Maltese Cross query.

Covers and postal matters before 1840.
Post Reply
earsathome
Posts: 217
Joined: Sat Sep 19, 2009 6:00 pm

Maltese Cross query.

Post by earsathome »

Hello All,

We have been asked the following questions by a visitor to our website and
though we have reference books, including "Date Stamps of the General Post
Branch Offices in London, 1829-1858" by R. Hawkins, we cannot find anything
that answers the questions.

Quote:-

I have a question concerning the four branch Offices page. You indicate that
the stamps/cancelations were alll in the shape of Maltese Cross.
Was the Maltese Cross used prior to these branch offices being established
in 1829?
If you've never seen any example prior to 1829, why the Maltese Cross shape?

Where did that design come form please? Are there any earlier than 1829 when
the branch offices were opened.
Unquote.

Does anyone have any information or ideas about the origin of the design?

Thanks in advance.

Ron and Eunice
howard H
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Dec 02, 2007 6:00 pm

Transfer from previous board: original post 2073

Post by howard H »

Hi.
These datestamps were only used at the branch offices (which sorted and datestamped mail but didn't cancel it (after stamps has been introduced) prior to it being forwarded to the inland office). Consequently, they were not used before the branch offices were in existence.
These branch office Maltese Cross shaped datestamps were, of course, nothing to do with the Maltese Cross obliterator introduced in 1840.
Best wishes,
Howard
earsathome
Posts: 217
Joined: Sat Sep 19, 2009 6:00 pm

Transfer from previous board: original post 2074

Post by earsathome »

Thanks for that Howard,
Francois has followed up his request giving us an image of a datestamp with the little Maltese Cross underneath the year.
We have found the reference as to when it was in use but nothing about who designed it.
We think that would be lost in the mist of time.
Appreciate your comments
Regards
Ron and Eunice
Post Reply