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Post Office Stationery.
Unstamped Forms.

My Note: Whilst Langmead and Huggins covered the Stamped Forms extensively, they appear to have ignored the unstamped forms.
The following is mostly compiled through the work of Edward Coombes and Ian Pinwill.

Prior to the Post Office takeover of 5th February 1870, an educational document, "Organization of staff", Form H2 (32 pages), was circulated with instructions for the necessary procedures, as well as samples of forms for use. The handling of telegrams would be entirely new to many staff, from the top down, and coordination was essential from day 1 of operations. It is likely that these forms rapidly evolved, so I will start each section showing the H2 example front. It is not known whether the H2 type was actually issued though. Apart from showing the forms, there is much information about the inner workings of the telegraph system. H2 was printed by Eyre and Spottiswoode, with 10,000 copies produced in December 1869. (P.1819.-10,000.-12/69) This 32-page document, courtesy of Edward Coombes, can now be viewed using a new Purpose-designed Viewer. .

Initially, the Post Offices were supplied with the following Telegraph Forms:

Form A1 is covered in the Stamped Section. The others are covered below.
The following is mostly compiled through the work of Edward Coombes and Ian Pinwill.

Shortcuts to different sections :

P.O. Form A - Forwarded (Large)

P.O. Form A - Forwarded /////AP (Medium)

P.O. Form A - Forwarded (Small)

P.O. Form A - Forwarded After 1900

P.O. Form "A or C"

P.O. Form B - Transmitted

P.O. Form "B or C"

P.O. Form (C) - Received (Delivery - Large)

P.O. Form (C) - Received (Delivery - Medium)

P.O. Form (C) - Received (Delivery - Small)

Service Messages (maintenance)

P.O. in conjunction with the Submarine Telegraph Co.

Army

P.O. Forwarded Forms (A)

Large - Size typically 280 x 220 mm.

Form A - H2 version, Printed by Eyre & Spottiswoode December 1869.
This requires the time in code.


Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Form A. Printed by Sir Joseph Causton & Son, and dated 22 March 1870. - MyRef: A-C&S-10/69
As H2 version except note central-right re-arranged to 6 lines from 7. This still requires the time in code.



The back has information about Tariffs and Porterage with an imprint of [C. & S.—P 1128.—517.—6,000,000.—10/69.] at bottom left.
The "C. & S.—P" indicates that the Printer was (Sir Joseph) Causton & Son, with 6,000,000 printed October 1869. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

A similar one was printed by Harrison & Sons - MyRef: A-H&S-3/70

The back is similar, but with an imprint of (H & S—P 2289-6913—3,000—3 | 70).
Here the "H & S—P" indicates that the Printer was Harrison & Sons, with 3,000,000 printed March 1870. Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

An unused Form A. Printed by Millington & Hutton, printed March 1870. - MyRef: A-M&H-870


Words now 20 to 40 with Charge 1/- to 2/-.


The back has information about Tariffs and Porterage with an imprint of "Millington & Hutton, Manufacturers, London.   [1113-870]" at bottom right.
Print date of August 1870. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

An undated Form A. Printed by Millington & Hutton. - MyRef: A-M&H-1871



Blank back, but modified front with 3 paragraphs of text at base. Words still 20 to 40 with Charge of 1/- to 2/-, and an imprint of "Millington & Hutton, Manufacturing Stationers, London." at bottom right.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

An undated Form A., similar to last. Printed by Millington & Hutton. - MyRef: A-M&H-1874



Blank back, but changed imprint - "Millington & Hutton, Manufacturing and Wholesale Stationers, London." at bottom center. Parts are in fancy German type text.
Additionally this has a 1s embossed stamp impressed with date plugs of 1/8/74, and a red hand-stamp of "PRIORITY." - Image courtesy of Mark Gibson.
L & H list this on page 124 under varieties of TP1/2. They say that they were intended for official use by Government departments.

P.O. Forwarded Forms (A)
(Medium - Size typically 195 x 258 mm.)

Shortcuts to different sections :
Form A (Submarine)	Form A (North American)	Form A (Stock Exchange)	Form A (Government Dispatch)	Form AP (Press)

An unused Form A (Submarine) Printed by Millington & Hutton. - MyRef: ASM-M&H-1871
These are a yellow-buff colour, unlike most of the others.


Ruled eleven lines. Note price of receipt was two-pence. 'From' & 'To' each with 3 lines of text.
"Millington & Hutton, Wholesale Stationers, London." at front bottom-left.

Note the options and Prefixes for different Telegraph Companies : Direct Spanish, Eastern, Great Northern, Indo-European and Submarine.

The back has Abbreviations of Vias, Prefixes & Charges at top with Conditions and Notice to the Public at base. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

An extremely rare complete used A example used at Lincolns Inn, Wynne, London W.C.
This Telegram for 7 words, to New Zealand cost £9 12s 8d to send on 9 January 1877. They appear to have run out of 5s stamps, and the back was just about covered with 1s stamps.
At the time, 5s was the highest denomination of Telegraph stamps. The 10s, £1 and £5 were issued on 1 March 1877.


A number of stamps appear to have fallen off, or been removed.



Images courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

An unused Form A (Submarine) Printed by Harrison & Sons. - MyRef: ASM-H&S-11-3


Ruled eleven lines, with three lines of text below. Note price of receipt was two-pence and Authorized Abbreviations. 'From' & 'To' replaced with just 'To'.
"(HARRISON & SONS, PRINTERS, LONDON)" at front bottom-left.


The back has Abbreviations of Vias and Prefixes at top, No Charges. with Conditions at base, but no Notice to the Public. Images courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

An unused Form A (Submarine) Printed by Harrison & Sons. Similar to last. - MyRef: ASM-H&S-9-4


Ruled nine lines with four lines of text below and Address on a separate line.
"HARRISON & SONS, PRINTERS, LONDON)" at front bottom-left.


The back is the same as the last, with Abbreviations of Vias and Prefixes at top with Conditions at base. Images courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

An unused, undated Form A. (North American) Printed by Harrison & Sons. - MyRef: ANA-H&S


Ruled ten lines. Price of receipt was two-pence.
"(HARRISON & SONS, PRINTERS, LONDON)" at front bottom-left.
Nothing on the back. Image courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

An unused Form A. (Stock Exchange) Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, Ltd. - MyRef: ASE-JT&S-15


"JAS TRUSCOTT & SON, LTD, PRINTERS, LONDON" at front bottom-right.


The back has a Notice to Senders and "JAS TRUSCOTT & SON, LTD, PRINTERS, LONDON" repeated at bottom-right. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

An unused, undated Form A. (Government Despatch) with a large Coat of Arms - Printer unknown. - MyRef: AGD-1870
This requires the time in code. A used example (Buckingham Palace) is known dated 12 May 1897

Nothing on the back. Image courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

An unused, undated Form A^P. (Press) "T.—No. 42." - Printer "G & S". Size 215 x 142 mm - MyRef: AP-G&S-9/98-3/99sv
This has space for up to 5 recipients.

Imprint of "G & S 3101 0/98—[8527] 150m 3/99sv" at bottom-left. Attention drawn to the Charges and Conditions on the back.


The charges offer a big discount, but the conditions have to be met. In particular, messages of more than 200 words require 24 hours notice to the Secretary of the GPO. Image
It was also possible to use a charge account to send Press Telegrams. See next. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

A "Press Pass" for Central News Journalists. Size 200 x 87 mm (including selvedge) - MyRef: PPB-WPG&S-18

This allows telegrams to be sent to "CENTRAL NEWS" without pre-payment. There are Conditions on the front and back.
This has a Printers imprint "Printed by W. P. Griffith & Sons, Ld., Prujean Square, Old Baily, E.C.". The year is pre-filled as "18 ".


The conditions reiterate that long messages of more than require 24 hours notice to the Secretary of the GPO.
Press Telegrams also had other conditions. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

P.O. Forwarded Forms (A)
(Small - Size typically 220 x 140 mm.)

A lack of used examples and dates of printing apparently from 1875 to 1899 makes it difficult to put these in any kind of order.
Horizontal format with information and conditions on reverse.

Shortcuts to different sections :
Form A. (normal)	Form A (Submarine)	Form A1 (Submarine)	Form A (Railway Company)

An unused Form A (covered on this image) Printed by Millington & Hutton, London. - MyRef: A-M&H


Ruled for 30 words with charges 1/- to 1/6 d and note the use of text 'For Postage Labels' and 'Addresses Free'.
"MILLINGTON & HUTTON, Wholesale Stationers, London." on front at center-bottom.


"Millington & Hutton, London." on back at bottom-right. Images courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

A Form A (copy) dated 12 February 1878. Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, London. - MyRef: A-JT&S


Ruled for 30 words with charges 1/- to 1/6d and note the use of text 'For Stamps' and 'Addresses Free'.
"JAS. TRUSCOTT & SON, London." on front at bottom-left.


No imprint on the back. Images courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

A Form A dated 11 November 1881. Printed by Harrison & Sons, London. - MyRef: A-H&S-1881


Ruled for 30 words with charges 1/- to 1/6d and note the use of text 'For Stamps' and 'Addresses Free'. Reference to 15th Section of the Telegraph Act, 1868
"(HARRISON & SONS, PRINTERS, London.)" on front at bottom-right.


The back now lists 7 numbered paragraphs relating to transmission charges and delivery method.
No imprint on the back. Images courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

Here is an almost complete telegraph Form A of 3 April 1884. Similar to last but A now above "Prefix" - MyRef: A-H&S-1883
The Prefix has been entered as "P" for "PRESS". The "Code" may indicate the publication or journalist ?

Again, presumably it is almost complete because the text to be transmitted for the journalist was on a separate sheet.
Harrison & Son imprint on the bottom. Image courtesy of Andrew G Lajer.

A Form A Copy dated 12 May 1884. Printed by Harrison & Sons, London. - MyRef: A-H&S-1884


Ruled for 30 words with charges 1/- to 1/6d and note the use of text 'For Postage Stamps' and 'Addresses Free'.
"(HARRISON & SONS, PRINTERS, London.)" on front at bottom-right.


No imprint on the back. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

A Form A Copy dated 5 March 1886. Printed by Harrison & Sons, London. - MyRef: A-H&S-1885
12 Words for 6d

Several design changes implemented. Now refers to Telegraph Act of 1885.
Ruled for 30 words with charge now 12 words for 6d. 'TO' prominently displayed but 'From' omitted.
"(HARRISON & SONS, PRINTERS, London.)" on front at bottom-right.


The back now lists Seven paragraphs of text on reverse with the addition of 'Name & Address of Sender'.
No imprint on the back. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

A Form A Copy dated 20 July 1887. Printed by Harrison & Sons, London. - MyRef: A-H&S-1886
12 Words for 6d, but only space for 25 words instead of 30.

Now ruled for 25 words with 'FROM' section at the bottom. Charge section no longer separated by a bar.
"(HARRISON & SONS, PRINTERS, London.)" on front at bottom-right.


Back as last. No imprint. Images courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

An unused Form A. Printed by McCorquodale & Co Ltd. - MyRef: A-McC-1886
12 Words for 6d

Similar to last but text changed at top right to 'No of Telegram'.
"(THIS PAPER MANUFACTURED AND PRINTED BY McCORQUODALE & Co. LIMITED.)" on front at bottom-center.


Back as last. No imprint. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

An unused Form A. Printed by McCorquodale & Co Ltd. - MyRef: A-McC-1887
12 Words for 6d - similar to last but with changes.

Now 4 lines of text below 'For Postage Stamps' area on the front has added instructions, and 8 paragraphs of text on reverse increased from 7.


8 paragraphs of text on the back, no imprint. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

A £3 A Telegraph for 9 words, to Middleburg Officers Hospital in Transvaal
This is different to the ones above in that it has "foreign No. ......" at the top-left, and is white.
It is also a lot shorter, in fact, just like the following A1 forms below.
The Prefix is "XCR" which is not on the large format forms, but XC is Submarine.
I think the "R" relates to the "(RP6 words)" indicating that a 6 word reply has been paid for.

This could have been paid with three £1 stamps, but instead 29 stamps totalling £1.4s were plastered on the front and the other £1.16s on the back.
Stamps on the back can be seen at the bottom. I presume there was a good reason for it, perhaps related to the survival of the form.
Unfortunately they also cover the imprint. Sent from Leighlinbridge, Ireland. Image courtesy of Allan Oliver.

An unused Form A1 (submarine) for 'Foreign & Colonial Telegrams'. Printed (in June 1899) by Wyman & Son Ltd, Printers, London. - MyRef: ASM1-W&S-6/99


Text top left states 'Counter No of Telegram'.
"WYMAN AND SONS. LIMITED, PRINTERS, LONDON." on front at bottom-left and "200,000  6/99." at bottom-right.

The backs do not list the Prefix or Code information.

The back has a list of Authorized Abbreviations and Conditions. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

An unused Form A (Railway) for Manchester and Milford Railway Co. Telegrams. Size 153 x 95 mm (the selvedge has been disconnected). - MyRef: A-CA-M&M
A very short-lived - Railway Company set up to move goods from Manchester to Milford Haven in South Wales.


This allows messages to be sent "without pre-payment", indicating a charge account.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

P.O. Forwarded Forms (A) - After 1900

For the stamped forms of the Kings reigns, Huggins has done a good job of providing information. However for the unstamped forms, we are pretty much on our own !
I will show what I can and invite further images and information.

MyRef: A-SO-1934
	The Shilling stamp is perfinned with the H.M / L (H 5100.02) of Herbert Morris & Co Crane Manufacturers, Empress Works, Loughborough Leicestershire. The address has been pre-printed "COMORRIS  LOUGHBOROUGH"and then crossed out. COMORRIS was the telegraphic address of Herbert Morris Ltd. It is a matter of conjecture as to why it should have been crossed out.
	The back has seven notices to the sender. Additionally as well as importantly from our perspective, there is a boxed notice at the bottom-right entitled "Telegrams by Telephone." The form has no explicit date, or even any indication as to who printed it. However, there is a similar stamped version that may offer clues. TP24m has a similar boxed notice and is attributed to "H.M. Stationery Office Press" of 1934. Whilst that is not ironclad, it does offer a starting point. Images courtesy of Jeff Turnbull.

A 1950's pad of forms with 10 left in it.

There is a Brydone, Paget & Co. of London W.C.2 imprint up the left side.


There is a "Notice to the sender of this Telegram" on the back.

Images courtesy of David & Julie of  time_of_the_season on eBay (click image for listing).

Batches of used examples have come on the market recently, but it is patchy and a lack on unused items make it difficult to put these in any kind of order.
Horizontal format with information and conditions on reverse.

The following is a batch of 1964 Elizabethan forms.
A number of different printers are marked on these, one familiar, most not. Here is a list :
AMA Co. Ltd. seen on form A29 Overseas Telegram dated 26 September 1964.
McCorquodale & Co. Ltd., form "A" (51-6878) used 16 July 1964; (51-3326) used 29 August 1964.
Unknown Form A/C "70567 (7874}" used 17 October 1964.
H.P. Ltd., (Hull Printers Ltd ?) - (51-8732) No Form No. used 12 September 1964 and 31 December 1964.

An Overseas Telegram sent to Pakistan on 26 September 1964. The £1 stamp has been punched before affixing. - MyRef: A29-AMA-866


This is marked "LT" - see codes on the back.

The back now has information and conditions

It also has "AMA Co. Ltd. 34/64984 866" on the bottom-left and "A29" on the bottom-right.

A Telegram with pre-punched stamps to Scotland, sent 16 July 1964. - MyRef: A-McC-51-6878



The back has information and conditions with the name and address of the sender.

The bottom-left has "—McC—51-6878" which I take to mean McCorquodale & Co. Ltd., and "A" on the bottom-right.

A similar but smaller Telegram. At the top, under the stamps, it says "POST OFFICE / INLAND TELEGRAM / FOR POSTAGE STAMPS". - MyRef: A-McC-51-3326
Unlike some forms, it does not say that stamps can be added to the back, but clearly there is limited space on the front without invading other areas. Sent 29 August 1964.



The back has information and conditions with the name and address of the sender.

The bottom-left has "—McC—51-3326" which I take to mean McCorquodale & Co. Ltd., and "A" on the bottom-right.
I do not know the significance of "3326" in place of the earlier "6878".

Very similar to the last but with a different printers imprint. The 5/- stamp has not been damaged. Sent 12 September 1964. - MyRef: A-HP-51-8732



The wording on the back is the same as the last except the very bottom.

The bottom-left has "H.P. Ltd., 51-8732. ", there is nothing on the bottom-right.

This is the same form as the last. The 10/- stamp has been pre-punched. Sent 31 December 1964. - (another A-HP-51-8732)


At the bottom, as usual, it says "The particulars on the back of this form should be completed".

I include this as an example in which it wasn't. The front has the reference "24478" which probably supplies the information.

As with the last, the bottom-left has "H.P. Ltd., 51-8732. ", there is nothing on the bottom-right.

P.O. Forms "A or C".

Similar to type A, with plenty of space for stamps, sent 10 October 1964. - MyRef: A/C-McC-37-245




Used at Liverpool Street Station (London).

The bottom-left has "—McC—3/48   37/245" indicating McCorquodale & Co. Ltd, and large "A/C" on the bottom-right.
Images courtesy of Samwells Ltd. click image for eBay listing.

A similar but top partitioning different. Sent 17 October 1964. - MyRef: A/C-70567-7874



The back has information and conditions with the name and address of the sender.

The bottom-left has "70567  (7874}" which is not very informative, and "A / C" on the bottom-right.

P.O. Transmitted Message Forms (B).

Form B - H2 version, Printed by Eyre & Spottiswoode December 1869.
This requires the time in code.


Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Transmitted Message Form B. Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, London. Size 280 x 215 mm and plain on reverse   - MyRef: B-JT&S-1871
Words 20 to 40 with charges 1/- to 2/-. This is probably a second-generation form (the H2 version being Words 20 to 50 with Charge 1/- to 2/6 d). This still requires the time in code.

"Jas. Truscott & Son, London." at bottom-center. Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

P.O. Forms "B or C".

Form (B or C). dated 3 September 1929. It has no imprint - MyRef: BC-Rugby
Stamped "CONFIRMATION"


The back has additional information, particularly relating to C.O.D. Packets, Rugby Radio and telegrams sent by dictation.

Images courtesy of AJM Philately on eBay. Click image for listing.

This was delivered in the envelope (No. 269.), marked "Confirmation Copy." shown below :        MyRef: BC-Env-269

Images courtesy of AJM Philately on eBay. Click image for listing.

Form (B or C). dated 23 February 1935. It has no imprint - MyRef: BC-Night
Now using strips.


The back has additional information about "Night Telegraph Letters", which could be sent by dictation.

Images courtesy of AJM Philately on eBay. Click image for listing.

Form (B or C). dated 9 June 1938. It has a Harrow imprint - MyRef: BC-E.4494




The back has additional information, particularly relating to Empiradio Beam Services.

Images courtesy of asianstamp2 on eBay. Click image for listing.

Form (B or C). This is dated 24 August 1939. It has no imprint. - MyRef: BC-1959
With Tudor Crown. There is nothing on the back

It has "B or C / C " at bottom-right and was sent in the following envelope to Cooks in Mores Hotel, India street, Glasgow :
       MyRef: BC-Env-198
 
The back of the envelope has a Waterlow & Sons Ltd., London Wall imprint and "No. 198." at bottom-left. Both the form and envelope have "G.G.A." hand-stamped in purple.
Images courtesy of asianstamp2 on eBay. Click image for listing.

Form (B or C). This appears to have been ordered by telephone from Direct Mail Group. It has an imprint of  "(81596) Hw." - MyRef: BC-HW-81596
With St. Edward's Crown. Dated 21 September 1964.

There is nothing on the back, but "B or C" at bottom-right.

P.O. Receiver/Delivery Forms (C).

On page 16 para 29 of Form H2 it is stated :
'The Received Message Form C it will be perceived is in duplicate. The upper copy is to be retained for office use; the lower copy is for delivery to the addressee.
The clerk who receives and writes down the "Received Message" is to make both copies at one and the same time by placing a slip of carbonic paper between the two copies before he begins to write the message on the upper copy'.
Thus, Received Message Form C is in two parts- upper copy labelled C retained by PO and lower copy (uncoded) delivered/sent to the addressee.

(C - Large) - Size typically 280 x 218 mm and plain on reverse.

Form C (PO part) - H2 version, Printed by Eyre & Spottiswoode December 1869.
This requires the time in code.


Form C (Delivered part) H2 version.


Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Received Message Form C (PO part). Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, London. - MyRef: C-JT&S-166-4/72
This has been extensively modified from the H2 version. Words only 20-40 with charge 1/- to 2/-.
This is probably a second or later issue form as the H2 version showed words 20-50 & Charges of 1/- to 2/6 d.  It still requires the time in code though.


"[J. T. & S.—P. 166—4—72.]" at bottom-right indicating Jas. Truscott & Sons the Printer, and these being printed April 1872.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Received Message Form (C) with Coat of Arms. Used 28 February 1870 in Whitby, Yorks. Printed by Waterlow & Sons, London. - MyRef: C-W&S-1870
This has a different and larger Coat of Arms to the H2 version and does not include the Number, but is otherwise quite similar.
James Hammond reports examples used from 12/02/1870 to 11/07/1870.

"Waterlow & Sons, Printers, London." at bottom-center.
'From' & 'To' in rows not columns. Words 20-50 with Charge 1/- to 2/6 d..
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

As above Form (C), but used 4 May 1870 in Carlisle (North England near the Scottish border). Printed by Waterlow & Sons, London. - (another C-W&S-1870)


Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Same type as last, but shown because it is a rare example of a Railway Telegraph cancel. This was used 13 April 1871 at Chippenham, Wiltshire. - (another C-W&S-1870)
Railway Telegraph Numeral 327 of Chippenham (Wiltshire). At the time, there was no P.O.Telegraph Office in Chippenham thus telegrams destined for Chippenham were sent to the
GWR telegraph network at Chippenham Station then to the P.O. for delivery by messenger or post.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Received Message Form (C) with Larger Coat of Arms, otherwise the same as last. Used 25 March 1870, again in Carlisle. Printed by Waterlow & Sons, London. - MyRef: C-W&S-L-1870
James Hammond reports examples used from 13/05/1870 to 20/12/1871.


"Waterlow & Sons, Printers, London." at bottom-center.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Received Message Form (C) with Larger Coat of Arms like last, but "Post Office Telegraphs" over to the left. Printed by Waterlow & Sons, London. - MyRef: C-W&S-L-1871
This has the Railway numeral "40" which was intended to be sent to Ampthill, Bedfordshire. However it was used at Appleby, Lincolnshire which should have been sent the number 39 ! Someone made a mistake.


"Waterlow & Sons, Printers, London." at bottom-center.
Image courtesy of James Hammond who says "There is a full manuscript endorsement on the back giving the date as 25th February 1871."

Received Message Form (C) with Larger Coat of Arms. Used 28 December 1872, in Llanelly, Wales. Printed by Waterlow & Sons, London. - MyRef: C-W&S-L-1872
'Charges to Pay' added at top right. 'From & 'To' bracketed together at right.
James Hammond reports examples used from 21/06/1872 to 23/01/1873

"Waterlow & Sons, Printers, London." at bottom-center. Another example, used 20 December 1872, can be seen at the Bodleian Library, Oxford, (Queen Victoria to Disraeli).
Image courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

Form (C) Used 12 April 1872, at Marlborough. - MyRef: C-W&S-L-1872a
This appears to be a variety of the last with "POST" missing before "OFFICE" at the top.
Puzzlingly this has a handwritten 'Stock Exchange' at the top. I'm pretty sure Marlborough doesn't have a Stock Exchange. Perhaps it did?

"Waterlow & Sons, Printers, London." at bottom-center.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Form (C) Used 9 November 1870, at Parliament St. B.O. London S.W. This with a small Coat of Arms - MyRef: C-W&S-8-1870


Four paragraphs of text at the base. "W.&S.—8-70." suggesting printed by Waterlow & Sons in August 1870 at bottom-left.
Image courtesy of James Hammond.

Received Message Form (C) with another new Coat of Arms, and horizontal format. Used 7 December 1870, in Barnsley. Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, London. - MyRef: C-JT&S-L-1870
Words now 20-40 with Charge 1/- to 2/-. Text introduced below header and 'From' & 'To' in boxes.
James Hammond reports examples used from 11/11/1870 to 11/08/1871.

Four paragraphs of text at the base. "Jas Truscott & Son, London." at bottom-center.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Received Message Form (C) with same Coat of Arms as last. Used 22 July 1874, in Stafford. Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, London. - MyRef: C-JT&S-L-1872
Words still 20-40 with Charge 1/- to 2/-.
James Hammond reports examples used from 22/11/1872 to 31/03/1875.

Now only three paragraphs of text at the base. "Jas Truscott & Son, London." at bottom-center.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

P.O. Receiver/Delivery Forms (C - medium)
Vertical format, size typically 185 x 210 mm and plain on reverse. Appears to have been for use in Stock Exchanges.

Received Message Form (C) with a different and strangely smeared Coat of Arms, in a new, vertical format. Used 30 December 1874 at the Edinburgh Stock Exchange. - MyRef: C-W&S-SE-1874
No 'Words' or 'Charges' columns. Printed by Waterlow & Sons, London.

"[Waterlow & Sons, Printers, London.]" placed centrally above the message.
Image courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

Received Message Form (C) with a Coat of Arms, similar to the last, but more detailed and with clouds in the background. Used 12 July 1879, again at the Edinburgh Stock Exchange. - MyRef: C-clouds-1879
No 'Words' or 'Charges' columns. No printer imprint, nothing on the back. Size 183 x 208 mm.

Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

P.O. Receiver/Delivery Forms (C - small)
Size reduced in early 1875, size typically 220 x 140 mm and plain on reverse.

Chronologically three printers were used - 1) Jas Truscott & Son (1875-1880), 2) Harrison & Sons (1880's) and 3) Eyre & Spottiswoode (1890's).

Received Message Form (C) with a new, small Coat of Arms. Used 23 June 1875, in Romsey, Hampshire. Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, London. - MyRef: C-JT&S-1875-1
Five lines of text at top followed by two lines of NB. 'No of Message' on two lines, 'Handed in at' & 'Received here at' on one line. 'From' & 'To' in boxes.

"JAS. TRUSCOTT & SON, LONDON." centrally above message.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

As last Form (C), but printers imprint under the (now boxed) small Coat of Arms. Used 19 January(?) 1876, in Carlisle. Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, London. - MyRef: C-JT&S-1875-2
Five lines of text (first sentence ends with 'London') at top with now just two lines of 'NB'.

"JAS. TRUSCOTT & SON, LONDON." under C.o.A.
Image courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

As last Form (C), but reworded at top. Used 10 August 1875, in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, London. - MyRef: C-JT&S-1875-3
Five lines of text (first sentence ends 'will be refunded') at top with now just one line of 'NB'.

"JAS. TRUSCOTT & SON, LONDON." under C.o.A.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

As last Form (C), but reworded at top. Used 27 August 1877, in Bath. Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, London. - MyRef: C-JT&S-1876
Three lines of text at top. 'No of Message' now on one line, 'Handed in At' & 'Received Here At' on two lines.

"JAS. TRUSCOTT & SON, LONDON." under C.o.A.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

As last Form (C), Printed by Jas. Truscott & Son, London, and dated 3 May 1877. Used in Portree. - (another C-JT&S-1876)


There is nothing on the back.

As last Form (C), but reworded at top. Used 11 September 1877, in Liverpool. Printed by Jas Truscott & Son, London. - MyRef: C-JT&S-1877
Four lines of text at top. 'No of Message' now on one line, 'Handed in At' & 'Received Here At' on two lines.

"JAS. TRUSCOTT & SON, LONDON." under C.o.A.
Just showing top half. Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Similar to last Form (C), but different Coat of Arms and now Printed by Harrison & Sons, London. Used 23 March 1885, in Shaftesbury, Dorset. - MyRef: C-H&S-1885
Three lines of text at top. 'No of Message' on one line, 'Handed in At' & 'Received Here At' on two lines.

"HARRISON & SONS, LONDON." under C.o.A.
Just showing top half. Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

As last Form (C), printed by Harrison & Sons, London. Used 10 January 1885 in Wymondham. - (another C-H&S-1885)

There is nothing on the back.

Similar to last Form (C), Printed by Harrison & Sons, London. Used 16 December 1886, in Leek, near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. - MyRef: C-H&S-1886
Three lines of text at top. 'From' box removed and replaced with enlarged 'To'. 'No of Message' on extended single line.

"HARRISON & SONS, LONDON." under C.o.A.
Just showing top half. Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

As last Form (C), printed by Harrison & Sons, London. Used 6 February 1888 in Wymondham. - (another C-H&S-18846)

There is nothing on the back.

As last Form (C), printed by Harrison & Sons, London. Cancelled with a large Railway numeral 1192 of St Pancras
Despite requiring a "Dated stamp of Delivering Office", it has only the 1880 style Railway numeral without a date. Even when the 1892 type came out, there was still no date.

Image courtesy of James Hammond.

Similar to last Form (C), with similar Coat of Arms but now Printed by Eyre & Spottiswoode, London. Used 28 May 1892, in Wimbledon Nr (near) Railway Station. - MyRef: C-E&S-1892
Three lines of text at top, with new rectangular box inserted just below where the NB used to be.

"Eyre & Spottiswoode, London." under C.o.A.     N.B. has been moved to bottom-center.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Similar to the last Form (C), but with 'No of Message' changed to 'No of Telegram'. Used 1 August 1896, at Buxton, Derbyshire. - MyRef: C-E&S-1896
Three lines of text at top. (incidentally, the datestamp now is a Telegraph datestamp, sporting a bold " T ".)

"Eyre & Spottiswoode, London." under C.o.A.     N.B. at bottom-center.
Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

As last Form (C), printed by Eyre & Spottiswoode, London. Used 10 June 1896 in Wymondham, Norfolk. - (another C-E&S-1896)

There is nothing on the back.

Very similar to last Form (C), but 'handed in at' on two lines with parenthesis. Used 18 January 1900, at Forrest Hill, London S.E. - MyRef: C-E&S-1900
Three lines of text at top. (incidentally, the datestamp now is a Telegraph datestamp, sporting a bold " T " at the top.)

"Eyre & Spottiswoode, London." under C.o.A.     N.B. at bottom-center.
Image courtesy of Ian Pinwill.

Effectively a Form (C). This is not actually a P. O. form, but it says "This Form is issued by Permission of the Postmaster General. - MyRef: C-G&T-1890
("Carlyles' Telegraph Book,' Published by G. & T. Carlisle, Liverpool). "
From South Hetton Coal Company of Sunderland, dated 7 December 1893.

Image courtesy of Edward Coombes.

P.O. Delivery Forms (C) after 1900.

Very similar to learlier ones, but 'Office of Origin' added, N.B. at top and Charges only in s. and d.. Used 16 September 1912, at Bournemouth. - MyRef: C-E&S-1912
Three lines of text at top.

"Eyre & Spottiswoode, London." under narrower C.o.A.    
Images courtesy of AJM Philately on eBay. Click image for listing.

Very different Form (C), especially the Coat of Arms, no indication of the printer, but an apparent form number of "Con. 29a." at the bottom-left. - MyRef: C-Con.29a
Dated 8 November 1914.

There is nothing on the back.

Service Messages

There are a variety of these, the one thing they have in common is that they bear the words "Service Message". They relate to engineering and some (early ones) have a Prefix of DS.

An unused pink Post Office Telegraphs-No.69c Service Message Form (Free Message on Official Business). 'Prefix DS' - MyRef: SM-69c-G-12/71
Year pre-filled "187..." -  imprint of "G [2182] 100,000 12/71" indicating 100,000 printed December 1871 by "G" - Griffiths ?

This Form is to be used for Engineering Messages only. - Nothing on the back. Courtesy of Edward Coombes.

A Post Office Telegraphs. No—296 Service Message (top-right) Form ("This Form is to be used for Engineering Messages only"). 'Prefix DS' - MyRef: SM-296-M&H-1877
This was used 4 January 1877 at Paddington G.W.Ry. Stat(ion)

This Form was printed by Millington & Hutton, Printers, London. - Nothing on the back. Courtesy of Edward Coombes.

An unused Post Office Telegraphs Service Message Form. No marked Prefix, but a space for one. - MyRef: SM-JT&S

This Form was printed by Jas. Truscott & Son Ltd, Printers, London. - Nothing on the back. Courtesy of Edward Coombes.

An unused Post Office Telegraphs Service Message Form. Same layout as the last. - MyRef: SM-W&S-65

This is now has the imprint of Wyman & Sons, Ltd., Printers, Fetter Lane, London E.C.  [65]  - Nothing on the back. Courtesy of Edward Coombes.

P. O. in conjunction with the Submarine Telegraph Co.

Forwarding Forms  (No Coat of Arms).

An unused form "For Telegrams Forwarded by the STC" with pre-filled date of "187_". Size 277 x 216 mm.   -  MyRef: ST-F-W&S-187


This was printed by Waterlow and Sons, London. - Nothing on the back. - Courtesy of Edward Coombes.

An unused form "For Telegrams Forwarded by the STC" printed in red, again with pre-filled date of "187_". Size 277 x 217 mm.   -  MyRef: ST-FR-W&S-187
This is for a reply to an "accompanying message".

This was printed by Waterlow and Sons, London. - The back has :

CONDITIONS


Images courtesy of Edward Coombes.

Received / Delivery Forms.
Two different sized Coat of Arms used simultaneously. The small one seemingly in London and County Down, in Ireland,
the large type used elsewhere.

A form used 30 May 1871 in Belfast (Telegram from France) - Courtesy of Steve Lawrie.   -  MyRef: ST-RL-W&S-1871
This is has a prominent coat of arms at the top and is printed by Waterlow and Sons, London.

A Post Office and Submarine Telegraphs form of 27 March 1876 used in Ashburton, Devon (from Bucharest) - courtesy of Edward Coombes. -  (another ST-RL-W&S-1871)
A rather late usage. Size 275 x 218 mm


Imprint of Waterlow & Sons. Printers, London - Answer Paid.

A Post Office and Submarine Telegraphs form of 9 August 1871 used in Euston, London - courtesy of Edward Coombes.   -  MyRef: ST-R-W&S-1871
Soon after the last with a different Coat of Arms, now looking a lot more relaxed. . Size 277 x 218 mm.

Imprint of Waterlow & Sons. Printers, London.

A Post Office and Submarine Telegraphs form of 13 September 1871 used in London (Telegram from Bavaria) - courtesy of Steve Lawrie.   -  (another ST-R-W&S-1871)
Same as the last.

Imprint of Waterlow & Sons. Printers, London.

A similar form to the last, but used 2 December 1874 in Killyleagh, County Down, in Ireland. - Courtesy of Steve Lawrie.   -  (another ST-R-W&S-1871)
A similar telegram used 8 November 1871 in Woodbridge, Suffolk also had this coat of arms.

Received - Continental Forms.
These date from 1871 when the green forms were in use. Most of those were from the Continent anyway !

A Post Office and Submarine Telegraphs, Continental Received form of 3 January 1871 used in 58 Threadneedle St, London from Pera (Istanbul)  -  MyRef: ST-RC-RC-187
Size 218 x 284 mm - image courtesy of Edward Coombes.


Imprint of R. CLARKE. Printer, &c, 51, Threadneedle Street, and 3, White Hart Court, Bishopsgate, E.C.

A form used 22 May 1874 at London, for a message from Bucarest - courtesy of Steve Lawrie. -  MyRef: ST-RC-RC-1874
This is very similar to the form shown above except for the section to the right of the Preamble.
The message is also printed on blue tape rather than hand-written. Interesting use of 'VV' in place of 'W'.
The ones introduced by The UK Electric in late 1866 had a "W".


The bottom appears to be the same as the last.

A form used 12 October 1882 at London Wall, for a message from Brussels. Size 184 x 241 mm. - courtesy of Edward Coombes   -  MyRef: ST-RC-RC-188
This is simplified with a pre-entered year of 188_. CDS of "CENTRAL TELEGRAPH OFFICE / FOREIGN" as well as "WEST-STRAND / W. C."
I expect the large Capital "B" has some significance.


The bottom now has the imprint of Waterlow and Sons Limited, Printers, London Wall, London.

Comments, criticisms, information or suggestions are always welcome.

Please include the word 'Telegraphs' in the subject.

Last updated 31st. July 2024

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