1857-59 GB Used in Gibraltar G cancel

1857-59 GB Used in Gibraltar G cancel

HANDSTAMPS

Two cancellers were sent out with the first consignment of stamps and comprised a letter “G” enclosed in horizontal bars/lines – a heavy bar and a straight line at the top and bottom and eight lines either side of the “G”.  The two “G” cancellers were not of the same size one being 10½ mm. x 6½ mm. (referred to as the ‘tall’ “G”) and the other 9½ mm. x 6 mm. (referred to as the small “G”). 

      Tall 'G'     Small 'G'

 

 

In use from 3rd Sept 1857 to 9th Oct 1858 

In use from 22nd Oct 1857 to 19th Feb Oct 1859

10½ mm. x 6½ mm 9½ mm. x 6 mm

These two cancellers were struck in black and used to cancel the stamp.

In addition there was impressed on the front of the envelope or cover a dated postmark, of which there were two types used during the period of use of the “G” canceller.  The two types are:

  1)  a datestamp with a diameter 25 mm a comprising the words “GIBRALTAR” in the top half and two half circles in the bottom half, in the centre the date appeared in two lines month and day above the year.   This handstamp had been sent out 26 September 1849 and is recorded in use until 9^th April 1858.  It was struck in indigo or blackish blue.

  2)  a datestamp of a single circle diameter 20 mm  with the word “GIBRALTAR” in an arc around the top  and beneath it the code letter “A” , the month (two letters) and day on the next line and the year (last two digits) on the third line.  This handstamp was sent out 3^rd April 1858 its earliest recorded use is 13^th April 1858 and it was in use until 1860.  It is always found struck in blue when used alongside the “G” obliterator.

The “G” cancellation was withdrawn on the 19^th February 1859.

1858 G cancel on piece with ship letter handstamp