the place where Paleontology and Paleoanthropology meets Philately
Gallery of Paleontology and Paleoanthropology related Commemorative Cancellations on covers and post cards.
This gallery contains almost 130 images of covers and postcards with commemorative postmarks and postage meters depicting fossil sites, Natural History Museums, contributors to Paleontology or Paleoanthropology, primitive tools of prehistoric humans, rock painting of prehistoric animals, stylized prehistoric animals, prehistoric animals in no Paleontology context, prehistoric animals on logo of commercial companies or organizations.
Related Galleries:
- Postmarks of Primary Topics: dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, prehistoric plants, fossils, paleontologists and paleoanthropologists.
- Postmarks of Related Topics: fossil sites, Natural History Museums, contributors to Paleontology or Paleoanthropology.
- Mailed Covers and Postcard with Postmarks of Primary Topics: dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, prehistoric plants, fossils, paleontologists and paleoanthropologists..
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Modern postmarks are often applied to mark that the postage stamp has been used in order to prevent reuse.
Postmarks may be applied by hand or by machines, using methods such as rollers or inkjets, while digital postmarks are a recent innovation.
Commemorative postmarks are usually larger than regular Circular Date Stamp (CDS) and contain an extra image and/or some special text to sign some event of anniversary.
Usually commemorative postmarks are round or rectangular, but can be also free form.
Sometimes it is split in two parts: regular date postmark and commemorative image or text attached to it. [R1]
Meter franking:
imprints an amount of postage, functioning as a postage
stamp, a cancellation and a dated postmark all in one. The meter stamp serves as proof of payment and eliminates the need for adhesive stamps.
A meter franking, distinguished from a postmark, always include a paid rate towards the mailing.
Meter franking made by postage meter or franking machine - mechanical device used to create and apply physical evidence of postage (or franking) to mailed matter.
Postage meters are regulated by a country's postal authority. [R2]
References:
[R1] Postmark: Oxford Dictionaries, Wikipedia.
[R2] Meter-franking (postage meter): Oxford Dictionaries
The Commemorative postmarks and meter frankings can be divided in several groups:
- Mineral and Fossil trade shows and events that took place at various locations around the world. Some of these events have commemorative postmark or meter franking designed in cooperation with the local Postal Authority.
- Philatelic clubs. Some philatelic clubs/communities issue commemorative postmarks or meter franking in cooperation with local post authority for their events. Annual meeting, exhibits etc.
- Some municipalities and companies located at natural parks with important fossil-found location might use some commemorative postmarks or meter franking to attract tourists to visit the region.
- Most interesting category is postmarks and meter franking issued by Natural History Museums that shows their artifacts and some paleontologic organizations that issues postmarks and meter franking to commemorate their events or anniversaries.
If you have examples of a cover or postcard with postmarks or meter-frankings not shown here, please send the Site Admin a scan that can be posted (600 dpi preferred).
Acknowledgements: Many thanks to Dr. Peter Voice from Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, for reviewing the draft page and English corrections.
Last update 25.01.2023
