A new in-depth study of postmen’s personal handstamps between 1889 and 1949 attests to the level of dedication practised by the postal service of the time.

The postmen and women of Malta have long been held in special regard by the people of Malta. They have provided an essential service, delivering mail through turbulent times to all parts of the islands.

In the accompanying photo they are seen resplendent in their smart uniforms standing beside their famous Raleigh bicycles. The collar of the uniform bore silver-coloured metal figures representing the postman’s personal Post Office number.

Less well known is the fact that each postman was issued with a personal handstamp with a number that matched the uniform number. They were generally a small oval shape but over the years, as new ones were issued and became worn or the lost ones were replaced, the shapes and sizes varied.

This letter possibly holds the record for the most attempts at delivery. The first postman (thought to be number 8) attempts delivery on December 26, 1903. Three other postmen get involved (9, 11 and 16), making 13 more attempts until the item was finally delivered on January 4, 1904. The level of service and dedication shown was clearly exemplary.

Why were the handstamps introduced?

Following June 8, 1885, when the Maltese government took control of the Post Office, significant changes were made to the postal service and one aspect of those changes was to improve the security of mail delivery.

The National Archives of Malta (CSG 01/538/1890) makes clear that, “With a view of readily identifying the individual who may commit a misdelivery, a numerical stamp has been supplied to each Letter Carrier who is bound to inpress (sic) therewith as near as possible to the ‘Receipt Stamp’ every article of his ‘charge’ before leaving the Duty Room. On the misdelivery being brought to the knowledge of the office, the ‘numerical stamp’ will at once discover the officer in (sic) fault.”

It goes on to say that the Chief Sorter will, before despatching the ‘Letter Carriers’ to their beat, take one or two charges at random and examine whether each article they are carrying bears their personal stamp.

“It has been in operation in this department since the 14th of August last (1889) and has had the beneficial effect of reducing misdeliveries to one instance only during the remaining portion of the year.”

When the Maltese government took control of the Post Office, significant changes were made to the postal service

The system must have been judged worthwhile as it persisted until 1949, over 60 years.

The handstamps are known to have been numbered 1 to 74. Nearly all were struck in black, with just a handful known in red or violet, and these were probably simply the result of the postman using the wrong ink pad.

Spare a thought for the postman

Of course, problems arose. Sometimes mail could not be delivered. Postmen went on holiday or were ill, and others stepped in to cover. This resulted in different numbered handstamps appearing on mail to the same address. Or postmen changed their rounds – so the same handstamp appeared at different times at various locations around the islands.

What can we learn from studying these postal items?

The study of postal items bearing these individual handstamps can reveal much of social and historical interest. We learn about the dedication of the postal service. We gain an insight into where individuals served and where they moved to. By studying the addresses where mail was delivered it is possible to imagine, and perhaps even recreate, their daily journeys.

A new book published by the Malta Study Circle, Maltese Postmen’s Personal Handstamps 1889 to 1949, provides deep insight into these fascinating postal marks. The authors –  the father and son team of Bremner (Pat) and Adrian (Paddy) Patrick – spent nearly 20 years compiling the work. They list many variations of design, the numerous changes in size, style, areas of use, postal staff, delivery areas, etc. All have been studied and recorded in minute detail.

The book is, undoubtedly, the finest study of these marks ever published and is set to be the standard reference work for years to come.

Copies of Maltese Postmen’s Personal Handstamps 1889 to 1949 are on sale from the Malta Study Circle in the UK. For information send an e-mail to the Circle’s treasurer Colin Searle, searlec@gmail.com. Copies may be available locally from Hadrian Wood, the Circle’s representative, at hwood@go.net.mt.

http://maltastudycircle.org.uk

The number 1 is shown (reversed) as it appeared from the base of a small handstamp.