# United States Postage Meter Stamp Catalog/GROUP C – Oval frank with wavy lines at the sides
## GROUP C – Oval frank with wavy lines at the sides

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* The Group C stamp design was the Post Office Department's authorized replacement of the square "B" design which was phased out due to its close resemblance to unmetered "permit" imprints. In no way did the oval frank resemble any permit franking then existing. Later, some enterprising marketers made permit stamps with an oval shape to make them resemble more important looking metered mail. These were a violation of POD policy, but enforcement was lax.
* Meters in this group were manufactured by eight different firms, Pitney Bowes, Mailometer, Mack Postograph, International Postal Supply, Whitlock, Continental, U.S. Postal Meter, and Multipost. Most of these companies disappeared by 1945 leaving only Pitney Bowes and International still in business.
* Several stamp types from different companies closely resemble each other. They can be identified by the design element peculiarities noted in the descriptions and also by the meter number. Be aware that some meter numbers overlap.
* All stamps in Group C have double circle town mark unless used on registered mail where they often have no town mark.

#### Oval meter stamps with slogans

* Production Group C postage meters were not able to print a slogan. Although the British branch of Pitney Bowes had introduced a slogan printing attachment in Great Britain in 1923, experiments in the United States did not start until 1928.
* Since the mailing machine could accommodate only one printing device at a time, the slogan printer had to be swapped with the postage meter and the mail needed to be fed through the machine twice, once for the stamp and again for the slogan. As the inker could also be swapped, it was possible for the slogan to be printed in a different colour to the meter (see note for Slogan C).
* Due to variables in the feeding process, covers with the same stamp and slogan are known with the slogan at different distances from the stamp.
* A very few covers are known with the slogan applied on the back due to the mail being re-fed back-to-front.
* Trials lasted a few months only and ended sometime in late 1931. They led Pitney Bowes to modify the Model “M”, “C” and “CA” meters, reducing the size of the stamp design (Group D) and adding a slogan in the space saved. These modified meters were classified as Models “MS”, “CS” and “CAS”.
    ● Slogan A
    Pitney Bowes, Stamford1886 (2c)
    EKU: OCT 18, 1928 Only 2 examples known
    ● Slogan B
    Pitney Bowes, Stamford1886 (2c)
    EKU: APR 5, 1929
    ● Slogan C
    Pitney Bowes, Stamford1886 (2c), 2058 (4c)
    Pitney Bowes, New York 6255 (2c)
    Note: M# 2058 is known with the stamp and townmark printed in brown, but the slogan in red
    ● Slogan D
    Curtis Publishing Co., Philadelphia1094 (1c), 1631 (1c), 2118 (1c), 2365 (1c), 8507 (1c)
    Nat’l Protective Ins. Co., Kansas City7976 (1c)
    ● Slogan E
    Curtis Publishing Co., Philadelphia1094 (1c), 1631 (1c), 2118 (1c), 2365 (1c), 8507 (1c)
    ● Slogan F
    Curtis Publishing Co., Philadelphia1094 (1c), 1631 (1c), 2118 (1c), 2365 (1c), 8507 (1c)
    ● Slogan G
    Shell Oil Corporation, St. Louis6098 (2c)

#### Sub-group CA – Stamps of The Postage Meter Company (Pitney Bowes)

* "No." used before both the permit and meter numbers on all dies, except for a few between 1191 and 1452 which use "NO." before the meter number.
* The numeral "1" in the date is always sans serif. The date field is usually three lines including the time but can also be empty, one line (year only) or two lines (without time). Because the date was set by hand by the operator, inverted dates or parts of dates are common.
* The earliest frank dies were hand cut and vary considerably in design details and lettering. A common variation is squared ends of the inner oval. Later dies were machine cut and are of uniform design.
* Meter numbers:
    ○ For Types CA1.1 through CA3.2: 4-10, 1001-2999, 3272-3280, 5001-6279, 7000-8902 (numbers in the 4000 series were reserved for meters issued in Canada, while those from 3000 to 3271 were used in Great Britain.)
    ○ For Type CA4: 9100-9816.
* Meter models:
    ○ All 68 of the Model “M” meters that were issued with the Group B frank, except meter numbers 1 and 2, were refitted with the new Group C frank. Thousands of new machines were also issued.
    ○ Group CA stamps, with the exception of Type CA4, were initially printed by the single value Model "M" meter (1922), which was used on Model “A” (1922) and Model “B” (1924) mailing machines.
    ○ The Model “M” was superseded by the Model “C” meter in 1927, another single value model using the same mailing machines as well as the new Model “F” mailing machine. However the Model “M” meter continued in use after this date.
    ○ The introduction of the limited value Pitney Bowes Model “CV” and “CVS” meters in 1934 (see Group D) saw the necessity to modify the Model “A” and “F” mailing machines to accommodate the taller Model “CV” and “CVS” meters, these mailing machines becoming the Model “AV” and “FV” (sometimes called the Model “FS”). To allow the use of a single value meter on these new mailing machines, the Model “C” was modified and became the Model “CA”, and it is this that produced the Type CA4 markings.
* Earliest known date: January 19, 1922.
Type CA1 in 2001 edition
CA1.1. Models "M" and “C” (FV-1), 1922.
    "PERMIT" and "METER" are both inside the inner oval.
    Both the Permit and Meter numbers are present.
    Bottom panel contains the complete postage value spelled out.
    Values: 1¢, 2¢, 3¢, 4¢, 5¢, 6¢ [C]
    Values: 8¢, 10¢, 12¢ [S]
    Value: 14¢ [R]
    Value: 20¢ [RR]
       a. Permit number inverted:
          Value: 2¢ [RR]
          Values: 1¢, 3¢ [RRR]
       b. TM inverted: 1¢ (2074), 2¢ (1007, 7463) [RRR]
       c. Small TM, 24mm in diameter: 2¢ (5732) [RR]
       d. Month in lower case letters: 2¢ (1349, in use 26-28 September 1928 in New York) [RRR]
       e. Permit number "No. 1" with serifs: 1¢ (1692) [RRR]
       f. "PERMIT" and "METER" missing: 1¢ (1460) [RRR]
       g. Permit number alone without "No." before the number: 2¢ (5189, 5594) [RRRR]
       h. Used with experimental slogan
    SURCHARGES:
       -1. "EXTRA/ ½¢ /PAID" in center of TM:
          Value: 1+½¢ [C]
          Value: 4¢+½¢ [S]
       -2. "ONE/ CENT/ ONLY" in center of TM used on 1¢ meter (error) [C]
Type CA2 in 2001 edition
CA1.2. Models "M" and “C” (FV-1).
    As Type CA1.1 but blank or with surcharge between "PERMIT" and "METER" (without permit number).
    Values: 1¢, 2¢, 3¢, 4¢, 5¢, 6¢ [C]
    Values: 8¢, 10¢, 12¢ [R]
    Value: 14¢ (not regularly issued, but known used philatelically) [RRR]
       a. Permit number with "P" prefix in bottom of town mark:
             Values: 1¢ (7978, LOUISVILLE, KY. / P-113), 2¢ (2673, 5174, CLEVELAND, OHIO / P-144) [RRR]
       b. TM inverted: 1¢ (7963) [RR]
       c. Very small TM, outer and inner circles 20 and 13mm in diameter: 1¢ (2446) [RRR]
       d. "No." below Permit number but without number:
             Value: 1¢ (1641, 2370, 2387, 2459) 2¢ (1340, 2326, 2338, 5524) [RR]
             Values: 6¢ (7076) [RRR]
       e. Used with experimental slogan
    SURCHARGES:
       -1. "EXTRA/ ½¢ /PAID" in center of TM:
             Value: 1¢ + ½¢ [RRRR]
             Value: 4¢ + ½¢ [R]
       -2. "ONE/ CENT/ ONLY" in center of TM, used on 1¢ meter (error) [S]
          -a. Surcharge inverted: 1¢ (1624) [RRR]
          -b. "No." alone below "PERMIT", without number: 1¢ (2391) [RRRR]
       -3. "AD'L 1¢ (or 2¢) PD" between "PERMIT" and "METER":
             Values: 2+1¢, 4+2¢ [C]
             Values: 14+1¢ (1928, 1941), 2+2¢ [RR]
             Values: 1+1¢ (1479), 6+1¢ (1112), 8+1¢ (2052), 3+2¢ (2998), 6+2¢ (1112) [RRR]
             Value: 4+1¢ (7411) [RRRR]
          -a. Surcharge inverted: 2+1¢ [R]
          -b. TM inverted: 2+1¢ (7193, 7208) [RRRR]
          -c. Small TM, 24mm in diameter: 2+1¢ (7663, 8258) [S]
       -4. "AD'L 1¢ PD." above the frank: 2+1¢ (8034, 8224) [R]
       -5. "Ad'l 1¢ Pd" in center of TM: 2+1¢ (7882, 8067) [RRRR]
Type CA3 in 2001 edition
CA2.1. Models "M" and “C” (FV-1).
    As Type CA1.1 (with both Permit and Meter numbers).
    The bottom panel contains "CENT(S) PAID" only.
    Values: 1¢, 1½¢, 2¢, 3¢, 4½¢, 5¢ [C]
    Values: 7¢, 9¢, 17¢, 18¢, 19¢, 20¢, 22¢, 24¢ [S/R]
    Values: 26¢, 30¢ [RR]
    Values: 3½¢, 6¢, 15¢, 16¢ [RRRR]
       a. Permit number inverted: 1¢ (8677), 1½¢, 2¢ (8800) [R]
       b. "VIA AIR MAIL" above frank: 5¢ (5660, 6003, 7390) [R]
       c. "No. 1" with serifs below PERMIT": 2¢ (8637) [R]
       d. Number without "No." below PERMIT": 1½¢ (5420 / p.388) [RRR or RRRR]
SURCHARGES:
       -1. "EXTRA/ ½¢/ PAID" in center of TM: 1½ + ½¢ (5493) [RRRR]
       -2. "ONE/ CENT/ ONLY" in center of TM, used on 1½¢ meter [C]
Type CA4 in 2001 edition
CA2.2. Models "M" and “C” (FV-1).
    As Type CA1.2, blank between "PERMIT" and "METER" (no permit number), but the bottom panel contains "CENT(S) PAID" only.
    Values: 1¢, 1½¢, 2¢, 3¢, 4½¢, 5¢, 6¢ [C]
    Values: 1¼¢, 2½¢, 8¢, 9¢, 17¢, 18¢, 21¢, 24¢ [S/R]
    Values: 3½¢, 22¢, 23¢ [RR]
    Values: 7¢, 15¢, 20¢ [RRR]
    Value: 43¢ [RRRR]
       a. Town mark inverted, inscribed "WILMINGTON TRUST CO. / WILMINGTON, DEL.": 18¢ (5080) [Unique, one cover known. In addition to having an inverted TM it is the only Group C meter known with the mailer's identification inside the town mark]
       b. Town and state at top of TM, blank at bottom: 3¢ (5652) [RRR]
       c. "VIA AIR MAIL" above frank: 5¢ (7392, 7394, 7927) [RRR]
       d. "No." below "PERMIT" but without number: 1½¢ 2¢ (5167) [RR]
    SURCHARGES:
       -1. "AD'L 1¢ (or 2¢) PD" between "PERMIT" and "METER":
             Value: 2+1¢ [C]
             Values: 5+1¢, 17+1¢, 19+2¢ (7387, 7388) [R]
             Values: 4+2¢ (8586, 8590, 8593), 22+2¢ (5088) [RR]
             Values: 3½+1¢ (8012), 2+2¢ (5047, 8353, 8607) [RRR]
             Values: 1+1¢ (8675), 3+1¢ (8622), 18+1¢ (8628), 1+2¢ (8691) [RRRR]
          -a. TM inverted: 2+1¢ (5648) [RRRR]
          -b. "VIA AIR MAIL" above frank: 2+1¢ (7868) [RRR]
          -c. "AD'L 1¢ PD" inverted: 2+1¢ (7870, 8485) [RRR]
Type CA5 in 2001 edition
CA3.1. Models "M" and “C” (FV-1).
    Bottom panel contains "CENTS" only.
    With number below “PERMIT”.
    Values: 2¢ (1436, 5642, 5671, 6242), 3¢ (2781) [S]
    Value: 4½¢ (7998) [RRR or RRRR]
Type CA6 in 2001 edition
CA3.2. Models "M" and “C” (FV-1).
    As Type CA3.1, bottom panel contains "CENTS" only, but blank between "PERMIT" and "METER" (no permit number).
    Values: 2¢ 3¢ [S]
    Values: 2½¢ (5437), 4¢ (7088, 8220) [R]
    Value: 4½¢ (7998) [Very rare]
    Values: 1¼¢, 5¢ (7552) [RRRR]
    Value: 34¢ (7652) [RRRR, possibly unique]
       -1a. Permit number with "P" prefix in bottom of town mark: 2¢ ("P.-52", 6242) [RRRR]
    SURCHARGE
       -1. "AD'L 1¢ PD" below "PERMIT": 2+1¢ [R]
Type CK1 in 2001 edition
CA4. Model "CA" (FV-1), July 1, 1933.
    Central oval contains a smaller oval with indented sides.
    "METER/ No."/ (number) at center.
    "CENT(S) PAID" in bottom panel.
    Values: 1¢, 1½¢, 2¢, 3¢ [C]
    Value : 5¢ [S]
    Values: 3½¢ (9141, 9146, 9619), 4½¢ (9737), 8¢, 9¢ (9348), 16¢ (9498) [R]
    Values : 15¢ (9356), 18¢ (9113) [RR]
    Values : 2½¢, 6¢, 21¢ (9650) [RRR]
    Values : 7¢ (9766), 12¢, 23¢ (9591), 26¢ (9199), 50¢ (9304) [RRRR]
       a. Small town mark, 24mm in diameter, as normally found on Sub-group DB stamps: 2¢ (9319) [RRRR]
       b. With Permit number at bottom of TM: 9¢ (9348) [RRRR]
    SURCHARGE:
       -1. "AD'L 1¢ P'D" below frank: 2¢+1¢ [RR]

#### Sub-group CB – Stamps of The Mail-O-Meter Company

* Mail-O-Meter, a Chicago company that produced stamp vending machines, was the first company to compete with Pitney Bowes in the postage meter market. Their first meters appeared in late 1922.
* The quality of the company's meters was so poor that Pitney Bowes became concerned that they would give postage meters a bad name. In order to protect the market Pitney Bowes bought Mail-O-Meter in 1924 and rebuilt or scrapped all their machines. Rebuilt machines have Mail-O-Meter style franks but the town marks more closely resemble Pitney Bowes stamps except for the serifed "1" usually (but not always) found in the date. Original Mail-O-Meter town marks vary in spacing of the rings and the seating of the date/time figures when can vary considerably from the horizontal. The earliest examples have two dots at the sides of the town mark and variable narrow spacing between the rings.
* Nearly all Mail-O-Meter meter numbers have "No" with underlined "o" before both the permit and meter number. Exceptions are listed as varieties.
* Generally speaking, Mail-O-Meter stamps have a cruder appearance than with Pitney Bowes types.
* Meter numbers known: 6, 1000-1362, 1503-1516.
* Earliest known date: October 11, 1922.
CB1. (FV), 1922.
    Similar to Type CA1.1 with the complete postage value spelled out in the bottom panel.
    Values: 1¢, 2¢ [C]
    Value: 4¢ [S]
    Values: 3¢ (1501, 1502), 6¢ (1079, 1308, 1309) [R]
    Value: 12¢ (1038) [RRRR]
       a. Permit number inverted: 2¢ (1270 / 24) [RRRR]
       b. Permit number missing: 2¢ (1082, 1198, 1245) [RRR] (The Permit slug "No 250" is known on meter 1198 on 17 April 1925 and 12 May 1925 but is missing on 20 April 1925. The "after" slug is different from the "before" slug so it is likely the slug was broken or lost for a period of time and then replaced.)
       c. "PERMIT No." without line under "o": 2¢ (1067) Type CB2 in 2001 edition [RRR]
       d. Permit number with letter suffix, 5-F (meter 1292) [RR]
       e. Permit number prefixed by dash, — 2 (meter 1021) [RRRR (two cut-outs known]
    SURCHARGES
       -1."EXTRA/ ½¢/ PAID" in center of TM: 1¢+½¢ [S]
       -2."AD'L 1¢ (or 2¢) PD" below "PERMIT":
          Value: 2¢+1¢ (1114, 1230) [R]
          Value: 4¢+2¢ (1104) [RRRR]
Type CB5 in 2001 edition
CB2. (FV).
    As CB1 but with "CENTS PAID" alone in bottom panel.
    With "No." (o not underlined) below METER. (It IS underlined below PERMIT.)
    Value: 1½¢ (1503-1513 and 1515-1516) [R]
    Value: 4¢ (1509) [RRRR]
       a. With "N$^o$" ("o" underlined) below both PERMIT and METER (1514) Type CB6 in 2001 edition [RRRR]
Type CB7 in 2001 edition
CB3. (FV). [S]
    "CENTS" alone in bottom panel.
    M# 1161 and 1349 only
    TM: DC
    Value: 3¢

#### Sub-group CC – Stamps of the Mack Postograph Company

* Mack Postograph was a company founded by inventor Luther L. Mack of Los Angeles in 1921, possibly earlier. It released only two postage meters during its existence, meters 102 and 103.
* The earliest known date is from 1925.
* Mack sold his company to the Continental Postage Meter Corporation in 1928.
CC1. (FV), 1925. [RRRR]
    Very similar to Type CA1.1. It can most easily be identified by the meter number, 102.
    "TWO CENTS PAID" in bottom panel.
    Three line date with hour.
    One meter only, M# 102 (Permit 49).
    Value: 2¢
CC2. (FV), 1925. [RR]
    “CENTS PAID” alone in bottom panel.
    One meter only, M# 103 (Permit 55).
    This stamp was used without date on bulk mail only.
    It is possible the meter was used before 1925.
    Value: 1½¢

#### Sub-group CD – Stamps of the International Postal Supply Company

* Founded in 1888 International Postal Supply, a manufacturer of postal cancelling machines, added postage meters to their offerings in the mid 1920s.
* The earliest known date of an International meter stamp is 5 June 1925. It is from meter no. 2 used by International during a trial run made for the Post Office Department from 28 May to 2 July 1925. The earliest known date from a production model is 27 April 1926.
* The International stamps closely resemble Pitney Bowes stamps (Sub-group CA) and are often confused with them. The easiest way to tell them apart is by the town mark and the date numerals.
* Three different town mark styles were used by International. The earliest (A) has a small inner ring, large lettering, and small, short date figures. This configuration is found only on the first few machines, numbers 2, 1000-1004 and possibly 1005. Starting with meter 1005 or 1006 town mark type B appears. Town mark type B is very similar to that used by Pitney Bowes, and these stamps are easily misidentified. The key to identification is in the date figures. Type B town marks contain a "1" with serif at top. The "1" in Pitney Bowes (Group C) dates never have serifs.
* In 1930 or 1931 the town mark style was changed again to Type C. The lettering is tall and narrow with the town name followed by a comma. This configuration was standard on newly built meters and also retrofitted to older machines.
* Pitney Bowes stamps consistently use "No." before the meter number (and also the permit number when present). International stamps are inconsistent about this, using "No.", "No", "N$^o$.", and "NO.".
* For surcharges International used "#¢ PAID / EXTRA". Pitney Bowes used "AD'L #¢ PD".
* Meter numbers used: 2, 1000-1133, and 7976
Type CD1 in 2001 edition
CD1.1. (FV), 5 June 1925.
    Complete postage value spelled out in bottom panel.
    With number below "PERMIT".
       A. Meter number curved
       B. Meter number straight (four known: 1075, 1077, 1099, and 1126) [S]
    Meter numbers: 2 [used in 1925 trial only, RRRR]
                   1000-1133
                   7976 [odd number out of sequence, RRR]
    Town marks (see introduction to Sub-group CD above):
       Type A [RR]
       Type B
       Type C
    Values: 1¢, 2¢, 3¢ [C]
    Value: 4¢ (1009, 1057) [RRR]
       a. Very large permit number with "NO." prefix: 2¢ (1023 /2) [RRR]
       b. Town mark inverted: 2¢ (1007 /31) [RRRR]
Type CD2 in 2001 edition
CD1.2. (FV).
    As CD1.1 but without number below "PERMIT".
       A. Meter number curved
       B. Meter number straight (1075, 1077, 1078, 1079, 1100, 1102, and 1104 seen)
       Town mark type A not seen
       Town mark type B
       Town mark type C
    Values: 1¢, 2¢, 3¢ [C]
    Values: 4¢ (1009) 6¢ (1041, 1109) [RRR]
    SURCHARGES:
       -1. "½¢ (or 1¢) PAID/ EXTRA" between "PERMIT" and "METER":
          Value: 2+1¢ [C]
          Value: 1+½¢ (1104) [RRRR]
NOTES:
* One cent stamps with 1¢ surcharge exist but are philatelic fabrications. Meters 1060, 1100, and 1113 were created without authorization by Henry O. Meisel, founder of the American Metered Postage Society and editor of its journal.
* One and a half cent meter 1133 with 1¢ surcharge also exists due to Mr. Meisel.
* Meisel made or arranged unauthorized die changes to other meters of this type. Two cent meter 1020 with 1¢ surcharge is known with permit number "P-8" at the bottom of the town mark. Three cent meter 1078 is known with a solid bar below "PERMIT". One and a half cent meter 1133 is found with solid bar in center of town mark and with permit number "P-8". Meisel varieties exist with other meter types as well as CD1.2.
Type CD3 in 2001 edition
CD2.1. (FV).
    As CD1.1 but with "CENTS PAID" only in bottom panel.
    With number below "PERMIT".
    Value: 1½¢ [RR]
Type CD4 in 2001 edition
CD2.2. (FV).
    As CD2.1 but without number below "PERMIT".
    Value: 1½¢ [R]
Type CD5 in 2001 edition
CD2.3. (FV).
    As CD2.2 but “CENTS PAID” is shifted to the right leaving a blank space at left.
    TM: DC
    Value: 27¢ [RRRR] $^{(seeNOTE)}$
NOTE: Examples of the 27¢ value exist that were struck at a later date but show 1937 as the year date. Collectors must assume any example found is the later reprint unless on commercial cover with date-verifying postmarks. Reprints can be considered scarce but are far from rare. The machine still exists, and new copies can be created at any time.

#### Sub-group CE – Stamps of the Whitlock Metered Mail Company of Los Angeles

* The company began operations in 1929 in Los Angeles and moved their headquarters to New York in 1930. Sub-Group CE includes the stamps used while the company was in Los Angeles. See Sub-Group CG for the stamps issued after the move to New York.
* Nearly all Type CE stamps have Los Angeles in the town mark. A small number have nearby towns such as Long Beach, Hollywood, and Santa Monica, but none are known used outside California or even outside the Los Angeles suburbs.
* Type CE1 closely resembles Types CA1.1 and CD1.1. They can be identified by their meter numbers: 80-243, 310, and 916, none of which are found on Sub-groups CA and CD meters.
* The earliest date known is 31 October 1928 with meter no. 103. The date figures on this stamp are unique to all other Whitlock stamps and was likely generated during a trial. (See NOTE below.) The earliest production stamp date (assuming the 1928 stamp was from a trial) is 4 September 1929.
NOTE: Meter 103 was used by the Zellerbach Paper Company of Los Angeles. The relatively high meter number is not normal for an early meter test or trial, but the unique date figures imply it was used in a trial. That it was Zellerbach and not Whitlock does not disprove it was a test (or an incorrectly set year date) as the Post Office Department would have wanted the meter tested with a large mailer.
Type CE1 in 2001 edition
CE1.1. (FV), 31 October 1928.
    Complete postage value spelled out in bottom panel.
    With "No" and number below "PERMIT".
    Very similar in appearance to Type CA1.1 and CD1.1 but can be positively identified by the meter numbers, 80-243 and 310, which are not found on Pitney Bowes or International meters.
    The hour figures, when present, have very round zeros which is unique to Whitlock stamps.
       A. Date figures short, 2¼ mm tall. Two examples of M# 103 known dated October 31 and November 7 1928. [RRRR]
       B. Date figures taller, 3mm
    Value: 2¢ [R]
    Values: 1¢ (310), 4¢ (97, 125) [RR]
    Value: 5¢ (102) [RRR]
Type CE2 in 2001 edition
CE1.2. (FV).
    As Type CE1.1B but the top half of the inner oval is blank, without "PERMIT" and permit number.
    One meter only.
    Value: 1¢ (235) [RRRR]
Type CE3 in 2001 edition
CE2. (FV).
    As CE1.1B but "CENTS PAID" alone in bottom panel.
    Value: 2¢ [R]
    Value: 1½¢ (92, 160) [RR]
    Values: 3¢ (166), 4¢ (218) [RRR]

#### Sub-group CF – Stamps of the Continental Postage Meter Corporation

* Organized in 1928 Continental was the successor to Mack Postograph. It was headquartered in Los Angeles until it was acquired by Gold Seal Electric Company in 1930 and moved to New York City. The name was changed to U.S. Postal Meter Corporation (Sub-group CH) in 1931.
* Most Continental stamps have a letter prefix to the meter number. Only a few machines (Type CF1.2) do not. Meter numbers without prefix are 519, 532, 563, 601, 619, 856, and 879. For other CF types, the meter number prefix letters probably correspond to the first letter of the sales agents' names. They are A, E, L, M, P, and T. Numbers with prefixes are 10001-10097.
* The numeral "1" in the date figures always has a serif at top and often at bottom.
    The earliest known use is February 1, 1930.
Type CF1 in 2001 edition
CF1.1. (FV), 1930. [RRR]
    Complete postage value spelled out in bottom panel.
    Within the inner oval the meter number has a "C" letter prefix at lower left and the number at lower right.
    "PERMIT" and number above "METER".
    Date in two lines.
    Three meters only: C1010, C1012, C1029.
    Value: 2¢
Type CF3 in 2001 edition
CF1.2. (FV).
    As CF1.1 but meter number without prefix.
    Both the permit and meter numbers are left justified.
    Date in one line.
    Six meters only.
    Value: 1¢ (601, 856) [R]
    Value: 2¢ (519, 563, 619) [RR]
    Value: 3¢ (532) [RRR]
Type CF4 in 2001 edition
CF1.3. (VF).
    As CF1.2 but the meter number has a prefix.
    Single line date.
    Meter number with letter prefix (A, E, L, M, P or T).
    Meter numbers: 10001 - 10097
    Value: 2¢ [S]
    Value: 3¢ [R]
    Value: 1¢ [RRR]
    Value: 4¢ (P10030, P10034) [RRRR]
       a. With unengraved bar in place of permit number (P10028)
Type CF2 in 2001 edition
CF2.1. (FV).
    As Type CF1.1 but “CENTS PAID” alone in bottom panel.
    Five meters only: C1003, C1007, C1019, C1029, and C1033.
    Date in two lines.
    Value: 2¢ [RR]
    Value: 1¢ (C1007 only) [RRRR]
NOTE: Meter number C1029 apparently had a die change at some point, from CF1.1 to CF2.1 or vice versa.
Type CF5 in 2001 edition
CF2.2. (FV). [RRR]
    As Type CF1.3 but with "CENTS PAID" alone in bottom panel.
    Two meters only: T10003 and E10006.
    Value: 2¢

#### Sub-group CG – Stamps of the Whitlock Metered Mail Company of New York

* The company began operations in 1929 in Los Angeles and moved their headquarters to New York in 1930. The stamp in Sub-group CG was not used until after the move to New York. See Sub-group CE for the earlier Whitlock stamps.
CG1. (FV).
    Center oval is filled by "METER No." curved over the meter number.
    "CENT(S) PAID" alone in bottom panel.
    Meter numbers: 215, 216, 252-309, 311-327, 410, 430, 500-621, 1200-1239, 1600-1608, 2000-2010, 2400-2464, 2700-2704, 3500-3502, 4000-4011, 4200-4214, 6600-6607, 6800-6802, and 7000. Number assignments were originally based on an allotment to branch offices in different cities but lost this structure as time went on. The numbers can vary in size.
    Values: 2¢, 3¢ [S]
    Value: 1½¢ [R]
    Value: 1¢ [RR]
    Values: 4¢ (1240), 5¢ (285) [RRRR]

#### Sub-group CH – Stamps of the U.S. Postal Meter Corporation

* U.S. Postal Meter was the name assumed by Continental Postal Meter after its reorganization in 1930. See Sub-group CF for stamps used prior to the name change.
* The meter stamp designs are similar to CF types but never include a permit number. The central ovals contain only “METER” or "METER No." plus the meter number. (Type CH1.4-1 includes a surcharge as well.)
* All dates are in one line.
* The earliest known use is from December 1931.
Type CH1 in 2001 edition
CH1.1. (FV), 1931. [RR]
    Complete postage value spelled out in bottom panel.
    The inner oval is blank at top with "METER" above the meter number in the lower half.
    Two meters number only, both with prefix: M10087, P10020.
    Value: 2¢
Type CH2 in 2001 edition
CH1.2. (FV). [RRRR]
    As CH1.1 but meter number without prefix.
    One meter only, 879. Known used in both Cambridge and Boston Massachusetts.
    Value: 1¢
Type CH3 in 2001 edition
CH1.3 (FV).
    Complete postage value spelled out in bottom panel.
    Inner oval contains "METER / No." and number, all centered.
    Meter numbers: 500-947.
    Values: 1¢, 2¢, 3¢ [S]
    Value: 4¢ [RR]
Type CH5 in 2001 edition
CH1.4 (FV).
    Similar to Type CH1.3 but the meter number is centered with "METER No." curve above.
    The bottom portion of the inner oval is empty.
    Meter numbers: 500-947.
    Values: 2¢, 3¢ [S]
    Value: 1¢ [R]
    Value: 4¢ [RRR]
       a. With PLR number boxed inside the town mark (661, 1¢) [RRR]
    SURCHARGES:
       -1."AD'L 1¢ (or 2¢) PAID" added in lower half of inner oval:
          2¢+1¢ [S]
          1¢+1¢ (716) [RR]
          3¢+1¢ (729), 4¢+2¢ (674) [RRR]
Type CH4 in 2001 edition
CH2.1 (FV).
    As Type CH1.3 except "CENTS PAID" alone in bottom panel.
    Values: 1½¢, 6¢ [R]
    Value: 4½¢ (843, 874) [RRR]
    Value: 17¢ (503, 838) [RRRR]
Type CH6 in 2001 edition
CH2.2 (FV).
    As Type CH1.4 except "CENTS PAID" alone in bottom panel.
    Value: 1½¢ [S]
    Values: 6¢, 9¢ (602, 733, 919) [R]
    Values: 17¢, 18¢ (623) [RR]
    Values: 8¢ (570, 771, 896), 12¢ (767) [RRR]
    Value: 4½¢ (934, 935) [RRRR]

#### Sub-group CJ – Stamps of the Multipost Corporation

* Multipost was a manufacturer of stamp affixing machines. The company believed that precanceled stamps (affixed by their machines) was a better option than postage meters for franking first class mail. They entered the meter business only to prove to skeptics that they were capable of building a postage meter and weren't grousing about meters because of an inability to make one.
* They built only two machines, one provided to Montgomery Ward for a trial in Chicago and the other to the Albany Department of Health in New York. Montgomery Ward used the machine for a short but unknown period of time before returning it to Multipost. The Albany Department of Health machine remained in use from 1936 to 1945 implying that Multipost was capable of building a quality meter. Despite their success in Albany Multipost remained rigid in their conviction that postage meters were inferior to precanceled stamps for first class mail and never built another one. Multipost was bought by National Postal Meter on January 1, 1942.
* Meter numbers M-2 (Montgomery Ward) and M-3 (Albany Department of Health).
* Earliest known use: March 4, 1933.
CJ1. (FV), 1933.
    Central oval with “METER" curved at top above a centered "N$^o$” with meter number below.
    "CENTS PAID" in bottom panel.
    Meter numbers with "M-" prefix. Two machines only:
       A. Meter number M-3 [S]
       B. Meter number M-2 [RRRR]
    Value: 3¢
NOTE: The town mark die on meter M-3 was replaced between late 1944 and mid 1945. The earlier die has 4mm between the two rings and the date figures have "1"s without serifs. The later die has 3mm between the two rings and the date figures have "1"s with serifs at top and bottom.

#### Checklist of Rates Paid by the single-denomination Group C Meter Stamps

* All the postage meters producing Group C stamps (other than CA4) were single-denomination machines, i.e. they could print only one postage value. If a mailer had a three cent meter and needed to frank an overweight or registered letter, he would need to rent a new meter that could print the appropriate denomination. Thus, oval meter stamps with denominations above the prevailing basic first class rate are uncommon to extremely rare since only large businesses could afford to rent additional meters to frank limited runs of mail. The list below shows all denominations known generated by Group C meters and the rates they paid.
* These rates would also apply to Group D and other meter stamps, but the rarity factors would be different.
Rate Usage for which an oval meter stamp is known
    1 ¢ a. First-class domestic postcard rate until 4/14/1925. [S]
          b. First-class domestic postcard rate, 7/1/1928 to 12/31/1951. [C]
          c. Third-class per two ounces domestic piece mailing of circulars and miscellaneous printed matter until 4/14/1925. [S]
          d. Third-class piece mailing of books and catalogs per two ounces until 12/31/1948. [S]
          e. Third-class bulk rate, domestic, minimum charge per piece 10, 5/29/1928 to 6/30/1952. [C]
          f. Third-class nonprofit rate, 7/1/1952 to 6/30/1960. [S]
          g. First-class domestic letter rate to a local, non-carrier post office, until 12/31/1951 [R]
          h. International printed matter rate, until 3/31/1932. [S]
    1¼ ¢ a. Third-class, nonprofit, 7/1/1960 to 1/6/1968. [S]
    1½ ¢ a. Third-class per two ounces piece mailing of circulars, miscellaneous printed matter, and merchandise
          weighing eight ounces or less, 4/15/1925 to 12/31/1948. [C]
          b. Third-class piece mailing of books and catalogs, 1/1/1949 to 12/31/1951. [S]
          c. Third-class bulk rate, minimum charge per piece 1½¢, 1/1/52 to 12/31/1958. [C]
          d. Fourth-class book rate (per pound), 11/1/1938 to 6/30/1941. [R]
          e. International printed matter rate, until 3/31/1932. [S]
    2 ¢ a. First-class domestic letter rate per one ounce until 7/5/1932. [C]
          b. First-class domestic letter rate for mail to a local carrier post office, 7/1/1933 to 3/25/1944. [C]
          c. First-class domestic letter rate for local mail to a non-carrier post office, 1/1/1952 to 7/30/1958. [RR]
          d. First-class domestic postcard rate, 4/15/1925 to 6/30/1928. [S]
          e. Third-class domestic single-piece rate, 1/1/1949 to 7/31/1958. [C]
          f. First-class Pan American Postal Union letter rate per one ounce until 3/31/1932. [S]
          g. First-class letter rate to Great Britain and Western Hemisphere Commonwealth (+New Zealand) until
          8/31/1931 (GB) and until 10/31/1931 (Commonwealth). [S]
          h. First-class letter to Canada until 8/31/1931. [S]
    2½ ¢ a. Third-class bulk rate, 7/1/1960 to 1/6/1963. [S]
    3 ¢ a. First-class domestic letter rate per one ounce to a non-local post office, 7/6/1932 to 7/31/1958. [C]
          b. First-class domestic letter rate per one ounce to a local carrier post office, 7/6/1932 to 6/30/1933. [S]
          c. First-class domestic letter rate per one ounce to a local carrier post office, 3/26/1944 to 7/31/1958. [C]
          d. First-class domestic postcard rate, 8/1/1958 to 1/6/1963. [C]
          e. Third-class domestic triple rate (six ounces x 1¢ per two oz.) of piece mailing of circulars and miscellaneous
          printed matter until. 4/14/1925. [R]
          f. First-class Pan American Postal Union letter rate, 4/1/1932 to 10/31/1953. [C]
          g. First-class letter rate to Canada, 9/1/1931 to 7/31/1958. [C]
    3½ ¢ a. Third-class double-weight (2¢ first two ounces, 1½¢ each additional two ounces) piece mailings of books
          and catalogs from 1/1/1952. [RR]
    4 ¢ a. First-class domestic letter rate per one ounce to a non-local or local carrier post office, 8/1/1958 to 1/6/1963. [S]
          b. First-class domestic letter rate to a local non-carrier post office, 1/7/1963 to 1/6/1968. [S]
          c. First-class double-weight letter rate to a non-local post office until 7/5/1932. [C]
          d. First-class double-weight letter rate to a local carrier post office until 7/5/1932. [R]
          e. First-class double-weight letter rate to a local, carrier post office, 7/1/1933 to 3/25/1944. [C]
          f. Third-class domestic quadruple rate (eight ounces x 1¢ per two oz.) piece mailing of circulars and
          miscellaneous printed matter until 4/14/1925. [RR]
          g. Third-class domestic quadruple rate (eight ounces x 1¢ per two oz.) piece mailing of catalogs, until
          12/31/1948. [R]
          h. First-class double-weight Pan American Postal Union letter rate until 7/5/1932. [RR]
          i. First-class double weight to Great Britain and Western Hemisphere-Commonwealth (+New Zealand) until
          8/31/1931 (GB) and until 10/31/1931 (Commonwealth) [RR]
    4½ ¢ a. Third-class triple-weight (six ounces x 1½¢ per two oz.) piece mailing of circulars, miscellaneous printed
          matter, and merchandise weighing eight ounces or less, 4/15/1925 to 12/31/1948. [R]
          b. Third-class triple-weight (six ounces x 1½¢ per two oz.) piece mailing of books and catalogs, 1/1/1949 to
          12/31/1951. [RR]
    5 ¢ a. First-class domestic letter rate, 1/7/1963 to 1/6/1968. [C]
          b. Domestic airmail letter rate, 8/1/1928 to 7/5/1932. [C]
          c. Domestic airmail letter rate, 10/1/1946 to 12/31/1948. [S]
          d. Third-class domestic quadruple-weight rate for single piece (8 oz.), 1/1/1949-7/31/1958 [RR] or third-class
          5x-weight rate for catalog (5 oz.), 4/15/25-12/31/1948. [RR]
          e. First-class foreign surface letter rate until 10/31/1953. [C]
          f. First-class to Great Britain and Western Hemisphere Commonwealth (+New Zealand) until 9/31/1931 (GB)
          and until 11/1/1931 (Commonwealth) to 10/31/1953. [C]
          g. Foreign airmail letter rate to Canada, 8/1/1928 to 8/31/1931. [S]
    6 ¢ a. First-class triple-weight domestic letter to non-local or local carrier post office until 7/5/1932. [S]
          b. First-class triple-weight domestic letter rate to a local carrier post office, 7/1/1933 to 3/25/1944. [S]
          c. First-class double-weight domestic letter to non-local post office, 7/6/1932 to 7/31/1958. [S]
          d. First-class double-weight domestic letter to local carrier post office, 7/6/1932 to 6/30/1933. [S]
          e. First-class double-weight domestic letter to local carrier post office, 3/26/1944 to 7/31/1958. [S]
          f. First-class domestic letter rate, 1/7/1968 to 5/15/1971. [S]
          g. Domestic airmail letter rate, 7/1/1934 to 3/25/1944. [S]
          h. Domestic airmail letter rate, 1/1/1949 to 7/31/1958. [S]
          i. Special airmail letter rate to servicemen stationed outside U.S., 12/23/1941 to 9/30/1946. [R]
          j. Third-class quadruple-weight (1½¢ per 2 oz. x 4) piece mailing of circulars, miscellaneous printed matter,
          and merchandise weighing eight ounces or less, 4/15/1925 to 12/31/1948. [RRR]
          k. First-class double-weight Pan American Postal Union letter rate. [R]
    7 ¢ a. Third-class domestic 7x rate (to fourteen ounces x 1¢ per two oz.) piece mailing of catalogs, until
          12/31/1948. [RRR]
    8 ¢ a. First-class quadruple-weight domestic letter rate until 7/5/1932. [R]
          b. Domestic airmail letter rate, 7/6/1932 to 6/30/1934. [S]
          c. Domestic airmail letter rate, 3/26/1944 to 9/30/1946. [S]
          d. Third-class bulk mailing of catalog (8¢/lb.), 5/29/1928 to 12/31/1948. [R]
          e. Foreign double-weight surface rate (5¢ first ounce, 3¢ each additional ounce) until 10/31/1953. [RR]
          f. Foreign airmail letter rate to Canada, 3/26/1944 to 9/30/1946 [RR]
    9 ¢ a. First-class triple-weight letter rate to non-local post office, 7/6/1932 to 7/31/1958.
    10 ¢ a. First-class 5x (five ounces x 2¢/oz.) letter rate until 7/5/1932. [RR]
          b. Domestic airmail double-weight (two ounces x 5¢/oz.), 10/1/1946 to 12/31/1948. [R]
          c. First-class 5x (five ounces) letter rate to Great Britain and Western Hemisphere Commonwealth (+New Zealand),
          until 8/31/1931 (GB) and until 10/31/1931 (Commonwealth) [RRR].
    12 ¢ a. First-class 6x (six ounces x 2¢/oz.) letter rate until 7/5/1932. [RR]
          b. First-class quadruple (four ounces x 3¢/oz.) letter rate to non-local post office, 7/6/1932 to 7/31/1958. [R]
          c. Domestic airmail double-weight letter rate, 7/1/1934 to 3/25/1944. [R]
          d. Special airmail double-weight letter rate to servicemen stationed outside U.S., 12/23/1941 to 9/30/1946. [RRR]
          e. Registered mail: 10¢ registry fee + 2¢ first-class letter rate until 4/14/1925. [S]
          f. Special delivery: 10¢ special delivery fee + 2¢ first-class local post office letter rate, 7/1/1933 to 3/25/1944. [R]
    14 ¢ a. Registered mail: 10¢ registry fee + 4¢ first-class double-weight letter rate until 4/14/1925. [RRR]
    15 ¢ a. First-class 5x (five ounces x 3¢/oz.) letter rate to non-local post office, 7/6/1932 to 7/31/1958. [RR]
          b. International airmail rate to Europe, 11/1/1946 to 4/30/1967. [S]
    16 ¢ a. First-class 8x (eight ounces x 2¢/oz.) letter rate to non-local post office until 7/5/1932. [RR]
          b. Domestic airmail double-weight (two ounces x 8¢/oz.), 3/26/1944 to 9/30/1946. [R]
          c. Foreign double-weight airmail letter rate to Canada, 3/26/1944 to 9/30/1946. [RRR]
    17 ¢ a. Registered mail: 15¢ registry fee + 2¢ first-class letter rate to non-local or local carrier post office, 4/15/1925
          to 7/5/1932. [S]
          b. Registered mail: 15¢ registry fee + 2¢ first-class letter rate to local carrier post office, 7/1/1933 to 3/25/1944. [R]
    18 ¢ a. First-class 6x (six ounces x 3¢/oz.) letter rate to non-local post office, 7/6/1932 to 7/31/1958. [RR]
          b. Registered mail: 15¢ registry fee + 3¢ first-class letter rate, 7/6/1932 to 3/25/1944. [S]
          c. Domestic airmail triple-weight letter rate, 7/1/1934 to 3/26/1944. [RR]
    19 ¢ a. Registered mail: 15¢ registry fee + 4¢ first-class double-weight letter rate, 4/15/1925 to 7/5/1932. [R]
    20 ¢ a. Registered mail: 15¢ registry fee + 3¢ return receipt fee + 2¢ first-class letter rate, 4/15/1925 to 7/5/1932. [R]
    21 ¢ a. First-class 7x (seven ounces x 3¢/oz.) letter rate to non-local post office, 7/6/1932 to 7/31/1958. [RR]
          b. Registered mail: 18¢ registry fee + 3¢ letter rate, 7/6/1932 to 3/25/1944. [R]
    22 ¢ a. Registered mail: 15¢ registry fee + 3¢ return receipt fee + 4¢ first-class double-weight letter rate, 4/15/1925
          to 7/5/1932. [RR]
    23 ¢ a. Registered mail: 20¢ registry fee + 3¢ letter rate, 3/26/1944 to 12/31/1948. [RRR]
    24 ¢ a. Registered mail: pays either 18¢ registry fee + 3¢ return receipt fee + 3¢ letter rate or 15¢ registry fee + 3¢. [S]
          return receipt fee + 6¢ first-class double-weight letter rate, 7/1/1932 to 3/25/1944. [RR]
    26 ¢ a. Registered mail: 20¢ registry fee + 3¢ return receipt fee + 3¢ letter rate, 4/15/1925 to 12/31/1948. [RR]
    27 ¢ a. First-class 9x (nine ounces x 3¢/oz) letter rate to non-local post office 7/6/1932 to 7/31/1958. [RRR]
    30 ¢ a. First-class 15x (fifteen ounces x 2¢/oz) letter rate to non-local post office until 7/5/1932. [RRR]
    34 ¢ a. Registered mail: 25¢ registry fee + 9¢ first-class 3x (three ounces x 3¢/oz.) letter rate, 7/6/1932 to
          12/31/1951. [RRRR]
    43 ¢ a. Registered mail: 25¢ registry fee + 18¢ first-class 6x (six ounces x 3¢/oz.) letter rate to a non-local post
          office, 7/6/1932 to 12/31/1951. [RRRR]
    50 ¢ a. Reported used on a first-class multiple-weight letter from a Pennsylvania state office in 1956 and 1957. The postage rate, at the time, was 3¢ per ounce, which means that the 50¢ oval meter stamp didn't pay a valid rate. It is either overpaid 2¢ { sixteen ounces x 3¢/oz. = 48¢) or underpaid 1¢ {seventeen ounces x 3¢/oz. = 51¢). Since there is no indication of postage due, it is probably an overpaid letter. There is no indication of registry, special delivery or other service that would account for a fee being paid.