How a pictorial postmark makes a perfect postcard

 The ability of postcard enthusiasts to get meticulous in their hobby knows no bounds. This can be demonstrated by such fastidiousness as insisting a postcard is mailed from the location depicted on the card. Add to this a colorful, non-ordinary stamp - or several - accompanied by a hand-cancelled postmark.

The local postal manager’s personal imprimatur is a wonderful endorsement of authenticity and I’ve become accustomed to seeking these out when sending cards from post offices all across the country and indeed, around the world.

Dropping into these little post offices can also yield surprising bonuses. Like a precis of local history which may include a previously unknown relative or the clue to solve a neighbourhood mystery.

Most post offices have simple, circular, utilitarian postmarks with the town’s name, postcode and date. But to my delight, I have discovered that many major centres, especially those with significant landmarks, will have what is called a ‘pictorial postmark’ depicting a symbol of the town or city. I have added a few examples picked up on my travels.

Pictorial postmarks make a perfect addition to any postcard

To further illustrate my curious fixation, I carry a little unlined notebook to collect these postmarks like passport stamps. The reactions from postal staff can never be predicted. Some will light up in delight at the request and rummage furiously for the item no one has used in years, correct the date and ensure the inking is correct with a couple of test pressings on scrap paper before proudly anointing my little notebook.

There just aren't enough pages in a passport

I’ve had others wave me away impatiently like a pesky door-to-door salesman or sticklers who insist that it can only be stamped on an item to be posted and must carry minimum postage. I have since enquired about this supposed regulation, but can find no evidence such a rule exists. 

So, if one is to complete the perfect postcard, it should conform to the following;

• purchased at the location depicted on the card
• be of standard postcard dimensions such as 15cm x 10cm
• affixed with a current commemorative stamp, not a sticky label
• hand cancelled at the local post office counter, ideally with a pictorial postmark if available

I've even been known to mail a small deck of cards back to a post office I didn't have time to finish on the spot. Just to get the correct postmark. 

TIP: Avoid wherever possible leaving postcards at the hotel concierge or reception desk, even with the correct stamps. I have a poor success rate for cards left in this manner. 

Having said all that, no one knows how to break rules like me and if you’re travelling outside office hours then just do what you can. An imperfect card is always better than nothing at all. 

After a long trek to find the post office in Kawthaung, Myanmar