Well if they really followed the regulations. Maybe it needs to be more defined.
164.22
Cooperation With Collectors164.221 Clear and Legible Postmarks. Employees should strive to furnish clear and
legible postmarks to stamp collectors by ensuring that cancellation machines and hand-stamp
devices are properly inked. Postal employees must give special attention to mail bearing an
endorsement of philatelic value or to requests for light cancellations and should avoid canceling
stamps by pen or illegible smudging; however, stamps must be canceled sufficiently to protect
postal revenue.
164.222 Covers in Mailstream. The Postal Service cannot provide special attention to a
philatelic cover if it is routinely entered into the mailstream by the sender.
164.223 Postmarking Devices. Postmarking devices may be used only under the
supervision of authorized postal personnel, except that contractors who are working under an
active contract with the USPS to cancel stamps also may use postmarking devices when and in
the manner authorized by the contract.
164.224 Hand-Stamped Postmarks. All hand-stamped postmarks must be made with
black ink, unless the customer specifically indicates a preference for the color otherwise in use.
164.225 Handling. Employees should exercise care in handling all philatelic covers to
ensure that they are not damaged in mailhandling. These covers are generally identifiable by a
design printed on the left side of the envelope. Postal employees should ensure that philatelic
covers are not overcanceled, backstamped, marked "received this date," or otherwise defaced on
front or back; used as a top piece in a bundle for destination package for labeling purposes; or
bent, folded, mutilated, or damaged by rubber bands.
At least they missed the meter on this one.
Posted 02/04/2009 7:44 pm
