1½d basic Inland Printed Papers rate: start of reign - 31st May 1956
The 1½d basic Inland Printed Papers rate was introduced on 1st June 1951 during the reign of George VI. Initially the minimum rate paid for printed papers weighing up to 4oz but this was reduced to 2oz on 1st January 1956.
Heavier printed papers were subject to higher postage rates as shown in the table at the foot of this post.
The printed papers service was available for a wide range of printed matter such as price lists, statements, invoices and greetings cards. However the contents could not contain anything in the nature of a letter nor items of value such as cheques. Mail sent using the printed papers rate had to be unsealed to allow for inspection.
This unsealed envelope was posted a few days before Christmas with a festive label affixed bottom left.
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| 1½d Inland Printed Papers cover from Balham to Dumfries - 21st December 1953 |
Our next item is an insurance renewal notice which is franked by a meter stamp to indicate the payment of postage.
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| 1½d Inland Printed Papers cover from Tunstall to Knypersley - 31st April 1956 |
Below is the unfolded notice with the address on the left and the renewal details filled in on the right. Additional type can be seen showing through from the other side.
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| Unfolded notice |
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| Reverse of folded notice |
Heavier items were subject to higher postage rates based on 2oz increments as shown in this table.
|
Date from: |
Rate up to 2oz |
Rate up to 4oz |
Extra Steps above
4oz |
|
1st June 1951 |
- |
1½d |
½d per 2oz or
part |
|
1st January 1956 |
1½d |
2½d |
1d per 2oz or
part |
The charge for each additional weight step was increased at the same time as the maximum weight for the 1½d rate was decreased.
The second revision to the rates was only in force for 6 months before the basic rate was increased from 1½d to 2d on 1st June 1956.
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