Providence, RI 1965 Machine Cancels

These examples aren't mine but were taken from an online catalog of covers for sale.

I was curious as to this type of machine cancel postmark that I haven't come across before. Was it in use only in Providence or other areas of country as well? Was it in use for a longer period of time than just 1965? Was it an experimental? It certainly looks unusual to say the least.

They look rather European. I wonder if there were an attempt at a European machine cancel company to get into the US market.

Well, it has a European look since the cancelling dies came Klussendorf from Germany and the machine they were installed on was a facer-canceller designed and built by a different company from Germany. However, they are often referred to as Intelex markings, since that was the US based company that installed the machines.

Thanks for the info. about these postmarks being Intelex markings. With that information, I was able to find a more detailed explanation as shown at the link below. Apparently Washington, DC (test cancels) and Rhode Island (Providence, Pawtucket and Rhode Island (with no city)) were the only ones in use. It appears as though it had to do with Providence being the "First Automated Post Office in the US". Interestingly, the LKU of the postmark was in February 1973.

http://thesaltysailor.com/rhodeisla...d/1960-5.htm

More references made here:

http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/muse...ated_PO.html

Here are the other major varieties of Intelex markings.

And Here is a (cropped) advertisement of interest.