Handbook PO-230 - Pictorial Postmarks
August 2011

Summary of Changes Transmittal Letter 1 Introduction 2 General Information 3 Format Requirements and Restrictions 3-1 Required Information 3-2 Size Limitations 3-3 Design Limitations 3-4 Dating Postmarks for Multiple–Day Events 3-5 Restricted Illustrations, Wording, and Designs 3-6 Authorization for Artwork 3-7 Authorization for Names and Images 4 Applying for Pictorial Postmarks 4-1 Letter of Request and Pictorial Postmark Artwork 4-2 Supporting Information 5 Approving or Rejecting Requests 5-1 Overview 5-2 Conditions for Acceptance 5-3 Approval/Rejection of the Request 6 Publicity 6-1 Policy 6-2 Arranging National Publicity 6-3 Arranging Local Publicity 6-4 Canceling or Amending Previously Published Announcements

7 Pictorial Postmark Handstamps and Ink Color 7-1 Procurement and Use of Handstamps 7-2 Color of Ink 7-3 Return and Disposition of Handstamps 8 Special Requests to Retain Handstamp 8-1 Requests to Retain a Pictorial Postmark Handstamp 8-2 Approving and Rejecting Requests 9 Pictorial Postmark Service 9-1 Types of Service 9-2 Conditions for Servicing 9-3 Extending Mail–Back Service 10 Backdating and Pre–Dating 11 Cooperation With Collectors 11-1 Clear and Legible Postmarks 11-2 Handling 11-3 Covers in the Mailstream 12 Damaged or Missing Covers 12-1 Requests for Replacements 12-2 Conditions for Replacements 12-3 Customer Returns 12-4 Stale Postmarks 12-5 Time Limit for Complaints and Issues 12-6 Unsettled Complaints and Issues 12-7 Cacheted Covers 13 Temporary Philatelic Stations 13-1 Purpose 13-2 Set–up 13-3 Signs and Displays 13-4 Staffing