125 Years of Registration Labels

The definitive issue of the 2nd Republic

The official records have disappeared, but it is clear that the new definitive issue appeared only very slowly from the end of 1945. The provisional issue was still sporadically used for many years. Of course the early editions could not be manufactured with today's level of care! The R and the paper quality were improved repeatedly, and the text brought into line with the actual post office designations. There are different types and subspecies distinguished: 2 paper types, 3 box- and R-types, 8 fonts, 2 figure types. As previously, Blankozettel were manufactured, ie Registration Labels with no place designation, in which the place-name could be inserted in writing or by means of a canceller.

Cancelled 25.10.1945. This 'Homecoming' stamp was issued 10.9.1945 & invalidated 11.11.1945.

Cancelled 24.11.1945. The 5pf/gr stamp is pre-printed; the 50gr and 60gr were issued on 24.11.1945 so it is indeed their First Day. Letter post was 36gr; registration fee 30gr; total 66 so it's rather overfranked! The Postage Due of 10gr was the Postlagernd fee, presumably cancelled when the item was (not surprisingly) returned as uncollected.

This letter has the improbable cancellation date of 39.10.1946! The ring-type canceller 5b must have been miss-set, as the receipt used canceller 7a (bridge-type) and is dated 30.10.1946.

Vienna, 18.9.1946

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