Three unrecorded disinfection seals

Abstract

Two types of disinfection markings on mail were known to date. In the early period of British occupation, an official seal, on special sealing wax, usually red, was used. This seal served a dual purpose: to close the letter after treatment, and to certify that it had been disinfected. Later, around 1830, these wax seals were replaced by inked handstamps which printed a cachet on the disinfected letter. A third method, hiterto unrecorded, consisted in embossing in relief the letter itself. After being opened and treated, a gluing wafer was placed between the overlaps at the back of the letter, and an engraved die, presumably metal, was firmly pressed over the paper surface. This produced a raised impression of the engraved die. [excerpt]