Page 22 - Gustaf Douglas: Classic Sweden

Classic Sweden
The Golden Collection of Swedish Philately

FRAME 1 THE POSTAL REFORM OF 1636 AND THE EARLY HANDSTAMPS

Stockholm’s first Postmarks Stockholm Handstamp “F”
At a meeting in “Kammarkollegium” (the Swedish
Judicial Board) on 17 October 1685 it was discussed if
handstamps should be used at the post office in
Stockholm in order to recognize on the mail if the
postage was prepaid. It was decided accordingly and
Stockholm’s first two handstamps were ordered,
wooden engraved and in force from 1686 (already the
same year replaced by handstamps in steel to better
and more lasting impressions). B = “Betalt” = Paid.
F = “Fribrev” = Free letter.

Stockholm Handstamp “B”
Type I : Only in force the three first quarters of 1686.

Stockholm’s Manuscript style handstamp
In February 1718 the Swedish King introduced
changes to the general postal system comparable with
a new postal reform. His main idea was to combine
two society functions: the postal service to be located
together with public inns.
The main post office in the city of Stockholm was
closed down and two post offices were opened in the
outskirts of Stockholm operating from two inns.
After the King’s death on 30 November 1718 the
Type I : Only in force the three first quarters of 1686. postal service was moved back to the city center and
the post office was re‐opened. In 1719 a new
Prepaid Folded Letter Mail dated Stockholm STOCKHOLM handstamp was introduced in
17 March, 1688 to Rotterdam, the Netherlands “manuscript style” without frame.

Type II: In force 1686‐1691. Type 1b in use (1719‐) 1722‐1723.