Hole Punch cancellations on Victorian Postcards

We know that a large number of our members collect at least some aspects of GB postal stationery. This is the place to discuss it, ask questions etc.
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PSHAW14244
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Joined: Thu Sep 05, 2024 10:56 am

Hole Punch cancellations on Victorian Postcards

Post by PSHAW14244 »

"The introduction of the postcard greatly increased the volume of mail which the PO handled each day, and during the first few years of their use attempts were made to cancel bundles of postcards in one single operation by punching holes through the area of the stamp. Groups of holes shaped into arrows and orbs, and single holes and side clips were experimented with. However, the system attracted numerous complaints about the loss of part of the message area where the card was punched away. In addition, the PO was also concerned that this method gave no indication of the date that the cards passed through the post. In the end the experiment was gradually abandoned, being superseded by other more reliable cancellation methods."
The Development of Victorian Postal Stationery Colin Baker

This card recently sold on eBay for £57! (Not to me!) Any more examples?
1870 Hole Punched card.jpg
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