Crewkerne handstamp, 1766

After the first handstamp recorded for Crewkerne (“CROOK / HORNE”, in the 1990 edition of the British County Catalogue as “CROOK / HORN”, known in use from 1733 to 1783) are three handstamps in the BCC, all “CREWK / ERN” rarity Z, only known in archives.

• SO 379 “CREWK / ERN”, 29x12mm, used in 1740, rarity Z

• SO 382 “CREWK / ERN”, 27x13mm, used in 1740, rarity Z

• SO 385 “CREWK / ERN”, 26x12mm, used 1759-1761, rarity Z

I've recently acquired an entire dated 23^rd June 1766 which has a faint “CREWK / ERN” handstamp on the reverse. I've measured it at 27x13mm so it could match SO 382, the middle of the three above.

 

I'd really like to check the handstamp with the one identified in the British County Catalogue - when the lockdown is over I'm planning on visiting the Somerset Records Office to see if that is where the Crewkerne "found in archives" handstamps come from. 

Black Henstridge UDC, used on 1st January 1851

 A "HENSTRIDGE" undated circular handstamp (UDC) has previously only been recorded in use on 6th May 1846.  Here is a second example, used on 1st January 1851.

Taunton Mourning Letter addressed in rhyme, 1863

The mourning envelope below is rather strangely address in rhyme, sent in July 1863 from Taunton to "Tonbridge" (Tunbridge just north of Tunbridge Wells).  It has a poor Taunton 3CD cancel.

 

Black Brompton Ralph UDC, 1859

 Here is a nice example of the "BROMPTON-RALPH" undated circular handstamp (UDC) used in Black on 16th February 1859, currently the latest recorded date of use.

Enhanced Compensation, Chestnut Terrace, Burnham-on-Sea 2002

Below is a Parcels certificate of posting for which Enhanced Compensation for up to £100 has been paid (by four 10p stamps on the reverse).  The certificate is cancelled with a "CHESTNUT TERRACE BURNHAM ON SEA / SOMT" single ring handstamp dated December 2002.

Coaching Flyer/Receipt for the Bell & Crown Inn, Holborn

 Here is another Coaching Flyer/Receipt, this time from the Bell & Crown Inn, Holborn.

There are two coaches going into/through Somerset - The Hero and The Traveller.  The receipt includes charges of 1/4d Carriage plus 8d Porterage.

Note that there was an additional charge for the carriage of valuables, varying by value and by distance travelled.

Western Gazette Perfin, 1941

Perfins were used by companies to prevent pilferage of their postage stamps - it used to be possible to exchange postage stamps for cash at a Post Office.  Below is an example of the "W/G" perfin, used by the Western Gazette Co. Ltd, Yeovil on a windowed commercial cover in October 1941.

S. Rawlings & Son Ltd, Frome 1909

 Here is a nice advertising envelope for S. Rawlings & Son Ltd. from Frome used in January 1909.