European Looking CAncel From 1936 - Santa Barbara, CA

Once again, this isn't mine, but I came upon it when web searching covers for sale.

Does anyone know how the use of this cancel came about? Far from that used in most US post offices.

I have one too. It also has the same series of stamps on it. I took it to a dealer years ago and he told me that it was not a legitimate cancel and identified it as a fantasy piece that a collector had made for themselves. I have never been satisfied with that answer and thought instead of his saying that he did not know he made a guess and quick judgement. So I am eagerly waiting for an answer.

I thought I read somewhere that the Postmaster at the time had visited Germany (pre-WWII) and liked this type of cancel and had one made up at his own expense. (I believe it's a roller-type cancel.)

Now I have nothing to confirm that story, so it may not be accurate.

I guess as long as it served the purpose of a cancel with date, etc., the USPOD accepted its use, even though it was a bit odd looking for a US cancel.

In fact, here's another similar cover sale at a buy price of $1.25, so it doesn't appear as though the type of cancel makes the cover particularly scarce or rare; just unusual:

http://www.discountcoverstore.com/_...ename=A24357

Looks like a roller cancel to me.

wt1: According to page 1074 of the book "California Town Cancels 1849-1935, Volume II, authored by John H. Williams" I quote:

"This roller cancelling device was purchased in germany by Postemaster James B. Rickard. Its use was authorized
9 November 1929 and was used until recalled by the POD 20 Jan 1948".

I hope that clears this up for you. Additionally that is CAlifornia type SBA-1750 if you are keeping records.

I also seem to recall a similar cancel from another state in my box of stuff someplace. WIll have to hunt around a lot to find it however.

Thanks for the info. It sure helps to clear things up when you have a reference book to refer to. I had looked up that Santa Barbara cancel on the internet and found only a few obscure references to it, with no clear explanation on who was responsible and/or whether it was officially recognized by the USPOD.

I guess the fact that it was in use for 18+ years suggests that it is a lot more common than I realized, but having said that I have only seen a select few examples.

wt1: I have one, it is dated after yours by a few months. Makes one wonder if the postmaster used it as a special request cancel. Oh well, guess we won't know.