by Alfred "Tag" Boerger
Originally published Sep. 27, 1976 - Linn's Stamp News

Click image to see enlarged view

The production of INTERPHIL bicentennial “pre-canceled” souvenir sheets was prepared by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing on orders from U.S. Postal Service officials.

The sheets were sold as “pre-canceled,” but more correctly should be explained as a “canceled-to-order” (CTO) production.

When one considers the quantity of souvenir sheets required just to service the first day cover program at Philadelphia, we can understand why postal officials turned to this project.

The first day unit in Washington had tried this successfully on the 50 State Flag panes, which were affixed to its big envelopes. A few handstamp cancellers “tied” the pane to the cover. Each of these panes was pre-printed with neat dated “bull’s-eyes.”

The first day cover unit in Philadelphia welcomed the shipment of its “canceled-to-order” souvenir sheets, and delivery was made to its 5th floor office at the 30th Street postal facility.

Special sheet “wetters” were used to dampen a sheet prior to placement on the envelope, and a single handstamp “tied” each sheet to its cover. The product was professional looking, and one demonstration convinced all of its labor saving advantages.

Our advance order for sheets was placed by phone, and no mention was given at the time regarding any printed cancellations. Arriving in Philadelphia on the 28th to pay for this order, we were asked how many “cancelled” sheets would be needed. At first we were not sure; some would be used at INTERPHIL and others at Benjamin Franklin Post Office for special cancellations.

Early on the 29th, we picked up our order of sheets, which contained both types. At INTERPHIL, we joined one line seeking cancellations, and it took us just a minute to decide in using the pre-canceled sheets. One postal clerk was performing a nice job, but it took him five minutes to complete an order of two sets of sheets.

Later that afternoon we returned to purchase additional “dated” sheets. The supply on two values was already limited. Really no problem: we used all of our available funds in picking up other values.

While seeking additional stock a few days later, it was explained to us by USPS that these sheets being dated were only sold on the first day of issue.

Doing a bit of scrambling, we were able to find odd quantities through other servicers. Our surplus stock of 13-cent sheets was listed in our June bicentennial bulletin with an illustration. Results from that listing prompted this article.

Interested in purchasing this item?

You may purchase this item (item BT0160) in our Bicentennials Price List.

Also see these stamps on a set of five covers (item CF0900) in the Crossed Flag Price List.