Cancel Question

I was wondering what would the number 21 signify on a canceled stamp using the football cancel?

Usually the clerk number. When the numbers get into the double digits, it usually signifies a larger post office with many clerks. The smaller post offices usually had numbers 1 and 2, etc. The larger post offices had numbers up to the 90s (maybe the postmaster or assistant postmaster used those high numbers). Actually, I started a mini-collection of what numbers I came across in early US postmarks:



The highest number I have come across in my collection:

Thanks Wt1 I remembered reading something about it a long,long time ago but I had forgotten.

Neat side collection WT1.

Thanks.

Actually I should have mentioned that the top three stamps in my first scan contain letters. I believe the first "C.H." is an abbreviation for Court House as in Court House Station postmark. The last one on the first line is "H.T", which is an abbreviation for Hudson Terminal Station, New York City. What I haven't been able to figure out is the significance of the middle stamp with the "E" in it. Perhaps it's simply referring to a "Station E" post office (possibly New York City, too.)

The proper term for the full cancel is a "duplex cancel", and the "football shaped" part is a "duplex killer".

Thanks revcollector. I really appreciate everyone's help. Your explanation is very educational.

Hi TinMan,

I do like those football cancels. This is the one I like best of my buys this year.

Terry

Yea Terry I really like it too. First one I've ever seen with the entire football style on it. Also I realize it is bigger so they do use different sizes. Something I never knew before now.