Readers who have been following the exchanges in the comments about datamatrix-coded stamps having a glaring omission will be interested to see these pictures.
There is no doubt that this sheet of stamps exists, with no datamatrix code on the 2nd Large counter sheet.
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| Machin 2022 2nd class large counter sheet with no datamatrix code. |
The story is that
"A local post office had these issued and sold some before being recalled."
But then who alerted the administration that recalled them? And were they legitimately acquired (after others had been sold) before others were returned?
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| Machin 2022 2nd class large counter sheet with no datamatrix code showing security details. |
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| Machin 2022 2nd class large counter sheet with no datamatrix code showing printing date. |
It was, for decades, established practice that faulty stamps were to be returned when discovered, and any posmaster or post office employee who retained any was at risk of dismissal (even though they were paid for).
I'm sure the principle still holds. These stamps will be listed in The Deegam Handbook of British Barcoded Stamps, and mentioned in the next Deegam Report.
Were there any more of these? Are any other errors on Machins lurking - waiting to be revealed?
It was, for decades, established practice that every sheet was checked by the printer, Harrisons of High Wycombe.
ReplyDeleteBut how could such an error, with very nearly a quarter of 'the design' missing from every stamp of a sheet, possibly not be noticed at the depot ( I think was Swindon but now Edinburgh ) that sends the stamps to Post Offices ?
I guess maybe they don't check them anymore?
ReplyDeleteClearly 100% checking is not possible as we have had errors since the first stamp was ever issued. Look at the river wildlife recently with the phosphor error and that was probably a check that could have been automated
ReplyDelete