If you're collecting NSW numerals in depth, here's a few ideas & tips I've thought of over the last several months.
* There's an analogy of collections being a "sea of red", due to so many numerals being found on 1d record reign stamps. The trap to avoid here is turning your collection into a "sea of blue" of 2d record reign stamps.
* Finding numerals on anything but the record reign stamps should be a focus. Numerals on
any denomination
other than 1d or 2d stamps should be even more of a focus. They're nowhere near as prevalent, but they'll add richness and colour to any collection.
* A true rarity in this field is finding rays type numerals on Laureates. I am aware of only five cases.
* While you can't date numerals by their very nature, you can narrow down the dates by looking at shade, perforation and watermark. This will also open up the possibility of proving concurrent use of two (or more) devices.
* Postcards can be a good source of establishing when an office ceased to use their numeral cancellation and switched over to their circular datestamp.
* A reason why some numerals may be scarce to rare is that, when petitioning the Postmaster-General for the establishment of a Post Office, the residents' aim was the easier
collection of their mail by not having to travel as far as they otherwise did. I am not aware of the number of letters
received at Post Offices, only the number of letters sent. I think it would be an interesting ratio for the smaller offices.
*Social conditions play their part. Compulsory education in NSW only commenced in 1880. Examining the censuses from the 19th century shows literacy rates were not as high as one might first imagine, especially in the more rural areas. Rates were higher among women than men, in some areas quite considerably so.
There's no reason why some of the above could not be applied to other states, or even other countries.
Happy collecting
Posted 01/23/2022 6:32 pm
