The History of the Postmarks of the British Isles from 1840 to 1876 - John Hendy (1909)

LONDON CHIEF OFFICE.
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Figs. 112-114. Used on Letters Posted between 6 and 7 p.m. on which Late Fee is not Paid.
Figs. 115, 116.
Used on Provincial Letters Posted at
the Chief Office on which the Late Fee was not Paid.
Fig. 117.
Used on Late Fee Letters Posted
after 6 p.ni.
Fig. 118. Used on Late Fee Letters
Posted after 7 p.m.
Fig. 119. Impressed on Letters Posted at the
London Chief Office, and reaching the Chief
Office out of course on Sunday.
In 1857 a machine to be worked by steam or foot, invented by Mr. Pearson Hill,
son of Sir Rowland Hill, was also introduced into the London office ; but, whilst giving
an excellent impression (Fig. 120), it was found to injure, and in some cases actually
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Fig. 120
destroy, th* letters.
a few months' trial was discarded.
It was also considered imperfect and costly (50 guineas), and after