Wikibooks

International Postage Meter Stamp Catalog/South Africa

< International Postage Meter Stamp Catalog

South Africa edit

  • The first postage meter was placed into use in 1926.
  • The stamps are bilingual, English ("SOUTH AFRICA") and Afrikaans ("SUID AFRIKA").
  • In 1961 the country severed its relationship with the British Commonwealth and changed its name from the Union of South Africa to the Republic of South Africa. British sterling currency was used until 1961, and afterwards a decimal currency of 100 cents to the Rand was used.
  • Meter manufacturers in South Africa:
– Postal Utilities "Mercury", 1952–1962
– Ohmer Fare, 1936 (This is an American company, but its product is known used only in South Africa. See Group PP.)
  • The stamps are grouped according to inscriptions and function.
A – British Commonwealth period: inscribed "SOUTH AFRICA" or "UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA", till 1961
B – Republic period: inscribed "REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA", since 1961
C – Republic period: inscribed "SOUTH AFRICA"
D – Stamps from remotely set machines, with “REMOTE SETTING”
PO – Special stamps for Post Office counter use
PP – Special stamps for Parcel Post
TH – Stamps inscribed with names of tribal homelands: Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei and Venda
  • Meter stamps without frank, usually with town mark and value figures only, are found occasionally. These are nearly always illegal usages of decertified meters. They are not cataloged.


GROUP A: British Commonwealth period, 1926–1961 edit

  • All stamps have “SOUTH AFRICA” or “UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA” in the frank.
  • Many are known used well beyond the Commonwealth period, even into the 1990s.


Sub-group AA: Rectangle with simulated-perforation outer frame line edit


 


AA1. Neopost (FV-2 or -3), 18 October 1926.

Small upright frank with “SOUTH AFRICA” at top and large value figure in center surrounded by oval panel.
M# with "N" prefix above bottom panel. M# occasionally without prefix.
TM: SC, BIC
Values:      ½, 1, 2, 3D



 

AA2. Universal “Midget” (FV-3/5), 1927.

Small upright frank with head of Springbok in center oval.
Crown at top of oval.
Value in small shields in lower corners with M# between.
M# with "M" prefix.
Frank usually with thirteen teeth at the sides.
A. Inscribed at right "POSGELD BETAAL”
B. "BETAALD" (instead of BETAAL)
TM: DC or nil
Values (£sd):      ½, 1, 1½, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6D, 1/-
Values (decimal):      1¢ seen
a. Shield around V/F missing
b. M# white on solid shield
c. M# unengraved ("M ■")
d. Eleven teeth at each side instead of thirteen



 
 









AA3. Neopost (FV-1/LV-2/3/6), 1928. : Small upright frank with value in center surrounded by horseshoe shaped scroll.

M# with "N" or "No" prefix or without prefix.
A. (FV-1) Double line inner border. Bottom ends of scroll large and blank    [Scarce]
B. (LV-6) As A, but scroll ends small, often shaded
C. (LV-6) Single line inner border. Scroll ends large and blank
D. As B, but decimal values
TM: BIC, SC, DC
Values (£sd):      ½, 1, 1½, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8D, 1/-
Values (decimal):      1, 2½, 4, 12½¢ seen
a. Meter number prefix backwards, as "И" (M# 253)



 

AA4. Francotyp "C" (MV), 1930.

Upright frank with value figures in center flanked by curved "POSTAGE PAID" at left and "POSGELD BETAAL" at right.
Small M# with "F" prefix above bottom panel.
With 4-digit serial number at top between TM and frank.
TM: DC, SC, BIC
V/F:      –/– –
a. "BETAALD" instead of BETAAL
b. "BETAAI" instead of BETAAL
c. "BETAALT" instead of BETAAL
d. "BETAAID" instead of BETAAL
e. "AFRIKA" at top instead of "AFRICA"    [Uncommon]



 

AA5. Universal "Multi-Value" (MV), 1932.    [Uncommon]

Country names in curved panels at top and bottom.
Triangular ornaments in corners.
Small M# with "U" prefix above bottom panel (U1 - 7).
A. Wide spacing with "POSGELD BETAAL" at right (U1 only. This stamp appears to be from a Francotyp "C" machine with a Universal frank die.)
B. Medium spacing with "POSGELD BETAALD" at right (U2 - U5)
C. Medium setting with "POSGELD BETAAL" at right
TM: DC, SC
V/F:      –/–  – 0/- -


 
 



AA6. Universal “Multi-Value” (MV), 1933.

Frank as Type AA5C but M# replaces triangles in lower corners.
M# with “U” prefix.
A. “POSTAGE PAID” and “POSGELD BETAAL” in tall, narrow letters with space after BETAAL
B. “POSTAGE PAID” and “POSGELD BETAAL” in short letters without space after BETAAL (pictured)
TM: DC
V/F (£sd):      0=D      =/0 0/0     -/-0/0
V/F (decimal):      .00      0.oo      00.oo      =.00      =.00=
a. With “R” preceding value figures





 


AA7. Universal “Automax” (MV).

Frank as Type AA6B but the lines in the value figures are of equal thickness.
M# with “UA” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F:      =.00(½)     0.oo=




 

AA8. Universal "Simplex" (MV-23), 1951.

Very similar to Type AA7 but wider spacing.
M# with "S" or "SA" prefix.
TM: DC
Values (£sd):      ½ D to 2/-
Values (decimal):      ½c to 12½¢ ?




 

AA9. Postal Utilities "Mercury" (FV), 1952.    [Uncommon]

Upright frank, 18-20 mm wide, with single-line border.
"SOUTH AFRICA" and "SUIDAFRIKA" unframed, curved at top and bottom.
Triangular ornaments in top corners only.
Value figure in center.
M# with "X" prefix in lower corners.
No town mark.
Values:      1, 2D



 
 
 



AA10. Francotyp "Cc" (MV), 1952.

Upright frank with panels at top and bottom.
"SOUTH AFRICA" in top panel and "SUIDAFRIKA" in bottom.
"POSTAGE PAID" and "POSGELD BETAALD" vertical at sides.
M#, with "F" or "FR" prefix, above bottom panel.
A. Frank, 25 x 31 mm
B. Wide frank, 29 x 32 mm
C. Small frank, 22 x 28 mm
D. Frank 24 x 27 mm (not shown)
TM: SC
V/F (£sd):      0/0–      00/0–      0/00/0–
V/F (decimal):      .00      00–      .00–      0,00      0.00–      ◆0.00 –










Sub-group AB: Frank convex at top and bottom, concave at sides edit


 

AB1. Hasler "F88" (MV), 1945.

English in panel at top, Afrikaans in panel at bottom.
M# with "H", "HA", "HL" or "R" prefix above bottom panel.
A. “SUID – AFRIKA” at bottom, M# unboxed
B. “SUIDAFRIKA” at bottom, M# boxed or unboxed
TM: DC
V/F (£sd):      oo/0✳      ✳00/0✳      000/0✳
V/F (decimal):      00      0,00      .00✳      0/00◇      0.oo✳      ✳0.oo✳      ✳00.0◆


a. Frank inverted, value figures upright.    [Uncommon]
b. M# in bottom of town mark as well as bottom of frank




Sub-group AC: Frank rectangle with straight outer frame line edit


 

AC1. Roneo Neopost (LV-6), 1949.

Frank with leaping springbok at upper center.
Value inset at bottom center.
M#, with "N", "NA" or "NB" prefix, in lower corners.
TM: BIC, DC
Values seen (£sd):      ½, 1, 1½, 2, 3, 4, 6, 1/-, 1/3, 2/-
Values seen (£sd):      9, 1/6, 2/3
Values seen (£sd):      4/6, 9/-, 18/-    [Scarce]
Values seen (decimal):      ½, 1, 1½, 2, 2½, 3, 3½, 4, 5, 10, 12½¢
a. Value die with simulated-perforation frame line at bottom. (The die apparently was ‘imported’ or cannibalized from a foreign meter.)


 


AC2. Postal Utilities "Mercury" (FV), 1952.    [Uncommon]

Similar to Type AA9 but with simple straight-line border, and "SOUTH AFRICA" and "SUID AFRIKA" are straight rather than curved.
M# with "X" prefix.
Without TM but with often with slogan below frank.
Values:      1, 2 D






GROUP B: Independent period, 1961 forward edit

  • Franks inscribed “REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA”


Sub-group BA: Rectangle with simulated perforation outer frame line edit


 
 
 




BA1. Francotyp "Cc" (MV).

Similar to Type AA10 but "REPUBLIEK VAN/ SUID-AFRIKA" at top and "REPUBLIC OF/ SOUTH AFRICA" at bottom.
M# with "F", "FA", "FC", "FE" or "FF" prefix.
A. Frank 26-27 x 29-30 mm
B. Frank 25 x 31-32 mm
C. Tall frank, 25 x 35 mm
TM: SC, nil
V/F:      .00–      0.00–      0.00      0,00      0.00–      00.00      ◆0.00      ◆0,00      ◆0.00–      ◆◆0,00
a. M# without prefix











 


BA2. Francotyp "Cc" (MV).

As Type BA1A but inscriptions much smaller and with lower case lettering, especially at top and bottom.
M# with “F” prefix.
TM: SC
V/F:      0,00



 
 



BA3. Universal "Automax" (MV).

Nearly square frank with doubled angle lines in each corner.
"REPUBLIC OF/ SOUTH AFRICA" at top, "REPUBLIEK VAN/ SUID - AFRIKA" at bottom.
M# with "U" or "UA" prefix at bottom center.
A. Frank 25 x 27 mm
B. Frank 28 x 27 mm
TM: DC
V/F:      R=.00      R0.oo=      R =0.oo      R00.oo=
a. Printed in blue





 


BA4. Universal "Simplex" (LV-24).

Very similar to Type BA3 but wider spacing.
M# with "SA" prefix.
TM: DC
Values seen:      1, 2, 2½, 3, 7, 7½, 10, 11, 11½¢




 
 
 



BA5. Satas (MV).

Square frank with straight-line inner border.
English at top, Afrikaans (with or without dash) at bottom.
M# with "T" or "TX" prefix breaks bottom frame line.
Date figures tall or short.
A. “POSTAGE PAID” at left, “POSGELD BETAAL” at right, frank 25 mm square
B. As A, but larger frank, 28-29 mm square
C. “POSTAGE PAID” and “POSGELD BETAAL” both at left, blank at right, frank 28 mm square
TM: SC, DC, BIC
V/F:      =.00–      0.00      =0.00      00.00      =.0.00









 
 

BA6. Frama (MV).

Frank similar to Type BA5 but larger, 30 mm square.
M# with “A” prefix breaks bottom frame line.
Value figures thick.
TM: DC
V/F:      –. 00      R0.00      R0.00 :      R00.00      R000.00
a. TM with inner ring only: small ring with date inside, town name outside



 


BA7. Neopost "Frankmaster" / "305" (MV).

"REPUBLIEK VAN/ SUID-AFRIKA" in stepped panel at top, "REPUBLIC OF/ SOUTH AFRICA" in panel at bottom.
M# with "R" or occasionally "RA" prefix.
TM: DC, BIC
V/F:      0•00= (thick but narrow digits)




 


BA8. Neopost “405/505” (MV).

Very similar in appearance to Type BA7, but M# with "ND" prefix, and value figures are wider.
This could be a locally re-built hybrid as the value figures do not resemble any others known from Neopost.
TM: DC
V/F:      0,00



 

BA9. Pitney Bowes "5000" (MV).

Horizontal frank with both country names at top.
Value figures are below level of the date figures.
M# with "PBH" prefix between TM and frank.
TM: DC
V/F:       0.00



 

BA10. Pitney Bowes-GB "Simplex" (LV-24).

Similar to Type BA4, but smaller, and with partial inner frame line around "c" (cent) above the value figure.
M# with "SA" prefix.
TM: DC
Values seen:      ½, 2, 2½, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 20¢

NOTE: Value figures can differ greatly in style and size.



 

BA11. Pitney Bowes-GB "6300" (MV).

Frank similar to Types BA3 and 4 but wider than tall.
Value figures and date on same level.
M# with "P.B.L." prefix breaks bottom frame line.
TM: DC or nil
V/F:      0.00      00.00      000      0.000 (error?)



 

BA12. Pitney Bowes-GB "A900" (MV), 1994.

Frank similar to type BA11, but larger, 31/32 x 23 mm.
"REPUBLIC OF" breaks top frame line.
M# with "PBA" prefix between TM and frank.
Value figures large.
A. M# and prefix on one line
B. M# below prefix
TM: DC
V/F:       000       00.00



 


BA13. Pitney Bowes-GB “6600” (MV).

Square frank with a design similar to Type BA12.
M# with "PB" prefix breaks bottom line.
TM: DC
V/F:       0.00



 


BA14. Pitney Bowes-GB “6900” (MV).

Very similar to Type BA13 but frank slightly wider and value figures slightly smaller.
M# with “PBE” prefix between TM and frank.
TM: DC
V/F:       0.00



 


BA15. Postalia (MV).

Large frank slightly wider than tall, with "REPUBLIEK VAN SUID-AFRIKA" at top and "REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA" at bottom.
M#, with "POS" or "POA" prefix, above bottom inscription.
Value figures narrow.
TM: DC or SC
V/F:      000      0,00      0.00



 


BA16. Postalia (MV).

Frank as Type BA15, but "REPUBLIEK VAN SUID-AFRIKA" and "REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA" are both at the top.
M# at bottom with "POS" prefix.
TM: DC
V/F:      0,00



 


BA17. Secap (MV), 1991.

Very similar in appearance to Type BA15 but larger value figures preceded by an “R”.
M# with "SC" prefix.
TM: SC or DC, variable in size
V/F:      R00,00



 



BA18. Postalia “D2/D3”, Francotyp-Postalia "EFS" (MV).

Very similar to Type BA15, but M# with "FF" or "FP" prefix.
TM: SC, DC
V/F:      0.00      00.00



 


BA19. Francotyp-Postalia "EFS" (MV).

Very similar to Type BA18 but smaller, and the date figures are more widely spaced.
M# with “FF” prefix.
TM: SC, DC
V/F:      00.00
a. TM DC with “POSTAGE PAID/ POSGELD BETAAL” One machine known, FF 3163    [Uncommon]



 

BA20. Francotyp-Postalia "T1000" (digital).

Very similar to Type BA19 but spacing is narrower.
Digitally printed through a mylar ribbon leaving a shiny impression.
The decimal in the F/V is square and below the bottom of the numbers.
M# with "FF" prefix.
TM: SC
V/F:      00•00





Sub-group BB: Rectangle with straight outer frame line edit


 

BB1. Roneo Neopost (LV-6).

Similar to Type AC1 but "REPUBLIEK VAN / SUID-AFRIKA / REPUBLIC OF / SOUTH AFRICA" in top half.
Lozenge shape design in lower half surrounds the value figure at bottom center.
M#, with "NB" prefix, in lower corners.
TM: BIC
Values seen:      ½, 1, 2½, 2, 3½, 4, 5, 10, 12½¢



 
 
 



BB2. Roneo Neopost "205/2205" (MV), 1966.

Upright frank of variable size.
With "REPUBLIEK VAN / SUID - AFRIKA" breaking top frame line.
"REPUBLIC OF / SOUTH AFRICA" at bottom.
M# with “J”, “JH”, or “RS” prefix flanks "REPUBLIC OF" near bottom.
Date figures tall ("205") or short ("2205").
A. "SUID-AFRIKA" large, small dashes at sides of "POSGELD BETAAL"
B. "SUID-AFRIKA" smaller, no dashes at sides of "POSGELD BETAAL"
C. As A but much wider frank, nearly square
TM: DC, BIC
V/F:      0•00–      0•★0 –      0,00      000








 
 


BB3. Satas “R” (MV).

Very similar to Type BB2 except spacing between TM and frank wider.
Spacing is wider than on Type B5.
M# with "TA" “TE” or "TM" prefix.
Date figures tall.
A. Frank ~ 20-21 x 23-24 mm. All examples seen have constant misspelling error "SUID-AFRICA" (instead of SUID-AFRIKA)
B. Wider frank, 26 x 24 mm. “SUID-AFRIKA” spelled correctly.
TM: DC, BIC
V/F:      0. 00
a. Frank without dashes at sides of “POSGELD BETAAL”



 

BB4. Roneo Neopost “105” (LV-6).

Frank with "REPUBLIEK VAN / SUID-AFRIKA" in panel at top, "REPUBLIC / OF / SOUTH AFRICA" at bottom.
Box around postage value in center.
M# with "NB" prefix flanks "REPUBLIC/ OF".
TM: BIC
Values seen:      1, 2, 2½, 3, 4, 4½, 5, 10, 12½¢



 

BB5. Roneo Neopost “405/505” (MV).

Similar to Type BB4 but much wider.
M# with "NE" prefix.
Date with or without stops.
TM: SC, DC, BIC.
V/F:      00      000      0•00      0,00      00,00



 

BB6. Neopost "Electronic" (MV).

Very similar to type BB5, but slightly smaller.
M# with "ET" prefix.
TM: DC
V/F:       000       0,00



 


BB7. Secap (MV).

Large, wide frank with "Republiek van Suid-Afrika / Posgeld Betaal" at top, "Postage Paid / Republic of South Africa" at bottom.
M# with “SC” prefix vertical at left.
TM: SC
V/F:      0000




 


BB8. Roneo Neopost “Electronic” (MV), 1988.    [Rare]

British style frank with “Rep of SOUTH AFRICA” reading up at left and “POSTAGE PAID” reading down at right, both outside the frame line.
Crown at top.
Afrikaans language not present in the stamp.
Two meters known, M# ET 0242 and ET 7532.
TM: DC
V/F:       0.00





Sub-group BC: Frank without outer frame line edit


 

BC1. Pitney Bowes "R" (MV).

Unified design with springbok head between TM and value box.
Value box 15mm wide.
M# with "PB" prefix.
TM: SC
V/F:       00 :  000 :      (distance between colon dots wide or narrow)



 

BC2. Pitney Bowes "5300" (MV).

As Type BC1 but wider, most noticeable in the floral design at left and the wider value box (18mm).
M# with "PB" prefix.
A. Value box open at bottom (shown)
B. Value box closed at bottom
TM: SC
V/F:      0.00 :



 

BC2.1. Pitney Bowes-GB "5000" (MV).

As Type BC2B but without "POSGELD" / "POSTAGE" at upper right.
M# with "PBH" prefix.
TM: SC
V/F:       0 00




 


BC3. Pitney Bowes-GB “5000” (MV), 1963.

Similar to Type BC2 but much wider, and always with double-circle town mark.
Value box 19mm wide with complete frame line.
M# with "PBH" or "P.B.H" prefix.
TM: large DC
V/F:           000:       00:      0.00=       0.00      0.00







GROUP C: Independence period, 1961 forward edit

  • All stamps contain “SOUTH AFRICA” (without “REPUBLIC OF”).


 


C1. Universal “Midget” (LV-6), 1961.    [Uncommon]

Provisional issue similar to Type A2C but with crown removed from top.
"UNION OF" and "UNIE VAN" removed from inside the oval surrounding the springbok.
Values seen:      ½, 1, 2½, 3, 5, 7½¢
a. Very small value figure: 2½ (M315)



 


C2. Francotyp “Cc” (MV).    [Uncommon]

As Type BA1 but with revised inscriptions.
M# with “F” prefix.
TM: SC
V/F:      0,00




 

C3. Neopost "Frankmaster" / "305" (MV).

Frank with single-line simulated perforation outer border.
"SOUTH AFRICA" in curved panel at top, "SUIDAFRIKA" in straight panel at bottom above M#.
Triangular ornaments in upper corners.
M# with "R" prefix.
TM: DC, SC, BIC
V/F:      0•00=      =0/0=



 


C4. Hasler "F88" (MV).    [Uncommon]

Frank nearly square with double straight-line border.
"SOUTH AFRICA" in panel at top, "SUID - AFRIKA" in panel at bottom.
M# with “HAS” prefix above bottom panel.
TM: DC
V/F:      00      0.oo      ✳0.oo



 

C5. Hasler "Mailmaster" (MV).

As Type C4 but smaller, and the value figures are all the same height.
The date figures are slightly more widely spaced than with C4.
A. Frank 28-30 x 32 mm. M# with "HA" prefix
B. As A, but M# with "HAS" prefix
C. Larger, 33 x 32/33 mm. M# with "AHS" prefix (possibly an error)
TM: DC
V/F:      00      0.00      0000      00.00      000.00
a. As B, with "SUID-AFRICA" (error).

NOTE: Stamps of this design exist without value figures. These are un-metered ‘permit’ stamps.



 


C6. Lirma (MV), 1991.

Similar to Types C4 and C5 but the country names are narrower leaving much space at the sides.
Frank, 29 x 32/33 mm.
M# with "LE" prefix.
Value and date figures thick.
TM: SC
V/F:      00.00



 


C7. Hasler "Mailmaster" (MV).

Large frank, 37 x 33 mm, with single straight-line outer border.
“POSGELD BETAAL" and "POSTAGE PAID" in vertical panels at sides.
M# with "HAS" prefix.
TM: DC
V/F:      000.00



 

C8. Pitney Bowes-GB "5000" series (MV).

This stamp appears to be Type BC3 with most of the frank removed leaving only the box containing the value figures.
Why this stamp was used is unknown.
Meter number PBH 361 seen.
TM: DC
V/F:      000.00






GROUP D: Stamps from remotely set machines with “REMOTE SETTING” below the frank edit

  • All have either a circular town mark flat on the bottom or a tombstone-shaped town mark.
  • Most also include a revised Postal Service logo which looks like an open envelope at an angle.
  • Although examples are known as early as 1997, this format became mandatory in April 1998.


 
 
 


D1. Hasler (MV).

Horizontal rectangular frank with double straight-line outer frame at top and sides, single-line at bottom.
"SOUTH AFRICA / SUID-AFRIKA" in top panel.
Below the bottom frame line is the M# with "HTMS" prefix above "REMOTE SETTING".
Postal Service logo, variable in size, above the frame line at bottom.
A. Frank 33-34 x 27 mm
B. Wider frank, 38 x 27 mm.
TM: DC with flat bottom to outer circle only
V/F:      00.00      000.00
a. Frank unengraved. The value figures are in the center of a solid block with an indent at bottom for where “REMOTE SETTING” would be. This was used by mistake to frank actual mail.




 

D2. Francotyp-Postalia “EFS3000/NEF300” (MV).

Frank 27-29 x 22 mm with simulated perforations on all four sides.
“SOUTH AFRICA” breaks the top frame line.
The postal logo appears in the lower left corner.
M# with “FPE” prefix is above “REMOTE SETTING” below the bottom frame line.
TM: DC arc with attached panel below and solid inset above date
V/F:      00.00



 

D3. Francotyp-Postalia “T1000” (digital).

Similar to Type D2 but narrower spacing between TM and frank.
Decimal in value figures is square-shaped and positioned below the level of the numbers.
M# with “FPT” prefix.
V/F:      00•00
a. With post code in lower panel of TM



 

D4. Frama "M/E3, M/E4" (MV).

Horizontal rectangular frank with thick straight-line outer frame line.
"REMOTE SETTING" and meter number below bottom frame line.
M# with "AS" prefix.
Without Postal Service logo.
TM: DC with flat bottoms to both circles
V/F:      0.00      00.00      0000



 


D4.1. Frama “EPS3000” (MV).

Frank nearly identical to Type D4 but the value figures are smaller and thinner.
Postal Service logo at bottom center.
M# with “AS” prefix.
TM: DC with flat bottoms to both circles
V/F:      00.00



 


D5. Pitney Bowes-GB “6900” (MV).

As Types D2 and D3 but larger, 32 x 24 mm.
"REMOTE SETTING" below bottom frame line.
The M#, with "PBE" prefix, is to the left of "REMOTE SETTING".
TM in shape of tombstone
V/F:       0.00



 
 
 



D6. Pitney Bowes-GB “A900” (MV).

Similar to Type D5 but frank is not as tall, 31 x 20 mm.
Value figures are larger than with D5.
M# with “PBA” prefix between TM and frank.
A. Without Postal Service logo (not shown)
B. Logo at upper left of the town mark
C. Logo between town mark and frank, above the meter number
D. Logo breaks lower right frame line of frank
V/F:       000       00.00









 

D7. Neopost “Electronic” (MV).

Frank with very large simulated-perforation holes, three at each side and four across the top.
“REMOTE SETTING”/ M# below straight bottom frame line.
With small postal service logo above or breaking bottom frame line in center.
M# with “NE” prefix.
TM is arc with solid ornament below.
V/F:       0,00



 

D8. Neopost “IJ25” (digital).

Very similar to Type D7 but much smaller.
M# with “NE” prefix.
TM: Arc-shaped, with separate bar at bottom
V/F:       0,00




 
 

D9. Pitney Bowes “EasyMail” (digital).

Frank 30 x 17 mm with Postal Service logo breaking bottom frame line at right.
“REMOTE SETTING” below bottom frame line at left.
With columns of identifying numbers left of TM.
The triad ( ) in the value figures is approximately level.
M# with “PBF” prefix in TM.
A. M# below and outside TM
B. M# inside TM at bottom
TM in shape of tombstone
V/F:       00.00



 
 



D10. Pitney Bowes “Personal Post Office” (digital).

Very similar to Type D9 but slightly wider, 32 x 17 mm.
The triad ( ) slopes down from left to right.
M# with “PBG” prefix is inside TM at bottom.
A. Without postal logo
B. Postal logo breaks lower right frame line of frank
V/F:       0.00




 


D11. Pitney Bowes “Paragon” (MV).

Relatively large frank, slightly wider than tall.
“REMOTE SETTING” and postal logo at bottom of frank above the bottom frame line.
M# below “PBP” prefix low between TM and frank.
TM: Tombstone shaped
V/F:       00.00



 

D12. Neopost (Digital).

Similar to Type D8 but value is set lower in the frank.
“REMOTE SETTING”/ M# below straight bottom frame line.
With small postal service logo breaking bottom frame line in center.
M# with “NE” prefix.
TM is a double arc joined at the bottom.
V/F:      000.00


GROUP PO: Special stamps for general post office use edit

  • Most of these stamps (PO2 through PO7 Types) come from machines that operate on the same mechanical principal as cash registers. As is sometimes found with cash register tapes, these stamps are uniform in width but can vary widely in length depending on how the clerk pulls the stamps from the machine. Such varieties are not listed. Vertical sizes are given in rough dimensions only.
  • All stamps are printed in purple, violet or black on (usually) plain white tape. They are most commonly found on registered mail but are also found on ordinary mail and non-postal transactions such as utility bills paid at the post office counter.
  • Note that many of the illustrations in this section are colorized versions of black & white images. Those in natural color should be apparent.



 
 

PO1.1. NCR (MV).    [Common as loose tape, rare on cover or large piece]

Frameless design printed on adhesive labels, never directly to the mail piece.
Date at top over "POSGELD–POSTAGE" or "POSTAGE–POSGELD" in arc.

" Value figures and transaction number in center.

"PAID" over "BETAAL"" or vice versa above town line in arc at bottom.
A. Inscribed "POSGELD–POSTAGE" and "BETAAL / PAID"
B. Inscribed "POSTAGE–POSGELD" and "PAID / BETAAL"
V/F (₤sd):  – – 0•o  – – 0•oo
V/F (decimal):      – 0.00





 

PO1.2. NCR (MV).    [Common as loose tape, rare on cover or large piece]

Similar to Type PO1.1 but with town name (straight) above value figures and "BETAAL / PAID" above "POSTAGE / POSGELD" (also straight) at bottom.
With postal clerk identification number at left of value figures.
V/F:      – 0.00










 
 
 
 
 
 

PO2.1. Anker? (MV), 1972.

Horizontal design, 60mm wide by roughly 40mm tall.
The date-value line contains: date (with year vertical), serial number, postage.
The month is usually a Roman numeral.
Inscription sizes vary considerably.
A. "POSTAGE PAID – POSGELD BETAAL" above town
B. "POSGELD BETAAL – POSTAGE PAID" above town
C. "POSTAGE PAID" and "POSGELD BETAAL" in two lines above town
D. "Postage Paid–Posgeld Betaal" above town
E. Town above "POSTAGE PAID – POSGELD BETAAL"
F. Town at left, "POSTAGE PAID" above "POSGELD BETAAL" at right
V/F:      ★000.00      ★0000.00      ★0 000.00      ★oo0.00      o000.00       000.00
a. With triangle (hollow or solid), asterisk, letter or number at bottom right
b. With clerk identification number (vertical) after the transaction number in the date-value line
c. With month in letters (vertical) in date

















 
 
 
 

PO2.2.

Similar to Type PO2.1 but larger tape, usually 71/72mm wide by roughly 45mm tall.
"PK" appears between near the center, between the identification number and the value figures.
The town line is at the top.
A. At top, town line / "POSGELD BETAAL" / "POSTAGE PAID"
B. At top, town line / "POSTAGE PAID" / "POSGELD BETAAL"
C. At top, town only, without "POSTAGE PAID" and "POSGELD BETAAL"
D. “POSGELD BETAAL” above town
V/F:      ★000.00      ★0000.00      ★oo0.00      o000.00

NOTE: The image shown for PO2.2D is on a narrower tape as used for Type PO2.1, but the value line is as Type PO2.2.













 
 
PO3.1. probably Olivetti (MV), 1982.
Vertical design with text ordered as follows:
  • town line
  • "POSTAGE PAID"
  • "POSGELD BETAAL"
  • transaction number (+ "PK" if registered)
  • value figures
  • date and machine number
The tapes are 37mm wide by roughly 50-55mm tall but can be much taller.
The number of open lines between "POSGELD BETAAL" and the receipt number is usually three but can be more.
The same is true for the number of lines between the receipt number and the date.
The paper is white or pale blue.
Varieties are common: no town, no “POSTAGE PAID" / "POSGELD BETAAL”, mis-cuts.
V/F:      .00 (to 99.99)
NOTE: In the image at right, the middle example is the usual size with tall and short extremes on either side.







 
 

PO3.2. Olivetti (MV), 1988.

Similar to Type PO3.1 but all the text is at the bottom of the tape with no spaces between lines.
Text order: post office ID / date, with or without transaction no. / "PK" number, postage / "POSGELD BETAAL" / "POSTAGE PAID".
Printed in black on 37mm wide paper, either plain white or with gray underprinting of "PT" logos.
A. Date with slashes, 7-digit transaction number      V/F:    0.00
B. Date with dashes, with or without transaction number      V/F:    00000.00 ,    R 0.00
C. As B but date and transaction number are on separate lines and have prefixes "DATE:" and "TERM ID:"
a. Printed on wide paper, 70mm
b. Town line omitted












 
 

PO4. Anker? (MV).

Similar to Type PO3.1 but taller tape, 37mm wide by roughly 70-75mm tall.
Text order as follows:
  • Town and 'postage paid' inscription
  • Date
  • Vertical "NO" and parcel number (often 0000)
  • Value figures
  • Value figures repeated followed by vertical "CA"
  • Transaction number and a code that includes some vertical characters (commonly "IT" or "TT")
A. Town above "BETAAL/PAID" or "PAID/BETAAL"
B. Town above "POSGELD BETAAL / POSTAGE PAID"
C. Town at left, "Betaal" / "Paid" at right
D. Town at left, "POSTAGE PAID" / "POSGELD BETAAL" at right
V/F:      ★0.00
a. Without town and 'postage paid' inscription





 
 

PO5.1. Unidentified (MV), 1976.

Vertical design wider than Type PO4, either 46-47mm wide or 54 mm wide, by roughly 70-90mm tall.
Text order as follows:
  • "POSTAGE PAID" over "POSGELD BETAAL"
  • Value figures plus 4-letter code
  • Town name
  • Transaction number and date
A. "POSTAGE-PAID"/ "POSGELD BETAAL" in block letters
B. "POSTAGE-PAID"/ "POSGELD BETAAL" in angular letters
V/F:      00.00      ooo0.00
b. Without town line











 

PO5.2. Unidentified (MV).

Similar to Type PO5.1 but with different text as follows:
  • Town
  • Value figures and 4-letter code
  • "TOTAL" / "SHOWN ABOVE"
  • Transaction number and date
V/F:      00.00      0000,00













 

PO6.1. Unidentified (MV), 1976.

Tape 47/48mm wide by roughly 60/70mm tall.
Text order as follows:
  • "POSGELD BETAAL"
  • "POSTAGE PAID"
  • Date (right justified)
  • Transaction number, value figures, single-digit identification number
V/F:      0000,00










 

PO6.2. Unidentified (MV), 1977.

Very similar to Type PO6.1, same width but typically taller, usually 75mm tall.
Text order as follows:
  • Town
  • Date (right justified)
  • Value figures
  • Transaction number, value figures repeated, identification number reading up
  • "POSTAGE PAID”
V/F:      0000,00










 

PO6.3. Unidentified (MV).

As Types PO6.1 and PO6.2 but the text is arranged as follows:
  • Town
  • Date (right justified)
  • Transaction number, value figures, single-digit identification number
  • "POSGELD BETAAL"
  • "POSTAGE PAID"
V/F:      0000,00










 

PO7.1. Anker Data (MV), 1991.

Wide tape, 57mm.
Text order as follows:
  • Town and transaction number
  • Date and a code of some sort
  • Another code plus "PK" at left, value figures at right
  • "POSGELD BETAAL" over "POSTAGE PAID".
V/F:      0.00      00.00
a. Printed in a color other than purple (red or black are known)









 
 

PO7.2. Anker Data (MV).

Horizontal design 70 x 38mm.
At upper left are the post office name, date and time.
At upper right is a transaction number.
At center right are the value figures.
Centered at bottom, "POSGELD BETAAL" over "POSTAGE PAID".
V/F:      R 0.00      R 00.00
a. Printed on narrow paper with underprint (see Type PO3.2)
b. With label sequence number added below the date





 
 

PO8. Hasler "Mailmaster" (MV).

Rectangular frank with double straight-line outer frame with small curls in the corners.
Printed in black on self-adhesive labels with underprint.
At top are the town and "Posgeld Betaal"
At bottom are the town repeated and "Postage Paid"
Date and value figures in the center.
A. Label underprint is a yellow net-like structure
B. Label with orange-yellow margins all around, plain white in the center
V/F:      R 0000      R 00.00












 
 
 
 
PO9.1. Web RePost (aka "PAT Label") (2009) (digital).
Frameless design printed in black on white self-adhesive labels with blue postal logo (open envelope from the back) at upper right.
Text as follows:
  • Type of service
The following services have been seen, though others may exist:
ECONOPARCEL
REG. LOCAL LETTER MEDIUM
REG. POSTCARD SMALL
REG. LOCAL CYLINDERS/ROLLS
LOCAL LETTER LARGE
SPEED SERVICES C TO B (Counter to Bag)
SPEED SERVICES C TO C (Counter to Counter)
SPEED SERVICES C TO D (Counter to Door)
SPEED SERVICES C TO P (Counter to PO Box or Private Bag)
  • Date (DD/MM/YYYY or YYYY/MM/DD), time (HH:MM:SS), weight (g).
  • Post office name and track and trace number.
  • "Amt:" and value figures at left, "Less:" ♦ and value figures at right.
♦ The "Less" amount represents any postage already affixed to the mail piece.
  • "Tendered:" and value figures.
  • Left hand side: Multi-segmented identification number consisting of “710” + office cost centre code + workstation number + transaction sequence number.
  • Right hand side: Clerk ID number (or Clerk name entered in error)
V/F:      R(0)0.00
a. Printed on PostLink label.
b. Label inverted with postal logo inverted in lower left corner.
c. Red strip (shown when the roll is nearly finished).
d. National Lottery paper used during paper shortage.











 

PO9.2. PostLink (1996) (digital)

Frameless stamp similar to PO9.1 found on white self-adhesive labels. The one seen is a large label used on registered mail. The text on the label is arranged in three sections separated by horizontal bars. The top section contains Post Office with the postal logo and the type of mail. The middle section contains more information about the type of mail and service. The large bottom section contains, as follows:
  • “Wt:” and weight (kg), "Price:" and value figures.
  • Dispatching office name.
  • Date (DD-MMM-YY or YY-MMM-DD), time, and transaction information.
  • Registration and track and trace number.
  • Two removable die cut labels containing the registration number and bar code.
Along the left side of the label, reading down in red, are SAPO001SM repeated.
V/F:      R(0)0.00















GROUP PP: Special stamps for parcel post only edit

  • All Group PP franks are mostly text without frame lines printed on adhesive labels applied to packages.
  • They are printed in purple or violet on white labels unless otherwise stated.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 


PP1. NCR (MV), 1935.    [Scarce as loose tape, rare on cover or large piece]

Date at top, followed by "PAKKETPOS — PARCEL POST" or "PARCEL POST — "PAKKETPOS" in curve with ornaments above.
Through the center is the value line (clerk number, value figures, transaction counter number') (often found without the clerk number)
Below the value figures are "PAID", "PAID / BETAAL", or "BETAAL / PAID", usually with a line above.
At bottom is the town name, curved except for sub-type E.
Printed in violet on orange/yellow-orange paper (early) and later a creamy off-white paper.
Without identification number.
A. "PAKKETPOS — PARCEL POST" with triangular ornaments with three prongs, "PAID" below value figures, town name with curl ornaments below
B. As A but inscribed "PARCEL POST — "PAKKETPOS"
C. As A but with "PAID / BETAAL" below the value figures, and without ornaments below the town name
D. As A but the ornaments above "PAKKETPOS — PARCEL POST" are simple triangles. "PAID" / "BETAAL" below value figures
E. With curl ornaments above "PAKKETPOS — PARCEL POST" and at the sides of the town name which is not curved. "PAID" / "BETAAL" below the value figures
F. Without ornaments at both top and bottom. "BETAAL" above "PAID" below value figures
V/F:      – 0­-o       – 0­-oo       – –0­-o       – –0­-oo
a. As C but "PAID" and "BETAAL" are the same width. (The existence of this stamp has not been verified.)
b. As D but "BETAAL" and "PAID" are the same width
c. As F but with "PAID" above "BETAAL" (The existence of this stamp has not been verified.)








 


PP2. Ohmer Fare (MV), 1936.    [Extremely rare]

Borderless frank with large "PARCEL POST" / "PAKKETPOS" / "PRETORIA" in top half.
Below "PRETORIA" is a line across the stamp above "DATE"  "PAID" / "BETAALD"      "ASS'T"      "NO."
Along the bottom are the date, value figures, "M5" (clerk identification), and a 3-digit transaction number.
Printed in violet on green paper.
One machine known used experimentally.
Only a single loose tape is known to survive.
V/F:      £0.–0.0








GROUP TH: Special stamps for use in the tribal homelands of Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei and Venda edit

  • These areas were given nominal independence in 1977 but were reabsorbed back into the mother country after the change in government in 1994.
  • A few meters with tribal homelands franks remained in use well after 1994.


Sub-group TH-A: Bophuthatswana edit


 

TH-A1. Neopost “205” (MV).    [Uncommon]

Upright frank with single straight-line frame.
“REPUBLIC OF/ BOPHUTHATSWANA” in English at top and “POSTAGE PAID” at bottom.
M# with “JH” prefix above “POSTAGE PAID”.
TM; DC
V/F:      0.00



 

TH-A2. Neopost “205” (MV).    [Uncommon]

Similar to Type TH-A1 but “REPUBLIEK VAN/ BOPHUTHATSWANA“ (in Afrikaans) breaks top frame line.
“REPUBLIC OF/ BOPHUTHATSWANA” in English at bottom.
M# with “RS” prefix.
One example seen, with unengraved block in place of meter number.
TM: BIC
V/F:      0.00



 

TH-A3. Neopost “2205” (MV).    [Scarce]

One poor example seen which appears to have no outer frame line except along the bottom.
“REPABOLIKI YA/ BOPHUTHATSWANA“ at top.
Without Afrikaans or English country inscription.
M# with “RS” prefix.
“POSTAGE PAID” vertical at left.
TM: BIC
V/F:      0,00


 
 



TH-A4. Neopost “205"/"2205” (MV).    [Uncommon]

Square frank with simulated perforation outer border and double straight-line inner border in corners.
“REPABOLIKI YA/ BOPHUTHATSWANA” (Tswana language) at top.
Date figures tall (205) or short (2205).
A. M# with “JH” prefix
B. M# with “NE” prefix
C. M# with “RS” prefix
TM: BIC
V/F:      0,00





 


TH-A5. Francotyp “Cc” (MV).    [Uncommon]

Very similar to Type TH-A4 but TM and value figures are larger.
M# with “F” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F:      0,00



 

TH-A6. Satas “Baby” (MV).    [Uncommon]

Similar to Types TH-A4 and -A5 but smaller.
“POSTAGE PAID” at right instead of left.
M# with “TX” prefix breaks bottom frame line.
TM: BIC
V/F:      0.00



 

TH-A7. Satas “Baby” (MV).    [Scarce]

Similar to Type TH-A3 except frame line at top and bottom.
Single poor example seen.
“POSTAGE PAID” vertical at left.
M# with “T” prefix breaks bottom frame line.
TM: BIC
V/F:      0.00



 


TH-A8. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV).

Similar to Types TH-A4 and A3 but much larger.
M# with “HAS” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F:      00.00




 

TH-A9. Pitney Bowes “6300” (MV).

As Type TH-A8 but much smaller.
M# with “PBB” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F:      0.00

NOTE: The illustration is of proof with unengraved town mark.



 
 



TH-A10. Pitney Bowes “6300” (MV).

As Type TH-A8 but frank not as wide.
Inner corner lines at bottom removed and replaced with “PB” at left and M# at right.
A. Frank 26 x 25 mm.
B. Short frank 26 x 19 mm.    [Uncommon]
TM: DC
V/F:      00.00




 



TH-A11. Pitney Bowes “6500” (MV).

Similar to Type TH-A9 but date figures (and TM) raised in relation to value figures (and frank).
M# with “PB” prefix.
V/F:       0.00



 

TH-A12. Neopost “2205” (MV).    [Uncommon]

Single simulated-perforation outer frame.
Top inscription “REPABOLIKI YA/ BOPHUTHATSWANA” (Tswana).
M# with “RS” prefix at bottom.
TM: BIC
V/F:      0.00



 


TH-A13. Secap (MV).

Single simulated-perforation outer frame line as with Type TH-A12 but larger.
Inscriptions in Afrikaans at top and English at bottom.
M# with SC prefix.
TM: DC
V/F:      00,00



 
 



TH-A14. Postalia (MV).

Similar in shape to Type TH-A13.
“REPABOLIKIYA/ BOPHUTHATSWANA” (Tswana) at top.
M# with “FF” prefix alone at bottom.
A. Inscribed at right “TUELOPOSPEDUETSWE” in one line
B. Inscribed at right “TUELOPOSPE / DUETSWE” in two lines    [Uncommon]
TM: SC
V/F:      000      00.00






 


TH-A15. Francotyp-Postalia (MV).

As Type TH-A14 but inscription in Afrikaans at top and English at bottom.
M# with “FF” prefix.
TM: SC
V/F:      00.00




 

TH-A16.    [Scarce]

Post Office stamp.
Frameless stamp applied in purple on plain white tape resembling cash register receipt.
Town name (MAFIKENG) at top above “POSO E DUELETSWE / POSTAGE PAID”.
Date, id #, “PK”, value figures, and transaction number across bottom.
V/F:      o000.00

NOTES:

  • This stamp is quite similar to Type PO2.2 but the "postage paid" inscription below the town name is in Tswana and English instead of Afrikaans and English.
  • Both types PO2.2 and PO3.1 are known used in Bophuthatswana between 1977 and 1994. They can be identified as Bophuthatswana issues only by the town name (which is almost inevitably Mafikeng).
  • No doubt regular commercial-use stamps of South Africa were also used occasionally in Bophuthatswana between 1977 and 1994.







Sub-group TH-B: Ciskei edit


 


TH-B1. Neopost “2205” (MV).    [Uncommon]

Upright frank with single straight-line frame.
“CISKEI” in top panel.
M# with “RS” prefix at bottom.
TM: BIC
V/F:      0,00





 

TH-B2. Pitney Bowes “Simplex” (LV-25).    [Scarce]

Rectangular frank with simulated perforation outer border and double straight-line inner border in corners.
“CISKEI” at top.
Spacing between TM and frank very wide.
M# with “SA” prefix.
TM: DC
Value seen:      11¢




 


TH-B3. Pitney Bowes “6300” (MV).

Very similar to Type TH-B2 but much narrower spacing.
M# with “P.B.L” prefix.
TM: DC
V/F:      0.00      00.00





 
 



TH-B4. Postalia (MV).    [Uncommon]

Large rectangle with simulated perforation border.
Inscribed “IHLAWULWE/ YASE CISKEI” (Xhosa) at top and “REPUBLIC OF CISKEI” at bottom.
M# with “FF” prefix.
Right vertical inscription:
A. “IMALI YOKUPOSA / IHLAWULWE” at right
B. “IMALI / YOKUPOSA” at right
TM: SC
V/F:      0000      00.00








 


TH-B5. Neopost “Electronic” (MV).    [Uncommon]

Large rectangle with single straight-line border.
Inscribed “I– RIPHABLIKI / YASE CISKEI” at top.
M# with “ET” prefix in lower corners.
TM: DC
V/F:        0,00




 


TH-B6. Neopost “Electronic” (MV).    [Uncommon]

As Type TH-B5 but top inscription “IRIPHABLIKI YE / CISKEI”.
Other differences exist.
M# with “ET” prefix in lower corners.
TM: DC
V/F:        0,00







Sub-group TH-C: Transkei edit


 


TH-C1. Neopost “205” (MV).    [Scarce]

Upright frank with single straight-line frame.
“IRIPHABLIKI/ YE TRANSKEI” (Xhosa) in top panel.
M# with “J” or “JH” prefix in bottom panel above “REPUBLIC OF/ TRANSKEI”.
TM: DC, BIC
V/F:      00      000




 


TH-C1.1. Neopost "105” (LV-6).    [Scarce]

Square frank with straight frame lines, inner box around value figure.
“IRIPHABLIKI/ YE TRANSKEI” in top panel.
M# with “NB” prefix.
TM: SC
Value seen:      4c




 


TH-C2. Satas (MV).    [Scarce]

Rectangular frank with simulated perforation outer border and single straight-line inner border.
Inscription in Xhosa at top and Engish at bottom.
M# with “TX” prefix breaks bottom frame lines.
TM: BIC
V/F:      =0.00      –0.00




 


TH-C3. Satas (MV).    [Uncommon]

Similar to Type TH-C2 but frank squarer with double straight-line inner border in the corners.
M# with “TX” prefix breaks bottom frame line.
TM: DC
V/F:      0.00




 


TH-C4. Universal “Simplex” (LV-25).    [Scarce]

Similar to Types TH-C2 and 3 but frank horizontal rather than square.
Wide spacing between town mark and frank.
M# with “S” prefix breaks bottom frame line.
TM: DC
Values:      1 through 25 ?




 


TH-C5. Universal “Automax” (MV).    [Very scarce]

As Type TH-C4 but larger, and spacing not as wide.
M# with “UA” prefix breaks bottom frame line.
TM: DC
V/F:      00=




 


TH-C6. Pitney Bowes “6300” (MV).    [Scarce]

Frank nearly identical to Type TH-C4 but narrower spacing, and value figures different.
M# with “P.B.L” prefix breaks bottom frame line.
TM: DC
V/F:      0000      00.00




 


TH-C7. Neopost “2205” (MV).    [Uncommon]

Square frank with single straight-line border.
M# with “TX” prefix flanks inscription at bottom.
TM: DC
V/F:      0,00




 


TH-C8.    [Scarce]

Post Office stamp.
Horizontal stamp in purple on plain white tape resembling cash register receipt.
“EYOKUPOST" / "POSTAGE PAID” at top above town name.
Date, transaction number, value figures, and “P” across bottom.
V/F:      *0 000.00







Sub-group TH-D: Venda edit


 

TH-D1. Pitney Bowes “6300” (MV).    [Scarce]

Rectangular frank with simulated perforation outer border and double straight-line inner border in the corners.
“REPHABULIKI YA / VENDA” at top.
M# with “PBV” prefix breaks bottom frame line.
TM: DC
V/F:      00.00




 


TH-D2. Hasler “Mailmaster” (MV).    [Scarce]

Large frank with double straight-line border.
“RIPHABULIKI YA VENDA” in top panel.
M# with “HASV” prefix above bottom panel.
TM: DC
V/F:      00.00








Return to main catalog ⇒ International Postage Meter Stamp Catalog
Return to top ⇒ South_Africa


Retrieved from "https://en.wikibooks.org/w/index.php?title=International_Postage_Meter_Stamp_Catalog/South_Africa&oldid=4378216"