Arago: Handstamps

This Branford Festival pictorial postmark was used June 14, 1988.

Pictorial postmarks are often used to celebrate a local history event or festival. The proposed design is submitted to the U.S. Postal Service for approval. If approved, event organizers create the rubber postmarking handstamp and establish a special philatelic station at the event. Most events last only one day, so the postmarking device does not have slots for changeable month, date, and year type.