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Lot 1709
lot
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1885 German Empire, Germany, Postcard from Berlin to Dettingen (Württemberg), Rare Hoster Machine Postmark

Germany / German Empire (1872-1918)

1885 Postcard from Berlin to Dettingen (Württemberg). 

This is a famous Hoster machine cancellation.Left side: Circular date stamp showing the date "18 / 11 85" and the time "7–7½ N" (7:00 PM to 7:30 PM).
Right side: A obliterator consisting of horizontal lines, used to cancel the pre-printed 5-pfennig stamp.

The Hoster machine was one of the earliest attempts by the German Reichspost to automate mail processing. Invented by Albert Hoster, these machines were only in use for a short trial period between 1885 and 1887, primarily in Berlin and Hamburg.
Because they were used for such a limited time and produced very clear, distinct strikes, postcards with these cancellations are rare and highly collectible today.

Catalog: Michel postal history
Condition: Used. fine
Current Bid:
$3
3 bids
Your maximum bid:
$4
USD
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Rare Stamps and Postal History of The World
Auction 53
June 23 - July 4, 2026
United States United States , Black Mountain , NC

An exceptional philatelic auction featuring Germany, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Austria, and Worldwide material, including specialized collections of Siberia & Far East, Displaced Persons Camps, WWI & WWII Occupations, Catapult Mail, and many other fascinating collecting areas.

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