National Postal Museum
Rate mark handstamp, FREE
1850-1854
A mark on a piece of mail by this wooden handstamp indicated that the mail had entered the mailstream free-of-postage. The marking head is a tight-grain hardwood such as boxwood. Two incised lines encircling the handle bulb are generally associated with products sold by E. S. Zevely, who owned a manufacturing shop in Pleasant Grove, Maryland. This handstamp was likely produced between 1850 and 1854.
🔒
Order museum-quality prints
Sign in to order prints, canvas, and more of this work. Browsing and full-resolution downloads stay free.