Vulcanus cancellation machine

C.C. van der Valk

On August 5th 1901 in The Hague a test began with the cancellation machine build and manufactured by engineer C.C. van der Valk.

240 letters per minute

This stamping-machine could obliterate 240 letters per minute. The postmark was heated by means of a petrol flame. The machine was not long in use, because it did not only obliterate the stamps, the contents of the envelopes were damaged by burn stains or were even completely burnt through too.

Trial period

The trial period for obliteration of letters lasted till September 29th 1901. For postcards and printed matter the test period was continued until November 2nd 1901.

More information

Stamps of The Netherlands
Postage Stamps 1999