Antique US Post Office Hand Cancellation Rubber Stamp - " Lima Ohio " - 1920s
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:30507226 | Certification: Uncertified |
| State: Ohio | Quality: Used |
| Place of Origin: United States |
Hand stamp for hand-cancelling stamps. Early 1900s to 1920s. This was my grandfather's, who worked for the U.S. Post Office in Lima, Ohio for fifty years. The stamp consists of a turned walnut handle surmounted by a brass oval plate to which is affixed a similar sized open oval ring. This ring is fastened to the backing plate by a pivot pin and is locked by a tab or cam on the ring fitting into a cam lock on the backing plate. When locked in place, the ring secures an... oval black rubber stamp. In use, the rubber stamp was pressed onto an ink pad and then pressed onto a letter stamp to "cancel" the stamp as it cleared the Post Office before delivery. The swiveling ring allowed for different rubber stamps to be inserted as needed, and is fully functional.The stamp itself shows much wear from age and use - many scratches and dents, but the walnut handle has acquired a wonderful patina from years of handling. The brass portion likewise exhibits a fine patina commensurate with its age. The rubber stamp insert, however, is much deteriorated. Originally, the letters "LIMA" and "OHIO" were set above and below an oval device. The "LIMA" is scarcely legible, but the "OHIO" portion is still fairly legible.A rare piece of U.S. Post Office memorabilia for the advanced collector.
