Brisbane Telegraph Branch Datestamp Type 1

The Telegraph service operating out of the Brisbane General Post office had a number of datestamps, but it appears that only two were also used for postal purposes (Brisbane Telegraph Counter type 1 and Brisbane Telegraph Counter type 2). However, two GPO Telegraph Branch date stamp types have been seen used on large chalon and 2 shilling, 1 shilling and 6d third sideface postage stamps, presumably to pay for telegraph charges.

Telegraph Branch Datestamp Type 1 has been seen used on postage stamps from 1 February 1906 to 12 September 1906 (although it has been seen used as early as 11 September 1891 and as late as 9 May 1911 on telegraph forms) and Telegraph Branch Datestamp Type 2 from 1 July 1902 to 18 August 1906. (For Telegraph Branch Datestamp Type 2 see here).

• Type 1 - A framed circle 26 mm in diameter, with 'TELEGRAPH BRANCH' round the top, 'G.P.O.' at the foot with a full stop either side, and in the centre, in one line, the day, month and year in two digits. Sometimes a faint dashed line can be seen underneath the date. Rated 4R. 

Given that this date stamp has only been seen on large Chalons for a 7 month period in 1906, it is highly probable that they were cancelled to order

Left to right: Telegraph Branch type 1 and Telegraph Branch type 2

1906

Brisbane Telegraph Branch datestamp Type 1 rated 4R. Dated 1 February 1906. Seen in the Queensland Stamp Collecting Facebook Group

Brisbane Telegraph Branch datestamp Type 1 rated 4R. Dated 9 February 1906. Seen on Ebay

Brisbane Telegraph Branch datestamp Type 1 rated 4R. Dated 28 March 1906. Seen in Millennium auction no 80 lot no 395

Brisbane Telegraph Branch datestamp Type 1 rated 4R. Dated 9 July 1906. Seen in Corinphila Besaçon Collection, May 2018, lot no 3197

Brisbane Telegraph Branch datestamp Type 1 rated 4R. Dated 3 July 1906. Seen in Sandafayre auctions

Brisbane Telegraph Branch datestamp Type 1 rated 4R. Dated 20 July 1906

Brisbane Telegraph Branch datestamp Type 1 rated 4R. Dated 2 August 1906. Seen in Millennium auction no 72

Brisbane Telegraph Branch datestamp Type 1 rated 4R. Dated 12 September 1906