Introduction
WHAT IS A SQUARED CIRCLE?
For information about the exciting new 2nd Edition please see our "Literature" section!
The 'Squared Circle' is the name given to a type of postmark which originated in England in 1879.The idea of the Post Office was to design a single obliterator instead of
the previous type which consisted of two parts: one giving the place
and date information and a second one for heavily canceling the postage stamp
so that it could not be used again. This type was called a
"duplex obliterator."
Do you have a Squared Circle Postmark? - You can check its rarity (Or RF)
by obtaining a copy of Stanley Cohen's
Book Collecting British Squared Circle Postmarks!
Collecting British
Squared Circle Postmarks
by Stanley F. Cohen
Stanley Cohen's work provides a great detail of information,
including many illustrations, with many features of these fascinating postmarks and explains how the Post
Office was able to distinguish between very similar looking hammers that
were issued to the larger offices in all kinds of subtle ways by 'numbering'
them. It explains how the Post Office changed its method of showing the time
posted, which, firstly, was a closely guarded secret until more modern times
when the correct time ("Clear Time") is shown.
This book has received much recognition including the Philatelic Book of the Year Award, as it
contains so much vital and new information that it greatly assists not only
Squared Circle collectors but also collectors of other types of postmarks,
like Duplex ones, etc.