Postal cards overprinted specimen (1885-1944) : also appeared in U.K. M.S.C. virtual display no #123

Abstract

The Maltese Postal Cards, which replaced the Great Britain Postal Stationery postcards previously in use, are believed to have been put on sale on the 27th December 1884; to be used as from the 1st January 1885, the same day as the adhesive stamps for overseas mail were released. This was announced in the Malta Government Gazette N2. 3031 issued on Wednesday 10th December 1884: "Malta postage stamps to be used on and from 1st January 1885 may be purchased at the G.P. 0. Valletta, on and after 27th December". Stationery was not specifically mentioned in this notice, but a 1d postcard is recorded date-stamped 5th January 1885, and a used reply section sent back to Malta is recorded also postmarked -CATANIA 13 MARCH 85. Postal Stationery Cards overprinted SPECIMEN were sent to Postmasters and Postal Administrations so that they were able to identify valid Postal Stationery and avoid forgeries.