Confirmation Requested For W. A. Postmark 3B-B On W. A. Sg143

It would be appreciated if one (or more) of the postmark people could confirm that this postmark is from PEAK HILL Type 3b-b.

Itma,
The best suggestion I can make to check on this postmark is to contact the Western Australian Study Group here: https://www.wastudygroup.com/contact-us/

It certainly looks like the 3b-b but, as you pointed out on page 4 of the Western Australian Postmarks thread, the day and month are transposed compared to the Study Group's illustrated example.

Please also post any updates on the Western Australian Postmarks thread if new information comes to light.

Thanks, fds. WASG contacted as suggested.

All (and more) is revealed very completely, with many thanks to Malcolm Brown and the WA Study Group.


Hi Frank,
Thanks for getting in touch with the Western Australia Study Group.

With your question regarding the Peak Hill postmark, you are correct in saying that it was normal for the month to be before the day. It is however also found with day before the month.

I have attached a photo of the type 3b postmarking implement for your reference, and this may help in your understanding. (This one is for Greenhills, Western Australia.). When viewing the postmarker, you can see 4 slots for where the postal clerk needs to insert the slugs. The Index (or code) number goes at the top, with the month and day slugs in the centre 2 slots, and the year at the base. Sometimes errors occurred with the day and month inserted vice-versa, as well as other insertion errors too.
It is easy to see how these insertion errors occurred, as when the clerk was inserting the slugs, the cds is viewed back to front. The slugs needed to be inserted in reverse when looking at the cds so that when the striker was turned over for use they were then in the correct position.

In viewing the Greenhills implement attached, the August month slug is still in the cds on the left hand side. This is actually in the wrong position. If this striker was to be used as is, then when the striker is turned over for use, the month would be after the day.

I have shown a few types of errors in another scan attached to this email:
Top left shows a correct setting with index #, Month and day and year all in their rightful places.
The strike on the 5d swan shows incorrect year in the index # position.
The strike on the 4d swan shows month before day.
The strike on the 1d swan shows day before month.
All these are 3b-b cancels struck with the Peak Hill 3b-b postmarking device.

The varieties of these clerk insertion errors are fun to collect, and help broaden ones postmark collection.

I trust this helps in answering your enquiry,and please don't hesitate to contact me for any further questions on WA postmarks or philately.

Best wishes for 2026, and I hope the year brings many WA gems for your collection.

Cheers.
Malcolm Brown for the WA Study Group.

Excellent result Itma - I have reposted this information on the Postmarks of Western Australia thread.