# United States Postage Meter Stamp Catalog/GROUP K – Frank with torch motif
## GROUP K – Frank with torch motif

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* The American company Friden, makers of adding machines and calculators, first offered postage meters in 1956 when it purchased Commercial Controls (Group H stamps). Friden did not market meters under its own brand until 1963 when it introduced meters that it itself had manufactured (Group K). In 1965 the company was bought by the Singer Corporation, and in the early 1970s transformed its postage meter division into the Friden Mailing Equipment (FME) Corporation. In 1979 the CIT-Alcatel company (France) bought FME and formed the new company Friden Alcatel. In 1986 CIT-Alcatel sold its mailroom products division, which included Friden Alcatel, in a series of acquisitions and trades that ended up under the Neopost umbrella. The American division was called Friden Neopost and later just Neopost.
* None of the franks have complete outer frame line but most have straight partial frame lines. All have town mark separate from the frank but in several sub-groups the frank curves around the right side of the town mark.
* Meter models: Friden 410, 410, PM4, 9200/9220/9230/2940 series, 9250 series, 9520-1, 9520-2, and Friden Alcatel 9000 series.
* All meter numbers have either "F" or "S" prefix.
* Group K meters were first used on 1 March 1963.
NOTE: The 2001 edition of the catalog included small letter varieties for so-called gripper marks (various arrangements of lines and dashes appearing in the 'slogan' area) used to help feed the tape or envelope through the meter. These varieties are not included in the current edition but may be added later. It is also possible that they will be addressed in a new section of the catalog introduction and not listed as type varieties.

#### Sub-group KA – Wide rectangular design with hand-held torch centered between TM and value box

* Hand held torch at center with flames spreading over the top of the value box.
* Three stars grouped at left of flames, five stars grouped at left of hand holding torch.
* Four stars are stacked at center right.
* Town mark is separate but closely integrated into the frank which curves around it.
* Considerable variation exists in details of the lettering and with meter number sizes and fonts used.
* Meter models: 410, 420, PM-7.
* Meter numbers in 010000 and 210000 series.
* Meter numbers are found in two different font styles:
       * narrow figures using a "1" with a serif at top
       * slightly wider figures using a "1" without serif
* Earliest known use, March 1, 1963.
Type KA1 in 2001 edition
KA1.1. Friden "410" or "420", March 1, 1963. [R]
    The top and bottom frame lines at left have short extensions that curve around the town mark.
    Meter numbers 010103 and 010104 only. Used only by the manufacturer in San Leandro, California during early trials.
    TM: DC
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.00½ to 9.99½)
Type KA2 in 2001 edition
KA1.2. Friden "410" and "420".
    As Type KA1.1 but without the short frame line extensions that curve around the town mark.
    Meter numbers in 010000 series.
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.00½ to 9.99½)
       a. With INSURED / NO. and number at left
       b. Without date and town mark
       c. With CITY / STATE in town mark but used on live mail (011743, 1965)
SURCHARGES (normally reading up but occasionally down):
| -1. AD'L ⅛¢ PD | -5. AD'L $^1$/10¢ PD |
| -2. AD'L ¼¢ PD | -6. AD'L $^4$/10¢ PD |
| -a. Ad'l ¼¢ Pd | -7. AD'L $^6$/10¢ PD |
| -3. AD'L ⅜¢ PD | -8. AD'L $^8$/10¢ PD |
| -4. AD'L ⅞¢ PD | -9. AD'L PD |
Type KA3 in 2001 edition
KA1.3. Friden "410" and "420", 1967.
    As Type KA1.2 but with single circle town mark.
    Meter numbers in 010000 series.
       A. With F meter number prefix
       B. With S meter number prefix (012412) [RRRR]
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.00½ to 9.99½)
       a. Town mark inverted, date upright (012788)
       b. With date but without town mark
       c. With inner arc over state at bottom of town mark (014373)[RRR]
       d. With inner arcs under town and over state in town mark (012434)[RRR]
SURCHARGES (normally reading up, rarely down):
| -1. AD'L ¼¢ PD | -4. AD'L $^1$/10¢ PD |
| -a. Ad'l ¼¢ Pd | -5. AD'L $^4$/10¢ PD |
| -2. AD'L ⅜¢ PD | -6. AD'L $^6$/10¢ PD |
| -3. AD'L ⅞¢ PD | -7. AD'L $^8$/10¢ PD |
Type KA4 in 2001 edition
KA1.4. Friden model unidentified. [RR]
    As Type KA1.2 but fixed value machine.
    Meter numbers in 010000 series.
       A. V/F: ≋1¼≋ (YOUNGSTOWN OHIO: 012238, 012239, 012241, 012242, 102243 seen)
       B. V/F: ≋2⅞≋ (CAMDEN N.J.: 011810, PHILADELPHIA PA.: 011810, TUCSON ARIZ.: 011813)
SURCHARGE:
       -1. AD'L ¼¢ PD [RRR]
Type KA5 in 2001 edition
KA1.5. Friden model unidentified. [RR]
    Fixed value machine as with Type KA1.4 but with single circle town mark.
    Two meters only, both TOWNSEND MASS. (012978, 012979)
    V/F: ≋2⅞≋
       a. OIHO for OHIO in town mark (013551)
Type KA6 in 2001 edition
KA1.6. Friden "PM-7" .
    As Type KA1.2 but capable of printed decimal postage values.
    (Stamps showing whole number postage values are identical in appearance to Type KA1.2 except for the meter number.)
    Meter numbers in 218000 and 219000 series.
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.00$^1$ to 9.99$^9$)
Type KA7 in 2001 edition
KA1.7. Friden "PM-7" .
    As Type KA1.6 but with single circle town mark.
    (Stamps showing whole number postage values are identical in appearance to Type KA1.3 except for the meter number.)
    Meter numbers in 218000 and 219000 series.
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.00$^1$ to 9.99$^9$)

#### Sub-group KB – Small, narrow design with torch at right

* Narrow value box open at left.
* Five small stars appear right of the torch.
* Town mark is separate but closely integrated into the frank which curves around it.
* Meter models: 9220 series.
    Mailing machine models: 9010 (tape only), 9020 (semi-automatic), and 9030 (automatic)
* Meter numbers in 041000, 200000, 230000, 300000, and 320000 series.
* First seen in July 1966.
Type KB1 in 2001 edition
KB1.1. Friden "9222", 1966.
    The right frame line of the value box falls under the left edge of the "G" in "POSTAGE".
    Meter number with large F prefix.
    TM: SC
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.01≋ to 9.99≋)
SURCHARGES:
| -1. AD'L ¼¢ PD | -3. AD'L $^4$/10¢ PD |
| -2. AD'L ⅞¢ PD | -4. AD'L $^6$/10¢ PD |
| -a. AD'L ⅞¢ Pd | -5. AD'L $^8$/10¢ PD |
Type KB2 in 2001 edition
KB1.2. Friden "9222". [RRRR]
    As Type KB1.1 but with double circle town mark.
    Meter 201822 only, FLORENCE KY.
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.01≋ to 9.99≋)
Type KB3 in 2001 edition
KB2.1. Friden "9222".
    As Type KB1.1 but with wider denomination box, the right frame line falling between the "G" and "E" in "POSTAGE".
       A. Meter number prefix "F" (with serifs)
       B. Meter number prefix "S"
       C. Meter number prefix "F" (sanserif)
       D. Meter number prefix small "F" (sanserif, the top of the "F" is below the top of the meter number)
    TM: SC
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.01≋ to 9.99≋)
       a. With date but without town mark
       b. Value box missing top line (below "U.S.POSTAGE")
       c. Value box missing bottom line (above meter number)
       d. Value box missing both top and bottom lines
       e. Numeric month (1-2-71) in date: EAST ORANGE N.J. (meter number unreadable) [RRRR]
SURCHARGE:
       -1. AD'L 6/10¢ PD (213562, 214295)
Type KB4 in 2001 edition
KB2.2. Friden "9227".
    As Type KB2.1 but capable of printing decimal values.
    Meters numbers in 300000-320000 series.
       A. Meter number prefix "F" (with serifs)
       B. Meter number prefix "S" [RRR]
       C. Meter number prefix "F" (sanserif) 319660, 321169 [RRR]
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.010$^1$ to 9.99$^9$)
Type KB5 in 2001 edition
KB2.3. Friden "9228".
    As Type KB2.1 but capable of printing postage values in tens of dollars.
    Meters numbers in 041000 series.
       A. Meter number prefix "F" (with serifs)
       B. Meter number prefix "F" (sanserif)
    V/F: ≋0.00 (range: ≋0.01 to 99.99)
Type KB6 in 2001 edition
KB3.1. Friden "9222". [R]
    As Type KB2.1D but the flames across the top of the frank do not extend over the top of the town mark. The end above the "U" of "U.S.POSTAGE".
    Meter numbers in 238000 series
    TM: SC
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.01≋ to 9.99≋)
Type KB7 in 2001 edition
KB3.2. Friden "9228". [R]
    As Type KB3.1 but capable of printing postage values in tens of dollars.
    Meter numbers in 041000 series
    TM: SC
    V/F: ≋0.00 (range: ≋0.01 to 99.99)

#### Sub-group KC – Compact version of Sub-group KA design

* The design is similar to the Sub-group KA frank but the torch is closer to and touches the value box.
* With two stars left of the torch.
* Town mark is separate. Spacing between the town mark and frank is variable.
* Meter model: PM-6. This model was used United Parcel Service and possibly other private delivery service companies starting in 1966. It was not used for public mail until 1967 or 1968.
* Meter numbers in 013000-014000 series.
Type KC1 in 2001 edition
KC1.1. Friden "PM-6". [S]
    Meter number with F prefix.
    TM: DC
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.01≋ to 9.99≋)
SURCHARGE:
       -1. AD'L $^6$/10¢ PD. (013909) [RRR]
Type KC2 in 2001 edition
KC1.2. Friden "PM-6". [S]
    As Type KC1.1 but with single circle town mark.
    Meter number with F prefix.
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.01≋ to 9.99≋)
       a. With horizontal lines above and below the date and with small "arrowheads" left and right of the date
       b. As a but without date!

#### Sub-group KD – Small, narrow design with torch in center

* Very narrow design with the town mark integrated into the frank.
* Five tiny stars along right side. One small star at lower left of town mark.
* Meter model: 9200 "Mini-Meter"
* Meter numbers in 700000-720000 series.
* Earliest known use, 23 April 1969.
Type KD1 in 2001 edition
KD1. Friden "PM-6".
    Meter number with F prefix breaks handle of torch.
    TM: SC
    V/F: 00 (range: 01 to 20, plus "1$^{oo}$")
    Mail Class slugs would appear the town mark to the right of the single star at the lower left
SURCHARGES: (Known mostly as proofs [RR] with a very few known on mailed covers [RRRR])
       -1. AD'L $^6$/10¢ PD.
       -2. AD'L $^8$/10¢ PD.

#### Sub-group KE – Frank without exterior frame line, hand held torch at left, stars at right

* Wide band of torch flames spread across the top of the value box.
* Seven stars along right side, and one star at bottom right.
* Meter numbers with sanserif "F" prefix.
* Single circle town mark separate from frank.
* Meter models: 9232, 9237, 9238 (mechanical), and 9257, 9258 (electronic)
* Stamps from different models are distinguished by the value figures and the size of the wavy line triad (≋) in the value figures. Four different wavy line triads were used: A is tall and wide, B is tall and medium width, C is tall and narrow, and D is short and narrow. Types A and B are very similar, the lines in B having more curl.
* Meter numbers in 5000000 and 8000000 series.
* Earliest known use, 19 October 1970.
Type KE1 in 2001 edition
KE1.1. Friden "9232" .
    Value figures with tall and wide wavy line (A) triad at right.
       A. Value figures with tall and medium width wavy line triad (B) at left
       B. Value figures with tall and narrow wavy line triad (C) at left [R]
    Meter numbers in 5000000 and 5100000 series.
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.01≋ to 9.99≋)
       a. With date but without town mark
       b. Town mark inverted, date upright
       c. Value figures without wavy line triad at left: 0.00≋ (5006896, assembly error)
Type KE2 in 2001 edition
KE1.2. Friden "9237" (mechanical) and "9257" (electronic).
    As Type KE1.1 but capable of printing decimal postage values.
    Value figures with tall and narrow line (C) triad at right.
       A. Value figures with tall and medium width wavy line triad (B) at left
       B. Value figures with short and narrow wavy line triad (D) at left
    Meter numbers in 5090000 and 8700000 series.
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.00$^1$ to 9.99$^9$)
       a. Town mark blank at top, 5-digit ZIP code "94710" at bottom (8714334)
       b. Value figures without wavy line triad at left: 0.00≋ (5090262, 5091007, assembly error) [RRR]
       c. Value figures without wavy line triad at right: 0.000 (5091855, assembly error)[RRRR]
Type KE3 in 2001 edition
KE1.3. Friden "9238" (mechanical) and "9258" (electronic).
    As Type KE1.1 but capable of printing postage values in tens of dollars.
    Value figures without triad at right.
       A. Value figures with tall and medium width wavy line triad (B) at left
       B. Value figures with short and narrow wavy line triad (D) at left
    Meter numbers in 5060000, 8000000, and 8200000 series.
    V/F: ≋0.00 (range: ≋0.01 to 99.99)
       a. Town mark inverted, date upright
       b. Value figures without wavy line triad at left: 00.00 (5062295, assembly error) [RR]
       c. Value figures without decimal: ≋ 00≋
       d. Date in normal location, town mark at far left, left of date: (8000080) [RRRR]
    See "AR-FPO9" for Type "KE1.3" used from FPO facilities.

#### Sub-group KF – Nearly square frank with narrow hand held torch at left, flames vertical, stars at right

* The torch flames flow upwards and do not spread sideways over the value box.
* Eight stars along right side.
* Meter numbers with sanserif "F" prefix.
* Single circle town mark 15mm from frank.
* Meter models: 9000 series (electronic)
* Meter numbers in 2000000, 3000000, and 3100000 series.
* Earliest known use, 15 June 1983.
Type KF1 in 2001 edition
KF1.1. Friden Alcatel "9232".
    Value figures with wavy line triad at left only.
    Meter models 9212 and 9248.
    Meter numbers in 2000000, 3000000, 3100000, and 4100000 series.
    V/F: ≋0.00 (range: ≋0.01 to 99.99)
       A. Meter number narrower than "METER"
       B. Meter number as wide as or wider than "METER"
       a. With date but without town mark
       b. Town mark with ZIP code at bottom
Type KF2 in 2001 edition
KF1.2. Friden Alcatel "9232".[S]
    Value figures with wavy line triad at both sides.
    Meter models unidentified.
    Meter numbers in 3700000 and 4700000 series.
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.01≋ to 9.99≋)

#### Sub-group KG – Frank same format as Sub-group KE but much wider

* The torch and hand are larger than in Sub-group with the flames running over the value box and down the right side.
* Seven stars along right side, four stars in a block at lower right.
* Meter numbers with sanserif "F" prefix.
* Single circle town mark.
* Meter models: 9257 and 9258 (electronic)
* Meter numbers in 9000000, 9200000, and 9700000 series.
* Earliest known use, 24 September 1986.
Type KG1 in 2001 edition
KG1.1. Friden Alcatel "9257" .
    Capable of printing decimal postage values.
    Value figures with wavy line triads at both sides.
    Meter model 9257.
    Meter numbers in 9700000 series.
    V/F: ≋.00≋ (range: ≋.00$^1$ to 9.99$^9$)
       a. With date but without town mark
       b. Town mark inverted, date upright
Type KG2 in 2001 edition
KG1.2. Friden Alcatel "9258".
    As Type KG1.1 but capable of printing postage values in tens of dollars.
    Value figures with wavy line triads at left side only.
    Meter model 9258.
    Meter numbers in 9000000 and 9200000 series.
    V/F: ≋0.00 (range: ≋0.01 to 99.99)
       a. With date but without town mark
       b. Town mark inverted, date upright

#### Sub-group KH – Frank similar to Sub-group KG but without inner value box

* Similar to Sub-group KG but without value box lines.
* The torch flames do not curl over to the right side of the value figures.
* Only a single star at bottom right.
* One meter known, 9500008, used by the manufacturer, Friden Neopost in Hayward California.
* Meter numbers with large "N" prefix.
* Single circle town mark.
* This appears to be a prototype design for the 9257 and 9258 meter models (KG).
* Earliest known use unknown, probably 1985-1986.
KH1. Friden Neopost. [RRRR]
    Unusual value figures showing the digit in the tenths of a cent bank the same size as the others.
    Meter number 9500008 seen. Other similarly low numbers may exist.
    V/F: ≋0.000 (range: ≋0.001 to ≋9.999 or possibly 99.999)