellations. Am I correct in assuming a cancellation is the print that the post office puts on a stamp once it has been mailed? And if it is, what should I look for on a cancellation?

Thanks

Well, I suppose there are a lot of answers to that one!

First, yes it is the print that the post office uses to ensure that the stamp won't be used again, plus there is usually a date (maybe time too) and a location.

As far as what to look for...

a. Some people look for locations. For example, an Elvis stamp that had a Memphis cancellation would be pretty cool. Or maybe from your hometown. Or maybe Bagdad or Cairo or Brazzaville just because you think they're exotic.

b. Dates. You can use your imagination on that one.

c. Is it pretty? Sometimes cancellations are put on in such a way that it brings out something extra in the stamp. Or maybe the pattern is interesting.

d. If I've got five of the same stamp, I would think the cancellation is what would decide which one I end up putting in my album.

I spent a couple of years in England and I know there are collectors there that ONLY collect stamps with "interesting" cancellations. They could have 100 of the same stamp, but the different cancellations is what is getting their attention.

Hope this helps a bit.

Very well said Prince Afa

If I have a clear cancellation on an envelope I tend to leave the envelope entact.

Nuit_boreale tonight I'm going to post and envelope that was mailed from the Queen Mary on her maiden voyage. It will be under to soak or not to soak in the main stamp collecting forum.

Most of the stamps I collect only have partial cancellations that are not very clear. I tend to save the stamp that are more clean so you can see the image. But when I come accross a cancellation that has some history like Prince Afa said I try to keep the cancellation intact

Dianne

Thank you to you both. You guys are really helpful to a newbie like me.