A recent ebay purchase
KGV 2d red single watermark perf OS x 9 used on cover (block of four, 2 vertical pairs plus a single) - used in 1951 (!!!!) - almost 30 years after the stamp was issued.
Looks commercial & legit to me?
I remember reading an article by the late Rod Perry years ago, where in one of his articles he showed a cover used around the same time (1950s) with 9 x 1d KGV green OS overprint by the Education department or something like that.
One of the stamps can be plated as 11R29 (RIGHT FRAME PARTLY MISSING, Shading Under Left Wattle Stem: Most or all of the left hand 0.5 mm of 1st line is missing)
So the block can be plated as 11R23-24, 11R29-30.
Cheers
Alex
Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
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- alex_c_y1977
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi xanthorrea,
I do have another cover like yours, but:
Best wishes,
AndrewG
I do have another cover like yours, but:
yours is the better looking copy.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi,
Two 3/ Waratahs and a 6d Yellow-Tailed Thornbill paid the 2/ registration fee plus 4/6d for the up to 1oz. airmail fee (6/6d).
Best wishes,
AndrewG
Two 3/ Waratahs and a 6d Yellow-Tailed Thornbill paid the 2/ registration fee plus 4/6d for the up to 1oz. airmail fee (6/6d).
The cover was mailed from Elgar Park, Victoria and addressed to London, England. And it was postmarked on 9 FE 65.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi alex_c_y1977,
Nice cover!
The Rod Perry article was indeed about 9 X 1d KGV green with an OS overprint:
Best wishes,
AndrewG
Nice cover!
The Rod Perry article was indeed about 9 X 1d KGV green with an OS overprint:
The article was from the June 2009 issue of Stamp News Australasia.
1d Green optd "OS": Another spectacular use of the 1d CofA, this time the Official overprint, Figure 6 contains no less than nine examples of the stamp, paying 3d Letter rate + 6d registration fee. Sent from Hornsby to Strathfield South, this item is remarkable for two reasons. Firstly, I don't recall seeing this many of the stamp on a single article, and secondly, the year of use is 1951! The Education Dept., from which this item emanates, is well known for use of uprated KGV-era Postal stationery well in to the reign of QEII, but I hadn't encountered "OS" overprint stamps used so late. Value : $250 (stamps off cover $27).
Best wishes,
AndrewG
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi,
Another cover from Elgar Park, Victoria to London, which was postmarked 25 JA 63:
Best wishes,
AndrewG
Another cover from Elgar Park, Victoria to London, which was postmarked 25 JA 63:
The two 3/ Waratah issues, the 1/6d Christmas Bells and the 3d QEII paid the 2/ registration fee, the 1/3d special delivery fee and the 4/6 up to 1oz. airmail fee (7/9d).
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi,
A 1/2d Tasmanian Tiger paid the 0-½oz air mail greeting card rate from Sydney to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The cover was postmarked on 18 DEC 1963. I also like the Christmas Greetings slogan.
AndrewG
A 1/2d Tasmanian Tiger paid the 0-½oz air mail greeting card rate from Sydney to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The cover was postmarked on 18 DEC 1963. I also like the Christmas Greetings slogan.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- RogerE
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hello MarkM and BigSaint, may I comment on your 12 June posts about the 5s cattle stamp on first day cover to London?
https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=15712&start=1745
BigSaint fairly assessed the cover as "philatelic" because it paid much more than the required postage, and he assessed the WCS = Wesley Cover Service as "stock standard"", also a fair comment based on considerable relevant experience. MarkM, you graciously accepted those comments, even though the assessment would have been disappointing for you. (In the Rod Perry tradition, the postal history significance of the cover is minimal.)
However, I find one redeeming feature of that cover is interest in its logo, from a social history viewpoint. Consider the thematic question: "Over time, how have Australian aboriginal themes featured on Australian philately?" The logo on MarkM's first day cover makes it one of the pioneering philatelic examples of recognition of aboriginal themes. (I have a modest collection around that theme, and I discovered a few years ago that another serious collector in one of my local stamp clubs also has a collection on that theme.)
The answer to the thematic question is that it took a long time before any reference to aboriginal culture appeared on our stamps. The 1930 Sturt commemoratives (SG 117-8) were the first, and you have to look very carefully at the "decorations" to see the aboriginal artefacts being used to frame the portrait.
.
The 1934 Victorian Centenary set (SG 147-9) was the first to portray an aboriginal person: he is a generic figure, not a recognisable individual, serving to represent the past, in contrast to the city of Melbourne, the built development Victoria had achieved since 1834. The 8½d portrait stamp of 1950 (SG 238), and its larger 2s6d successor of 1952 (SG 253) were the first issues portraying a real individual, a recognisable person. When was the next time a recognisable aboriginal person appeared on an Australian stamp? Aboriginal art work has featured much more often than aboriginal persons. (The 9 June 2020 aboriginal artwork set of four stamps is the latest.)
A few logos on First Day Covers of the 1950s and early 1960s started to use aboriginal themes, though the quality of the artwork was often poor. I finish this post with one more example:
.
/RogerE
https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=15712&start=1745
BigSaint fairly assessed the cover as "philatelic" because it paid much more than the required postage, and he assessed the WCS = Wesley Cover Service as "stock standard"", also a fair comment based on considerable relevant experience. MarkM, you graciously accepted those comments, even though the assessment would have been disappointing for you. (In the Rod Perry tradition, the postal history significance of the cover is minimal.)
However, I find one redeeming feature of that cover is interest in its logo, from a social history viewpoint. Consider the thematic question: "Over time, how have Australian aboriginal themes featured on Australian philately?" The logo on MarkM's first day cover makes it one of the pioneering philatelic examples of recognition of aboriginal themes. (I have a modest collection around that theme, and I discovered a few years ago that another serious collector in one of my local stamp clubs also has a collection on that theme.)
The answer to the thematic question is that it took a long time before any reference to aboriginal culture appeared on our stamps. The 1930 Sturt commemoratives (SG 117-8) were the first, and you have to look very carefully at the "decorations" to see the aboriginal artefacts being used to frame the portrait.
.
.
The 1934 Victorian Centenary set (SG 147-9) was the first to portray an aboriginal person: he is a generic figure, not a recognisable individual, serving to represent the past, in contrast to the city of Melbourne, the built development Victoria had achieved since 1834. The 8½d portrait stamp of 1950 (SG 238), and its larger 2s6d successor of 1952 (SG 253) were the first issues portraying a real individual, a recognisable person. When was the next time a recognisable aboriginal person appeared on an Australian stamp? Aboriginal art work has featured much more often than aboriginal persons. (The 9 June 2020 aboriginal artwork set of four stamps is the latest.)
A few logos on First Day Covers of the 1950s and early 1960s started to use aboriginal themes, though the quality of the artwork was often poor. I finish this post with one more example:
.
.
/RogerE

- RogerE
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Ohh, I forgot to add a retake of the logo on MarkM's Wesley FDC. Here it is, for completeness:
.
/RogerE
.
.
/RogerE

- Temora22
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
The cover below was Lot Lot 712 in Millenium's Internet Sale No. 71 which concluded yesterday.
It was described as "1964-65 Birds 1/6d Galah pair punctured 'VG' tied to 1966 (date unclear) 'Museum Specimens Only' packet from Melbourne to USA, paying very scarce 30c (3/-) other articles per 2oz. by airmail rate, exceptional £sd usage within decimal era, minor blemishes not detracting"
Estimated at $75 it realized a very surprising, in my view, $1200 plus commission etc.
It's hardly an eye-catching item. I believe it had been offered previously by Millennium and passed in at only a slightly higher estimate. What did at least two bidders see it in this time? Granted, the 1/6d Galah is a difficult stamp to find as a solo franking. Were these the more difficult helecon printing (not stated in the description)? The less frequently encountered "other articles" rate? A scarce perfin? Use in the decimal period? An error in the stamps?
Am I missing something here?
Regards,
It was described as "1964-65 Birds 1/6d Galah pair punctured 'VG' tied to 1966 (date unclear) 'Museum Specimens Only' packet from Melbourne to USA, paying very scarce 30c (3/-) other articles per 2oz. by airmail rate, exceptional £sd usage within decimal era, minor blemishes not detracting"
Estimated at $75 it realized a very surprising, in my view, $1200 plus commission etc.
It's hardly an eye-catching item. I believe it had been offered previously by Millennium and passed in at only a slightly higher estimate. What did at least two bidders see it in this time? Granted, the 1/6d Galah is a difficult stamp to find as a solo franking. Were these the more difficult helecon printing (not stated in the description)? The less frequently encountered "other articles" rate? A scarce perfin? Use in the decimal period? An error in the stamps?
Am I missing something here?
Regards,
- traralgon3844
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
This one has to be philatelic.
We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.
- Temora22
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
2/- Kangaroo redrawn die as a solo franking on a registered bank cover sent air mail from Japan to Fiji via the Australian Army postal service (BCOF). Postmarked at Unit Postal Station 452 on 3 April 1950 and backstamped at Sydney (10 April) and upon arrival at Suva (13 April).
Regards,
Regards,
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi,
What surprised me was that that additional postal services beyond domestic surface needed to be paid for.
Temora: Wow!! and a double, if not triple take on the two 1/6 Galahs! My bid was $80...
Best wishes,
AndrewG
From Phoenix Auctions, Auction 2153, Lot 927:1945 use of registered stampless OHMS cover from Rationing Commission to Sydney County Council, cancelled with red 'SYDNEY/N.S.W/3 15MCH 3/1945/3D/PAID' machine cancel, violet boxed '[RATIO]NING PAPERS ONLY - POST FREE' (A2). Interesting.
Temora: Wow!! and a double, if not triple take on the two 1/6 Galahs! My bid was $80...
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- Kipling
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Picked this up recently mainly because the sender was Fred Hagen, a well known Sydney stamp dealer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Also a good copy of Fred's blue seal on the reverse. Although from a stamp dealer it is probably commercial use ( sadly!). I hope it's OK to post in this forum? If there's a more appropriate place would a mod kindly move it?
There are numerous references to Fred on these boards, and Glen has had a lot to do with first day of issue covers sent by Fred including a 1d red kangaroo sent on the day of issue in 1913. (That famous cover also has the blue seal on the reverse, and Fred seems to have used the same typewriter, with the same lilac ink!)
Some details of Fred's history are here----
https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?p=6722766#p6722766
Because of Fred Hagen's involvement, I looked into the first day of issue possibility. The cover is dated Feb 6th 1919. The “black-browns” were first issued in 1918, except for a thin paper version that may have been issued in February 1919.
My 2014 edition of the King Geo V ACSC states at page 4/174 -----
“The thin paper variety was issued in Melbourne in February 1919.”
On the other hand there is a statement in one of these forums that the thin paper version was issued in March 1919. (That statement is in a Wiki I think, but I can't find it again without that custom search engine, which seems to have disappeared.)
So even if it could be established that the stamps, on cover, were the thin paper types, no actual date of issue seems to be known – just February or maybe March 1919, and it would also be less than helpful if they were issued in Melbourne, Fred being in Sydney.
On balance there don't seem to be any convincing grounds for saying it's not commercial use.
Any contrary views?
Also any idea what those very hard to read stamped or typed instructions are?
Regardless, a nice piece of postal history.
There are numerous references to Fred on these boards, and Glen has had a lot to do with first day of issue covers sent by Fred including a 1d red kangaroo sent on the day of issue in 1913. (That famous cover also has the blue seal on the reverse, and Fred seems to have used the same typewriter, with the same lilac ink!)
Some details of Fred's history are here----
https://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?p=6722766#p6722766
Because of Fred Hagen's involvement, I looked into the first day of issue possibility. The cover is dated Feb 6th 1919. The “black-browns” were first issued in 1918, except for a thin paper version that may have been issued in February 1919.
My 2014 edition of the King Geo V ACSC states at page 4/174 -----
“The thin paper variety was issued in Melbourne in February 1919.”
On the other hand there is a statement in one of these forums that the thin paper version was issued in March 1919. (That statement is in a Wiki I think, but I can't find it again without that custom search engine, which seems to have disappeared.)
So even if it could be established that the stamps, on cover, were the thin paper types, no actual date of issue seems to be known – just February or maybe March 1919, and it would also be less than helpful if they were issued in Melbourne, Fred being in Sydney.
On balance there don't seem to be any convincing grounds for saying it's not commercial use.
Any contrary views?
Also any idea what those very hard to read stamped or typed instructions are?
Regardless, a nice piece of postal history.
- Attachments
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- Fred Hagen cover 1919
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- Kainnikanada
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
For the benefit of the rest of humanity who don't read text at acute angles here's a an easier version for their eyes:
Looking for NSW cut-down relief date stamps, as seen in my avatar, to add to my collection.
- Kipling
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Thanks for putting it into the horizontal.
No thanks for the smart remark.
No thanks for the smart remark.
- Kainnikanada
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
What does Glenn say about common sense??
Looking for NSW cut-down relief date stamps, as seen in my avatar, to add to my collection.
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Tamora,Temora22 wrote: ↑04 Jul 2020 14:25The cover below was Lot Lot 712 in Millenium's Internet Sale No. 71 which concluded yesterday.
It was described as "1964-65 Birds 1/6d Galah pair punctured 'VG' tied to 1966 (date unclear) 'Museum Specimens Only' packet from Melbourne to USA, paying very scarce 30c (3/-) other articles per 2oz. by airmail rate, exceptional £sd usage within decimal era, minor blemishes not detracting"
Estimated at $75 it realized a very surprising, in my view, $1200 plus commission etc.
It's hardly an eye-catching item. I believe it had been offered previously by Millennium and passed in at only a slightly higher estimate. What did at least two bidders see it in this time? Granted, the 1/6d Galah is a difficult stamp to find as a solo franking. Were these the more difficult helecon printing (not stated in the description)? The less frequently encountered "other articles" rate? A scarce perfin? Use in the decimal period? An error in the stamps?
Am I missing something here?
Regards,
Two people wanted it and got into a bidding war. Both got stubborn and would not give in. It is a nice thing though. I really like pre-decimal stamps used after the introduction of decimal currency and have quite a few of them. I have recently been outbid on a few of them. There must be someone in the market who is prepared to pay good money for these sorts of items. Trying to put together a one page exhibit would be very difficult.
Tim
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
I believe he says it is not nearly as common as some imagine. Some members prove this daily. Sadly.
And agree, asking for FREE assistance on deciphering something, then lazily loading it sideways, fits that category perfectly.

THEN gets snippy when that obvious laziness is pointed out, speaks volumes. However, this same snippy member then claims our Search engine has ''disappeared.''
We actually have TWO, the ONE of which at top right has more grunt than NASA had for Apollo flights! For all except poor old Kipling. He cannot find either. That figures. He cleverly loads images sideways, and does not use his preview button.

.
Click HERE to see superb, RARE and unusual stamps, at FIXED low nett prices, high rez photos, and NO buyer fees etc!
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
$1450 invoice is pretty amazing. I'd not even have got anywhere remotely near the $75 ESTIMATE if I were pricing it, so lesson learned!
Still not sure where the big interest lies in this one, but clearly there was some.



Millennium claim it was a Decimal era cover, yet they agree date is unclear. There is ZERO proof is cancelled after Feb 14, 1966, as on the ugly smeary Melbourne cancel only ''66'' is visible. And no big deal even if it were mailed after February 14, as all pre-decimal stamps were valid until Feb 1968. 3/- simply became 30c.
Glen
.
Click HERE to see superb, RARE and unusual stamps, at FIXED low nett prices, high rez photos, and NO buyer fees etc!
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi,
A 2½d Peace and Victory issue underpaid the Surface rate to the USA and the Airmail rate within (6d, I believe according to Breckon):
There is no indication that there were any other stamps on the cover nor of any postage due markings. (Nor a Late Fee - cancelled at 4:15am)
Best wishes,
AndrewG
A 2½d Peace and Victory issue underpaid the Surface rate to the USA and the Airmail rate within (6d, I believe according to Breckon):
The cover was mailed from Sydney to Boston, Massachusetts and was postmarked 29 MCH 1946.
There is no indication that there were any other stamps on the cover nor of any postage due markings. (Nor a Late Fee - cancelled at 4:15am)
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi,
A cover mailed from Coburg, Australia to Osijek, Yugoslavia:
The cover was postmarked on 18 SEP 1939 and was backstamped in Greece before arriving in Osijek. The two 1/ Lyrebirds paid the 1/9d airmail rate plus 3d for registration. The 6d Kookaburra paid the express rate.
Perhaps the blue Post Office / Coburg postmark was meant to be used for registered mail? There is also an early censorship tape.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
A cover mailed from Coburg, Australia to Osijek, Yugoslavia:
The cover was postmarked on 18 SEP 1939 and was backstamped in Greece before arriving in Osijek. The two 1/ Lyrebirds paid the 1/9d airmail rate plus 3d for registration. The 6d Kookaburra paid the express rate.
Perhaps the blue Post Office / Coburg postmark was meant to be used for registered mail? There is also an early censorship tape.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- MJ's pet
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Nice cover above AndrewG.
Australia entered WW2 on 3 September 1939. Your cover posted 18 September.
Australia entered WW2 on 3 September 1939. Your cover posted 18 September.
- Ubobo.R.O.
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
The double oval Coburg postmark is WWW1040 rated RRRR.
Full time horse non-whisperer, post box searcher and lichen covered granite rock percher. Gee I'm handsome !
You gottem birds, butterflies, shells, maps, flags and heads on stamps ? Me wantem !
You gottem birds, butterflies, shells, maps, flags and heads on stamps ? Me wantem !
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hello Ubobo.R.O. and MJ's pet,
I appreciate your comments.
This was the other cover I found on Delcampe:
Best wishes,
AndrewG
I appreciate your comments.
This was the other cover I found on Delcampe:
Three 1/ Lyrebirds and a 9d Platypus paid the ½-1oz airmail rate (1/9d+1/8d=3/5d) plus 3d for registration. The sender overpaid the airmail rate by 1d. The cover appears to have been postmarked with a blue double-ring Coburg on 10 APR 1940 and was mailed to Osijek, Yugoslavia.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- Temora22
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
AndrewG,
I like your September 1939 cover - scarce Coburg cancellation and an interesting combination of airmail to a less common destination, registration and express delivery.
May I ask where you found that 6d was the express delivery charge? I'm not in any way suggesting you are incorrect but I'm yet to find a comprehensive explanation of either the various express delivery options/ services or the respective charges.
Another aspect I like is that the censor has added the date in manuscript to the censor handstamp - most unusual in my experience.
Regards,
I like your September 1939 cover - scarce Coburg cancellation and an interesting combination of airmail to a less common destination, registration and express delivery.
May I ask where you found that 6d was the express delivery charge? I'm not in any way suggesting you are incorrect but I'm yet to find a comprehensive explanation of either the various express delivery options/ services or the respective charges.
Another aspect I like is that the censor has added the date in manuscript to the censor handstamp - most unusual in my experience.
Regards,
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hello Temora22,
Richard Breckon's explanations of the express charges are on pages 38-40, The Australian Philatelist, Winter 1989. The 6d fee is on page 40.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
Richard Breckon's explanations of the express charges are on pages 38-40, The Australian Philatelist, Winter 1989. The 6d fee is on page 40.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- Temora22
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hello AndrewG,
Thanks - I had forgotten about the Breckon articles in AP.
I note the article states "An express delivery service for selected overseas countries commenced in December 1927".
It would be interesting to find PMG post office guide books from the period to see if they listed the "selected countries". I'm not sure, otherwise, how postmasters at suburban post offices such as Coburg would have known which countries were included. Yugoslavia in 1939 wouldn't have seemed an obvious one to me.
Regards
Thanks - I had forgotten about the Breckon articles in AP.
I note the article states "An express delivery service for selected overseas countries commenced in December 1927".
It would be interesting to find PMG post office guide books from the period to see if they listed the "selected countries". I'm not sure, otherwise, how postmasters at suburban post offices such as Coburg would have known which countries were included. Yugoslavia in 1939 wouldn't have seemed an obvious one to me.
Regards
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hello Temora,
Page 42 of the Winter 1989 The Australian Philatelist has additional notes about overseas airmail rates. Also Breckon mentions that air mail service was extended to "other articles" starting in 1952. For these rates he recommends Martin Walker's Air Mail Postage Rates of Australia.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
Page 42 of the Winter 1989 The Australian Philatelist has additional notes about overseas airmail rates. Also Breckon mentions that air mail service was extended to "other articles" starting in 1952. For these rates he recommends Martin Walker's Air Mail Postage Rates of Australia.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- MarkM
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Received this in the mail today. I'm not sure if it is anything special, but it just appealed to me.
- roninrr
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Another cover in the 'unexplainable' category or perhaps I'm missing something here.
Sold today on eBay.com for an eye-watering $US764 ($A1056).
There were 5 bidders of which 3 were prepared to bid in excess of $US500.
Perhaps they were hoping the 1923 date signified ACSC 113 which has catalog value on cover of $A500.
But the cover date of Feb 1923 is much earlier than the earliest recorded date August 1923 for ACSC 113.
Maybe its 'Covid' fever??
Dick Roennfeldt
Sold today on eBay.com for an eye-watering $US764 ($A1056).
There were 5 bidders of which 3 were prepared to bid in excess of $US500.
Perhaps they were hoping the 1923 date signified ACSC 113 which has catalog value on cover of $A500.
But the cover date of Feb 1923 is much earlier than the earliest recorded date August 1923 for ACSC 113.
Maybe its 'Covid' fever??
Dick Roennfeldt
- roninrr
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
MarkM
Nice neat cover using ACSC 109 3d + ACSC 103 2d KGV to pay the all-up British Empire airmail rate of 5d at the time.
Has a catalog value of $20 on cover so not rare although the 3d looks like the variety 109j - retouched SW corner - which has a catalog value of $50 off cover.
Interesting that the sender has entrusted his letter to the emerging new competitor (airmail) for the carriage of overseas. Perhaps those steam ships were just too slow.
Dick Roennfeldt
Nice neat cover using ACSC 109 3d + ACSC 103 2d KGV to pay the all-up British Empire airmail rate of 5d at the time.
Has a catalog value of $20 on cover so not rare although the 3d looks like the variety 109j - retouched SW corner - which has a catalog value of $50 off cover.
Interesting that the sender has entrusted his letter to the emerging new competitor (airmail) for the carriage of overseas. Perhaps those steam ships were just too slow.
Dick Roennfeldt
- MarkM
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Thanks for the info Dick. I paid $28 for it and while I may have paid over the odds it just caught my eye.roninrr wrote: ↑19 Aug 2020 21:12MarkM
Nice neat cover using ACSC 109 3d + ACSC 103 2d KGV to pay the all-up British Empire airmail rate of 5d at the time.
Has a catalog value of $20 on cover so not rare although the 3d looks like the variety 109j - retouched SW corner - which has a catalog value of $50 off cover.
Interesting that the sender has entrusted his letter to the emerging new competitor (airmail) for the carriage of overseas. Perhaps those steam ships were just too slow.
Dick Roennfeldt
I’ve got the ASCS KGV catalogue sitting in the box that arrived from Glen this afternoon which I haven’t had a chance to open yet. I’ll look up 109j as I couldn’t see anything that jumped out at me that could be a flaw.
Cheers
Mark
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi,
A 1d Queen Elizabeth and a 6d Kookaburra franked a cover from Adelaide to Toronto, Canada. The cover was postmarked on 1941 20 JAN.
Perhaps 5d paid the airmail plus regular postage rate within Australia and 2d for the surface rate to Canada?
Best wishes,
AndrewG
A 1d Queen Elizabeth and a 6d Kookaburra franked a cover from Adelaide to Toronto, Canada. The cover was postmarked on 1941 20 JAN.
The cover was censored in Adelaide and was sent by airmail to Sydney. From Sydney the cover went by surface to Toronto.
Perhaps 5d paid the airmail plus regular postage rate within Australia and 2d for the surface rate to Canada?
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- Temora22
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Air mail cover endorsed "Printed Matter Only" and postmarked at Geelong on 18 October 1961.
I have seen several other covers at a similar 3/- "printed matter" or "other articles" rate for overseas air mail.
I would appreciate if anybody could point me to details of this rate.
Regards
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi,
A ½d Kangaroo was used to pay for the printed matter rate (in this case: over 20 posted):
An interesting advertising cover. I suspect that the crown rested uneasily on the Rex Ham and Bacon pig.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
A ½d Kangaroo was used to pay for the printed matter rate (in this case: over 20 posted):
The cover was postmarked 9 DEC 1913 and was mailed from Brisbane to Gatton, Queensland.
An interesting advertising cover. I suspect that the crown rested uneasily on the Rex Ham and Bacon pig.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi,
The cover was postmarked 25 SEP 1944 and was mailed from Brisbane to Oakland, California. If I understood the relevant Breckon article, the airmail rate to the United States was 9d for the first ½oz and 8d for the next ½oz (17d or 1/5d). The Hermes 1/6d stamp overpaid the rate by 1d.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
The cover was postmarked 25 SEP 1944 and was mailed from Brisbane to Oakland, California. If I understood the relevant Breckon article, the airmail rate to the United States was 9d for the first ½oz and 8d for the next ½oz (17d or 1/5d). The Hermes 1/6d stamp overpaid the rate by 1d.
Perhaps.
Best wishes,
AndrewG
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
And a fine commercial cover from 1913 
Just recall, this was the first year of Aus Cwlth having Cwlth stamps,
and only a few months before the start of the Great War
/RogerE

Just recall, this was the first year of Aus Cwlth having Cwlth stamps,
and only a few months before the start of the Great War

/RogerE

- agondocz
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi,
A 2/6d Aboriginal was added to 1/7d QEII registration envelope. The envelope was postmarked on 2 MR 59.
However, there is neither a hint of an airmail sticker nor a receiving Argentinian backstamp. Perhaps the envelope went by surface mail: if so, the rate for the 1st oz was 8d, plus 5d for each additional oz. The envelope does not appear to have anything mailed heavier than 2oz in it.
Still, interesting and affordable, just!
Best wishes,
AndrewG
A 2/6d Aboriginal was added to 1/7d QEII registration envelope. The envelope was postmarked on 2 MR 59.
The registration fee at that time was 1/3d. The airmail rate from Cessnook Australia with Toukley postmarks was 2/6d. The envelope was overpaid 4d, perhaps. It was mailed to El Palomar, Argentina.
However, there is neither a hint of an airmail sticker nor a receiving Argentinian backstamp. Perhaps the envelope went by surface mail: if so, the rate for the 1st oz was 8d, plus 5d for each additional oz. The envelope does not appear to have anything mailed heavier than 2oz in it.
Still, interesting and affordable, just!
Best wishes,
AndrewG
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Good destination AndrewG 

- roninrr
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
The following covers are interesting in both being addressed in 1922 to the Office of Assistant General Baggage Agent of the Acheson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company.
The first I purchased on eBay in April 2020 and is from the Commissioner for Railways Office Brisbane.
The second is currently for sale on eBay closing later today and is from the Commissioner of Railways Perth.
Although they each originated from the office of the State appointed Commissioner both are serviced using (Commonwealth) OS punctured stamps which is consistent with BW notes on use of official stamps by State Governments
A Commonwealth Railways Commissioner position was created by the Commonwealth in 1917.
Perhaps a railway buff may be able to say what might be the subject of these letters.
Dick Roennfeldt
The first I purchased on eBay in April 2020 and is from the Commissioner for Railways Office Brisbane.
The second is currently for sale on eBay closing later today and is from the Commissioner of Railways Perth.
Although they each originated from the office of the State appointed Commissioner both are serviced using (Commonwealth) OS punctured stamps which is consistent with BW notes on use of official stamps by State Governments
A Commonwealth Railways Commissioner position was created by the Commonwealth in 1917.
Perhaps a railway buff may be able to say what might be the subject of these letters.
Dick Roennfeldt
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
My guess is they were applications for reciprocal free rail travel for respective railway employees.
Most Railways designated specific positions to handle the overseas free rail applications.
The States were responsible for passenger rail and they had overseas networks.
Ceased to apply in Australia to employees of overseas railway companies in 1998
Most Railways designated specific positions to handle the overseas free rail applications.
The States were responsible for passenger rail and they had overseas networks.
Ceased to apply in Australia to employees of overseas railway companies in 1998
- alex_c_y1977
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Hi Dick
This is a very nice cover - rare to see 4d KGV violet used on cover especially a clean and neat solo use like that!
Checked the stamp too, from the scan, I can work out that it has an ACSC listed variety BW111(1)q - white flaw behind emu's leg and damaged SE and SW corner (1R60).
Cheers
Alex
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
roninrr wrote: ↑19 Aug 2020 20:54Another cover in the 'unexplainable' category or perhaps I'm missing something here.
Sold today on eBay.com for an eye-watering $US764 ($A1056).
There were 5 bidders of which 3 were prepared to bid in excess of $US500.
Hi!
Shame I missed this one!? I think the famous "temple flaw" (cat. 1500$AU for the stamp alone) on cover might indeed be unique, even if not unique, a really great rarity!
Greetings
Perhaps they were hoping the 1923 date signified ACSC 113 which has catalog value on cover of $A500.
But the cover date of Feb 1923 is much earlier than the earliest recorded date August 1923 for ACSC 113.
Maybe its 'Covid' fever??
Dick Roennfeldt
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Thanks Alex, josto
Nicely spotted. I noticed the flaw on the 4d violet (but not the 4d blue) but it was the OS puncture that attracted my interest. Hard enough getting the unpunctured 4d violet on cover ($450 per ACSC) let alone the OS. I had never seen one before.
The covers in question highlight a collector's dilemma.
If you collect KGV ACSC listed flaws and KGV postal usage on cover how do you treat/display a flaw on a cover.
It doesn't sit well with the other flaws off cover and it gets lost in the cover collection.
And do you pay a premium for a flaw on a cover and how much?
Dick Roennfeldt
Nicely spotted. I noticed the flaw on the 4d violet (but not the 4d blue) but it was the OS puncture that attracted my interest. Hard enough getting the unpunctured 4d violet on cover ($450 per ACSC) let alone the OS. I had never seen one before.
The covers in question highlight a collector's dilemma.
If you collect KGV ACSC listed flaws and KGV postal usage on cover how do you treat/display a flaw on a cover.
It doesn't sit well with the other flaws off cover and it gets lost in the cover collection.
And do you pay a premium for a flaw on a cover and how much?
Dick Roennfeldt
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
A Temple Flaw on cover is a significant find. 

- PhilipAdams
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
A fairly unremarkable cover, made a little interesting by its link to the Acme Cycle Co. (Melbourne) with an illustration of a Douglas motorcycle.
Posted on 28 March 1918, with a fairly common franking of a Kangaroo 2½d tied by a War Savings slogan. There is a 'PASSED' censor hand-stamp in violet on the front.
Philip
Posted on 28 March 1918, with a fairly common franking of a Kangaroo 2½d tied by a War Savings slogan. There is a 'PASSED' censor hand-stamp in violet on the front.
Philip
- RogerE
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Another nice commercial advertising cover. 

- roninrr
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
Picked this up on eBay tonight.
Nice example of 6d Imperial Services stamp on cover.
Not sure about the postage rate.
Perhaps Australian airmail fee of 3d plus surface rate to British Empire 2d making it overpaid by 1d?
Dick Roennfeldt
Nice example of 6d Imperial Services stamp on cover.
Not sure about the postage rate.
Perhaps Australian airmail fee of 3d plus surface rate to British Empire 2d making it overpaid by 1d?
Dick Roennfeldt
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Re: Show your Australia Pre-Decimal stamps on Commercial Covers
The five dots on the censor label designate that censorship took place in Perth.
/RogerE
/RogerE
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