1912 1d Wilkinson Post Machine, First Day, No. 73 CDS

25^th January 1912 Wilkinson Penny Post Machine first day usage with a scarce number 73 CDS postmark. All items posted in the Wilkinson machine were postmarked at the Eastern Central District Office, usually with a double CDS inscribed London E.C. & number 172, which seems to have been used specifically for such items. However, this cover shows a postmark dated time of 8:30pm and the number 73. Based on that time it’s likely it was discovered after the last collection on the first day and this different hand stamp was the most convenient to hand at that hour. Quite possible a unique first day cancellation. Good condition unaddressed cover with clear cancels.

This machine was the forerunner of meter mail having been invented by Mr F.Wilkinson and placed on trial at the General Post Office at King Edward Street, London from January 25^th. In the three months up to April 24^th, a total of 8491 letters were postmarked, with daily numbers varying from a peak of 1060 on the first day to just 21 on 5^th April. By the middle of March, daily usage was rarely over 50 letters. The trial was stopped on August 31^st and the GPO did not proceed with any further trials.

The machine operated by customers inserting a 1d coin, putting the letter in a special opening and then turning the handle twice. This would apply the special Postage Paid postmark and drop it into a sealed compartment. A postal clerk would then retrieve the mail at daily intervals and apply a time-dated CDS postmark.