At the end of the 19th century, a series of machines emerged that improved the efficiency of mail handling, among them canceling machines and machine frankings (MF). MFs allowed businesses and individuals to quickly and securely frank their correspondence. However, despite their global spread, they have not generated much philatelic interest. Gómez Agüero (Reference 1) states that MFs have been “the ugly duckling” of philately, being undervalued by traditional collectors of adhesive stamps. However, my interest in Cuban MFs has recently grown with this analysis of their adoption and rapid growth during the 1940s and 1950s, and their rapid decline and disappearance after the decade of 1990.

Machine frankings typically include information found in traditional postmarks and daters of adhesive stamps. Additionally, machine frankings provide speed and convenience, especially in processing high volumes of mail for businesses. As technology advances, MF systems provide even more data, such as international or domestic designation, certification, mail type, delivery speed, date, tracking numbers, and logistics. However, despite over a century of use, machine frankings have limited appeal among philatelic exhibition juries, as their philatelic content is seen as insufficient.

Cuban MF citations are sparse but sufficient to focus on this study. This research seeks to update MF’s role in thematic philately and enhance its contribution to Cuba’s postal history. Abreu Pérez (Reference 3) elaborates on the regulatory steps established by the Cuban Communications Secretariat in 1935 for implementing machine postages. This marked a critical step in establishing the service and granting initial permits to users, including businesses and individuals. Machines were to operate exclusively in authorized locations, monitored by the Bureau of International Service and General Affairs of the Postal Directorate.

Each machine received a unique number called "Metro" for tracking. Users could operate multiple machines based on postal needs and locations. Permits outlined correspondence types, maximum weight per class, and schedules for machine inspections, ensuring strict regulatory control over their operation.

In addition to postal information, machine frankings (MF) can simultaneously carry "advertising bands" with messages about the user’s products and services, thus promoting the business and its activities. These bands could incentivize new users to obtain permits, resulting in the generation of additional revenue for the Postal Service. In his article, "Introduction and Usage of Machine Frankings in Cuba", Abreu Pérez lists the first 25 permits issued, including notable Cuban companies like “Ron Bacardí” and “Droguería Sarrá”, as well as American firms such as “Standard Oil” and “United Fruit Company”.

The first machines began testing in 1938, mostly supplied by the U.S. company Pitney Bowes, which dominated the market for postage meters in Cuba for over two decades. While other companies might have been considered, Pitney Bowes’ multiple models proved most prevalent.

The rapid growth in MF usage is evident in Mestre Jordi’s publication (Reference 4), which catalogs 110 advertising bands across four types of MF. The highest recorded permit number, 1058, likely reflects the number of users, with most activity dated to the 1950s and 1960s, ending around 1964.

Echenagusía in his article “Advertising Slogans on Cuban Mechanical Frankings (1944‐1994)” (Reference 5), extends the list of permits and propaganda bands up to 1994. His study highlights that, based on the number of permit, it is possible to identify the reassignment of that permit to a different entity after 19592, thereby documenting the gradual transfer of MF usage from private companies to public institutions managed by the revolutionary government of Cuba.

The publication of an international MF catalog by Barfoot and Simon in 1953 (Reference 6), initially provided a framework for classifying different types of machine frankings. This system likely attracted collectors based on country, period, machine types, rates, and graphic propaganda. The catalog identified four types of MF used in Cuba, organized by their initial deployment year and graphic characteristics. However, it did not include valuation for the MF types. Subsequent studies, including those referenced here, generally follow Barfoot’s classification framework.

Valle Rodríguez in his article “Mechanical Franks of Cuba” (Reference 7), later expanded on Barfoot’s work, identifying eight types of MFs used in Cuba. Included among these was a Pitney Bowes model that produced adhesive MF labels, though it was not widely adopted except for packages. Additionally, a Postalia model, manufactured in Poland, began to be used in the late 1950s and continued post‐1959.

This study opted to use the recently published catalog by Joel A. Hawkins and Richard Stambaugh (Reference 8), which provides a consistent classification pattern for MF types. In addition to Cuba, this catalog is global in scope, including MF items used in over a hundred countries. This comprehensive catalog includes a glossary, abbreviations, collection recommendations, and a brief history of postage meters’ early usage.

The Hawkins and Stambaugh catalog groups Cuban MF models into two main eras: Group A comprises types used during the Republic (May 20, 1902, to January 1, 1959). Group B comprises types primarily used after 1959 under revolutionary government control. The total of eight MF types identified aligns with Valle Rodríguez’s findings, although Hawkins and Stambaugh organize these in a different format and order. This modernized classification facilitates comparative analysis across successive studies, enriching the understanding of MF usage in Cuba and globally.

There are no other types of machine frankings referenced in the sources consulted for this study, except for those produced by an ATM3 vending machine, as noted later in this monograph.

The following items illustrate each of the 8 MF types defined in the catalog:

A1. Pitney Bowes “H”, 1938. Square MF with simulated perforations on the outer frame (Figure 1). "Correos de la República de Cuba" appears at the top. The oval surrounding the paid values does not touch the dented outer frame. The machine number, “Metro Nº,” with the prefix “C,” is located at the bottom. The date stamp, featuring two concentric circles, shows the location of origin in the upper portion of the outer circle and the Postal Administration’s permit in the lower portion. The mailing date is displayed in the inner circle.

Figure 1
Figure 1. A1. Pitney Bowes “H”, 1938. Top: 1940 cover. Bottom: enlarged meter stamps..

A2a. Pitney Bowes “R”, 1938. Similar to MF A1 except that the oval around the paid values touches the dented outer frame (Figure 2). A charity adhesive stamp, Scott RA22, completes the required postage on this piece.

Figure 2
Figure 2. A2a. Pitney Bowes “R”, 1938.

A2b. Pitney Bowes “R”, 1938 (Variety). This variation features the same MF printed on a gummed label instead of being directly imprinted on the envelope (Figure 3). From 1940, Types A3 and A4 also include this gummed label variety. Its use apparently proved impractical at the time, so few examples may exist. The adhesive stamp, RA5, a mandatory wartime surcharge with a face value of ½ cent, was issued on July 1, 1942, during World War II. The piece shows evidence of having been examined by a censor.

Figure 3

Figure 3. A2b. Pitney Bowes “R”, 1938. Pitney Bowes. Enlarged meter below

A3. Pitney Bowes “R”, 1946. A horizontal design with simulated perforation borders enclosing the date stamp, origin locality, permit, postage, and the machine number, “METRO Nº”, with the prefix “C” at the bottom (Figure 4). Inscribed at the top: “CORREOS DE LA / REPÚBLICA DE CUBA / PAGADO / CENTAVOS”.

Figure 4
Figure 4. A3. Pitney Bowes “R”, 1946.

A4. Pitney Bowes “R”, 1946. An MF without an outer frame line, featuring a heraldic design4 between the date stamp and the postage area (Figure 5). “REPÚBLICA DE CUBA” is at the top, and “FRANQUEO PAGADO” is above the postage value area. “CORREOS” appears in the center of the bottom portion beneath the coat of arms. The machine number, with the prefix “P.B.C.,” is below the postage area. Note that the prefix changes from “C” in previous types to “P.B.C.” with Type A4, and the date format used Roman numerals for the month instead of cardinal numbers.

Figure 5
Figure 5. A4. Pitney Bowes “R”

A5. Pitney Bowes “DM”, 1950. A smaller MF design compared to other types, with decorative parallel lines in the upper left (Figure 6). “REPÚBLICA DE CUBA” and “CORREOS” are above the postage. A heraldic design is located between the date stamp and the postage area, with the machine number and “P.B.C.” prefix beneath.

Figure 6
Figure 6. A5. Pitney Bowes “DM”, 1950

B1. Pitney Bowes “DM”. A small design similar to MF Type A5 (Figure 7). “REPÚBLICA DE CUBA” is inscribed above the postage, and “CORREOS” appears below the date stamp. It lacks the heraldic design in the center. Notably, in this case, the machine number is preceded by the designation “P.B. METRO.” This MF is a copy from the Hawkins and Stambaugh catalog (Reference 8), since no envelopes or segments with this MF were found in the data archive for this article. The catalog notes that this MF is rare. The summer 1998 edition of the Meter Stamp Society (MSS) Bulletin (Reference 9) mentions in its “World Report” section that this new MF design is the first identified from Cuba in over 20 years.

Figure 7
Figure 7. B1. Pitney Bowes “DM”

B2. Pitney Bowes “R”. A slightly longer design than B1 with a similar description, except “CORREOS” appears below the postage (Figure 8). The month in the date stamp is abbreviated and written in letters. This MF is a copy from the Hawkins and Stambaugh catalog (Reference 8). The MSS Bulletin on page 15 of its Summer 2002 issue notes the rarity of finding a new, modern MF from Cuba (Reference 10).

Although no postal item with the B2 MF was found for this study, the reverse of a document (Figure 9) shows a B2 MF used as a tax payment of one peso, apparently required by the Ministry of Justice in 1963. Note that the MF does not include a permit number corresponding to this government ministry but does include the Metro designation "PBC 1224," identifying it as a Pitney Bowes machine.

Figure 8
Figure 8. B2. Pitney Bowes “R”

Figure 9
Figure 9. B2. Pitney Bowes “R”. Document of the Ministry of Communications and the enlarged meter stamp used on the document.

B3. Postalia “D2.” A simple MPM with a vertical rectangle featuring the Cuban coat of arms, “CUBA/CORREOS” at the top, and “FRANQUEO PAGADO” at the bottom (Figure 10). The date stamp uses cardinal numbers. Valle‐Rodríguez (Reference 7) notes that examples were issued in Matanzas and Sancti Spíritus in the 1950s. The only B3 MF found in the archive used in this study was issued in Havana in 1995 (Figure 10). The MSS Bulletin on page 8 of its Winter 2000 issue mentions that this Cuban MF is very rare (Reference 11).

Figure 10
Figure 10. B3. Postalia “D2&”.

With the contribution of collections and recommendations from fellow philatelists, a data file of items with MF examples was prepared using Microsoft Excel. This file was organized by type of MF and in chronological order for all items corresponding to the same type of MF (Reference 12). Each item and its data were aligned with the corresponding image of the item in an image file. The following data were recorded for each item:

  1. Type of machine and model
  2. Authorization permit number
  3. Machine number
  4. Sender’s name
  5. City of origin
  6. Mechanical franking value
  7. Adhesive stamp franking value, if applicable, and Scott number
  8. MF shipping date
  9. Additional postmark/date from the post office, if available
  10. Recipient’s name (company or individual)
  11. City and country of the recipient
  12. Arrival date with the recipient’s post office post mark
  13. Origin of the piece
  14. Advertising bands
  15. Miscellaneous: envelope or MF segment, MF envelope with window, MF First Day cover, airmail, certification number, MF test on a postcard
  16. If the reverse image of the piece is available, any notable information.

The database consists of 207 items representing most MF types including proofs. A new class of MF “U/D” (Unknown), was added for those MF proofs that do not correspond to any MF model in the catalogs or any references consulted. Table 1 shows the total count in the database, along with a breakdown by each type.

Table 1
Table 1. Sum of each type of MF, Proofs, and MF created by an ATM vending machine.

Table 2 shows the total for each type of MF by decades of activity, including MF proofs categorized as Type “P.” The count reflects the gradual modernization and growth in the number of permits and machines installed, alongside increased participation by users during the 1950s. This trend continued until the decline and eventual disappearance of franking machines in the late 1990s. ATM vending machines had a brief period of use in the mid‐1980s.

Table 2
Table 2. Sum of each type of MF, Proofs, and MF created by an ATM vending machine.

There is no item of any type dated after April 15, 1996, in the database. This indicates several possibilities influencing the results: 1) the number of items in the database does not reflect a valid statistic, 2) contemporary items are scarce in the market, or 3) the use of machine frankings declined by the end of the 1990s. However, the rise in the number of items with MF types A2 and A4 is real, driven by the adoption of technological improvements in MF machines and the progressive increase in mail with the economic development that took place during that time, beginning in the 1940s and expanding further in the 1950s.

The earliest date for the A1 Type is January 25, 1940 (also the earliest date in the entire database), which quickly declined in the 1950s with the arrival of MF A2, as it offered multiple denominations of MF values. The same happened with the A4 Type, which began to decline with the advent of the A5 Type in the 1990s. The lack of representation of Type B and their absence over the past 29 years, along with the little information available in the literature, is a clear indication of the cessation of the use machine frankings.

The A4 Type of MF was introduced in 1946 and remained in use until the 1990s, possibly extending beyond that period, although no recent dates were noted in this study. It is distinguished by an almost equal number of items recorded before and after 1959. The significant number of A4 items during the 1950s can likely be attributed to the economic growth of that era, supported by the vibrant business activity that encouraged the use of MFs. In subsequent decades, MF usage shifted predominantly to government institutions using permits previously allocated to private enterprises, reflecting a gradual decline in MF usage over time.

Table 3
Table 3. Total of permits of each type.

Table 3 highlights that the peak period for issuing new A4 Type permits aligns with the highest number of A4 Type items recorded in Table 1. It’s worth noting that Types B and ATM do not feature a permit number on their MF markings, a characteristic that emerged post‐1959.

A version of the list of items of the MF archive is shown in Table 4 (at the end of the article). Organized by MF Type, the table includes, for each item, its permit and machine (Metro) number, date, year, sender, and, if applicable, the propaganda band text. The items in Table 4 have been selected by removing duplicates of similar content. For instance, under Type A1, the original list included five items from Droguería Sarrá with the same permit and Metro number but differing only in the mailing dates during the 1940s. Thus, duplications of items with highly similar information were eliminated from the table. As a result, fewer items are listed compared to the 207 numbered in Table 2. However, one exception is noted: the transition to government institutions in the 1960s is discernible by the continued use of permits originally granted to private companies before 1959. Permits numbered 15, 20, 26, 29, and 156 were reused by the new institutions. The complete archive from which Table 4 was generated can be accessed using a citation (Reference 12) referenced earlier.

In Table 4, the Type A1 MF stands out with items from “Droguería Sarrá” and “La Compañía Ron Bacardí”, comprising 17 pieces between the two. Within the Type A2 MF, banking enterprises dominate with 3 items, including The National Bank of New York, alongside pharmacies and other diverse businesses like the store “El Encanto” (Reference 13). The latest recorded date for the Type A2 MF is June 2, 1959, with that year yielding only one item sent by “La Casa Poli”, a dental supplies company. The Type A3 MF is particularly rare, and its scarcity is hard to pinpoint. Possible explanations include a limited number of Type A3 MF machines or a gap in the examples of known MF‐marked letters within the studied sources.

Most of the senders are companies operating in economically influential business sectors, including finance, pharmaceuticals, transportation, communications, energy, and consumer goods. Larger companies tended to deploy more machines, particularly in provincial branches. The highest number assigned to a machine (Metro) on this list is 1033, which may reflect growth in the use of machine frankings. It is likely that the number of machines exceeded this figure due to the limited scope of the list. However, it is unclear how the machine number was assigned; therefore, the highest number may not represent the total number of machines but rather the number of a specific machine.

The earliest permit numbers initially assigned appear to have been issued with the prefix letter "C." This cannot be definitively confirmed since the data does not consistently support this possibility. Although the first permits were granted in 1939 (Reference 3), there is no definitive date for when the first MF began processing mail pieces, as the regulations were modified over time. Generally, a number with a “C” prefix represents the authorized machine (Metro) number, as evidenced by the vast majority of Metro machines listed.

Among the earliest Type A1 MFs from the 1940s, some pieces only display the permit number with the “C” prefix and do not indicate the Metro number. However, during the same period, other A1 pieces show the permit number without the “C” prefix and already include the Metro number. It is possible that there was an initial A1 model that, while having a Metro number assigned, had not been adjusted to print the Metro number and only printed the permit number with the “C” prefix. This pattern is not exclusive to Type A1; the exception is a few type A2 pieces from 1941 and 1942, which feature the permit number with the “C” prefix and lack the Metro number.

The exact timing of the transition from permits with the “C” prefix to those without, and when MFs began displaying both the Metro and permit numbers, cannot be established with certainty due to insufficient data. References consulted do not clarify this either. Based on estimates, the transition likely occurred around 1943, ignoring a 1957 piece in the archive where its MF lacks the Metro number at that late date for Type A1 machines.

A more definitive transition occurred with the change from the “C” prefix to the “P.B.C.” (Pitney Bowes Company) prefix, implemented with the Type A4 machines. However, Postalia MFs lack both permit and Metro numbers.

Although the data archive for this study is relatively small compared to the volume of MF pieces in existence, it reveals that some MF users had multiple permits, meaning more than one machine. Considering the list of the earliest permits consisted of 25 (Reference 3) in 1940, reaching 1058 (Reference 4), 980 (Reference 5), and 792 in this study, the combined numbers suggest general business growth in Cuba.

The senders in the archive were primarily located in Havana, with some in Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, and Cienfuegos, directing 60% of their letters to the United States, 24% within Cuba (mostly to Havana), 10% to Europe, and 6% to Latin America. The relatively low percentage of letters sent to recipients within Cuba can be attributed to the fact that most of the pieces in this study were acquired in the United States. Additionally, Cuban companies frequently conducted business with the United States, influencing the results, especially for those sent before 1959, as the use of MFs began to decline after that date.

The archive also includes segments of pieces that may represent “tests” of new machines or new MF designs. Figure 11 shows a test of the Type A3 MF with an advertising band and a 1946 date. The MF includes additional information located vertically on the left, which appears to be a technical specification.

Figure 11
Figure 11. Proof of MF Type A3 (The vertical impression “SEC.57 4 ½. P.L.&R.” stands for Section 57 4 ½ of the Postal Laws and Regulations).

Figure 12 shows an MF proof that does not correspond to any MF type classified in the Hawkins and Stambaugh catalog or cited references. The MF includes the text "IMPUESTO DEL TIMBRE NACIONAL" (“National Revenue Tax”) in its center, which could indicate this MF was tested for fiscal transaction purposes.

Figure 12
Figure 12. Possible National Revenue Tax MF Proof.

The MF design shown in Figure 13 mimics an adhesive stamp. It features an "S" and the number "1" in the lower corners, with no clear function, though it might relate to a machine number (Metro) which is not specifically printed on this MF. Its origin is unknown. Dated 1954, it could have been a test by a company competing with Pitney Bowes, which then dominated the MF market in Cuba.

Figure 13
Figure 13. Proof of unknown MF resembling a postage stamp.

The topic of mechanical franking also includes MF stamps produced by an ATM vending machine, of which there are several ATM issues from Cuba created in the 1980s. The ATM vending machine was authorized by a resolution from the Cuban Ministry of Communications on February 12, 1984 (Reference 14).

Figure 14 shows the first ATM produced by a FRAMA‐WZA machine, model F133, exhibited by Numiversal GmbH, an agent of COPREFIL (the Cuban Postal, Press, and Philately Company), which officially represents the Cuban Postal Administration. This ATM was presented at the Fifth International Stamp Fair held in Essen, Federal Republic of Germany, from May 26 to 31, 1984 (Reference 15). The ATM is printed on security paper with a gray background depicting the silhouette of a beach, a pair of palm trees, and a rising sun (see Figure 14a—Detail). The four values, totaling 45 cents, include the registry fee charged by COPREFIL. The database of items in this study does not have any ATM from Essen.

The second ATM was issued three weeks later in Hamburg, Federal Republic of Germany, commemorating the Universal Postal Union Congress and the International Philatelic Exhibition, held from June 19 to 26, 1984. The ATM shares the same background design as the one in Essen (Reference 17). It is unknown whether the Hamburg design was available outside the exhibition. The archive of items for this study contains no ATM pieces from Hamburg. When both ATMs were issued, it was unclear whether Cuban Mail planned to issue non-commemorative FRAMA ATMs. The MSS journal later confirmed this did occur (Reference 16).

The third ATM was issued by a new commercial FRAMA machine commemorating ESPAMER 85, held in Havana from March 19 to 24, 1985 (Reference 18). According to Leoncio Mayo (Reference 14), he had the opportunity to personally extract stamps from a FRAMA‐WZA machine, model F133, which was placed on a table at the Habana Libre Hotel during his stay in Havana. No ESPAMER 85 ATM pieces are included in the archive.

Figure 14
Figure 14. ATM FRAMA‐WZA, Model F133.

Figure 14a
Figure 14a. Detail of the ATM.

A fourth ATM is reported (Reference 19) to have been used in Sindelfingen, Federal Republic of Germany, in November 1984, but the citation does not provide any additional information. The Maassen and Weber 1985/1986 catalog (Reference 15), in a section dedicated to Cuba, helped confirm the ATMs mentioned in this article.

According to the Cuba Special Catalog Maassen and Weber, the ATMs produced in Essen, Hamburg, and ESPAMER 85 at Havana are legally recognized as official postal stamps, valid for a limited time during the respective events in the event’s location. The editorial team of the Maassen catalog – through the German Embassy in Havana – collaborated with the Cuban Postal Administration and provided detailed accounts of possible "irregularities" in the philatelic events that resulted in ATM stamps being issued outside the validity conditions. They explained the resolution that clarifies and confirms the official status of the ATM stamps for those events that met the established conditions.

After the 1980s ATMs, no new mentions of Cuban activities in the ATM philatelic field have been found in the literature.

Finally, it is worth noting that important information was missing that would have helped to complement the findings of this study. The development of franking machines in Cuba has been reported from 1938 to the present, although the current situation is not well understood, particularly since the early 2000s. While it is known that the number of machines and users regularly increased as per the data presented, the impact of machine deployment on the volume of mail, collection, sorting, and delivery, especially during its peak period, is unknown. Similarly, the economic impact on MF users, whether from the cost of acquiring the machines or the increase in operational efficiency of businesses, is unclear. Additionally, Cuba’s Postal Service had to improve the system’s capacity and quality to process machine frankings.

Another evident issue is the lack of complete data regarding the number and allocation of permits. This data, along with other missing details, would help better understand the extent and variety of users. While the group of envelopes with mechanical franking in our archive is significant, it does not contain enough pieces to reconstruct a comprehensive list of permits and machines. Therefore, we turned to the consulted references, Mestre (Reference 4), Echenagusia (Reference 5), and Abreu (Reference 3), to combine their data on permits and machines to create a list that expands the knowledge of the existing quantity.

Naturally, during the preparation of the new permit list, cases of duplicated permit/machine numbers across different sources were observed, so only one instance of each permit/machine number was retained. This led to the creation of an Excel spreadsheet (Reference 12) from which Table 5 (end of article) of this study was generated, which in addition to the permit number, indicates the year the MF was typically issued. There is an exception in the process of selecting permits that reflects a comment made earlier in this study. It was mentioned that after 1959, some permit holders changed the name of the user originally assigned by the Postal Service. In these cases, the new sender is also included in the list. For example, permit number 15 from 1949, initially assigned to the “Cuban Telephone Company”, transitioned to sender “Jermy Alarcón Caso” in 1995. In total, the list in Table 5 contains 181 permits. We hope this new list will be useful for future studies.

To conclude, some findings are reiterated: the most dynamic period for MFs occurred in the 1940s and 1950s, and their gradual decline began in 1959 and continues to this day. There were examples of an effort by the Cuban Postal Service to keep up with the progress of MFs by conducting ATM tests in the 1980s. However, to maintain the initial growth momentum of MFs, primarily influenced by private sector investments, the viability of using MFs does not align with the current business model in Cuba.

Recognizing that the information provided in this study may lack some aspects of franking machines and permits in Cuba at present, the contribution of new details by fellow philatelists is appreciated.

Table 4
Table 4
Table 4
Table 4
Table 4
Table 4
Table 4. List of items in the MF archive.

Table 5
Table 5
Table 5
Table 5
Table 5
Table 5
Table 5
Table 5
Table 5. Permit Numbers, Year, Sender and Source.

Bibliography

  1. José P. Gómez‐Agüero: La Lupa: Los Franqueos Mecánicos, fuente para una colección temática (filatelia‐tematica.blogspot.com). http://filatelia-tematica.blogspot.com/2017/02/los-franqueos-mecanicos-fuente-para-una.html

  2. Amunyon (pseudonym): “The Evolution of Postage Machines: Streamlining Mail Processing with Efficiency”. American Mailing Machines website: https://www.americanmailingmachines.com/2024/01/the‐evolution‐of‐postage‐machines‐streamlining‐mail‐processing‐with‐efficiency/

  3. José Ignacio Abreu Pérez: "Introduction and Usage of Postage Meter Machines in Cuba" "Implantación y Uso de Máquinas de Franquear la Correspondencia en Cuba” http://www.philat.com/biblio/A/ABRE0501.pdf

  4. Joaquín Mestre Jordi. "Advertising Slogans on Cuban Mechanical Frankings (1944‐1964)." "Las Bandas de Propagandas en los Franqueos Mecánicos de Cuba (1944‐1964). http://www.philat.com/biblio/M/MEST0309.pdf

  5. Carlos Echenagusía: Advertising Slogans on Cuban Mechanical Frankings (1944‐1994). http://www.philat.com/biblio/E/ECHE0405.pdf

  6. D. Barfoot and Werner Simon: Meter Postage Catalogue Cuba 1953. http://www.philat.com/biblio/B/BARF5300.pdf

  7. Jesús del Valle Rodríguez: Mechanical Franks of Cuba. http://www.philat.com/biblio/V/VALL0009.pdf

  8. Joel A. Hawkins and Richard Stambaugh: The International Postage Meter Stamp Catalog, 1st Edition, 2005. Cuba on pp. 267‐268. Available at Wikibooks‐‐Open books for an Open World: http://www.philat.com/biblio/H/HAWK0500.pdf

  9. The Meter Stamp Society (MSS) World Report, Bulletin, No. 240, Summer 1998, p.8 http://www.philat.com/biblio/M/MSSB9806.pdf

  10. The Meter Stamp Society (MSS) World Report, Bulletin, No.256, Summer 2002, p.15 http://www.philat.com/biblio/M/MSSB0206.pdf

  11. The Meter Stamp Society (MSS) World Report, Bulletin, No.250, Winter 2000, p.8 http://www.philat.com/biblio/M/MSSB0012.pdf

  12. García, Gerardo Luis: Reference to the Excel database from which Table 4 was generated, eliminating duplícate samples of MFs: http://www.philat.com/biblio/G/GARC2412b.pdf

  13. LA TIENDA ‘EL ENCANTO’ Centro Cultural Cubano de Nueva York (cubanculturalcenter.org): https://www.cubanculturalcenter.org/events/2019/03/la-tienda-el-encanto/

  14. Leoncio Mayo: “Las ATMs cubanas” http://www.philat.com/biblio/M/MAYO8606.pdf

  15. Maassen‐Weber_ATM_Spezialkatalog_Kuba 1987 (Maassen‐Weber ATM Special Catalogue Cuba1987) Germany, Essen: Reimar Hobbing (publisher), Nov 1987, 141 pp., ill. Cuba on pp.H‐1 to H‐8, K1 to K‐5. Special catalog of Cuban machine cancellations (ATM). http://www.philat.com/biblio/M/MASS8711.pdf

  16. The Meter Stamp ociety (MSS) New Foreign Meters: Cuba Bulletin, No.190, 1985, p.7 http://www.philat.com/biblio/M/MSSB8500.pdf

  17. The Meter Stamp Society (MSS) Foreign Meter News, Bulletin No.185‐186, 1984, p.8 http://www.philat.com/biblio/M/MSSB8400.pdf

  18. The Meter Stamp Society (MSS) New FRAMA Meters, Bulletin No. 191, Winter 1986, p.7 http://www.philat.com/biblio/M/MSSB8612.pdf

  19. The Meter Stamp Society (MSS) Foreign News, Bulletin No. 193, Summer 1986, p.3 http://www.philat.com/biblio/M/MSSB8606.pdf

Acknowledgments

Most of the translation of the original Spanish text into English was done using ChatGTP.

Overall editing and layout were performed by Ernesto Cuesta, who also contributed with his valuable vast collection.

Editor’s Notes

  1. This article was originally bilingually (English/Spanish) published in the Journal of Cuban Philately/Revista de Filatelia Cubana by the International Cuban Philatelic Society/Sociedad Filatélica Cubana Internacional (Special Studies Monograph No. 14, pp. 3 – 28, December 2024). The MSS kindly received the permission to republish the English part.

  2. The year 1959 is important to Cuban history as the Cuban Revolution took power on 1/1/1959 when President Fulgencio Batista resigned and fled the country.

  3. ATM is the abbreviation of the German term Automatenmarken, i.e., automat(ic) stamps or computer vended postage.

  4. The heraldic design found on Pitney Bowes stamps of types A4 or A5 (left panel below depicts the enlarged design) is reminiscent of the Coat of Arms of Cuba (right panel; image kindly provided by Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Cuba), created by Miguel Teurbe Tolón in 1849. The Pitney Bowes design shows the fasces and key in the center, the Phrygian cap on the top, an oak branch and a laurel wreath on the bottom, and sun rays in the back.

Figure 15