Australian mail post chop
You're referring to the iconic Australian postal symbol!
The Australian postal symbol, also known as the "chop mark" or "postmark," is a unique and distinctive mark used by Australia Post to cancel and authenticate postage stamps. It's a rectangular stamp with a red or blue background, featuring the words "AUSTRALIA POST" or "POSTAGE PAID" in bold letters, along with the date and time of posting.
The Australian postal symbol has undergone several design changes over the years, but the basic format has remained the same. Here are some interesting facts about the Australian postal symbol:
- First introduced in 1855: The first Australian postal symbol was introduced in 1855, shortly after the establishment of the Australian colonies.
- Red and blue colors: The symbol was initially printed in red, but in 1913, a blue version was introduced to distinguish between domestic and international mail.
- Date and time: The symbol features the date and time of posting, which helps track the mail and prevent fraud.
- Unique to Australia: The Australian postal symbol is one of the most recognizable and iconic symbols in the country, and its design is unique to Australia.
- Collectible: The Australian postal symbol is a popular collectible item among philatelists (stamp collectors) and postal enthusiasts.
If you're interested in learning more about Australian postal history or collecting postal symbols, I'd be happy to help!