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A cancellation printed before the stamp is used.
Also known as: Precancelled stamp, Bureau precancel
A precancel is a stamp cancelled before it is affixed, printed with bars or an office name so bulk mail can bypass the cancelling machine.
Marks a stamp cancelled in advance of use so bulk mail need not be cancelled individually.
Contexts: History
Inverts the normal order of stamp and cancellation, which is why precancels are restricted to authorised mailers.
Contexts: History
A stamp overprinted with parallel bars or with the name of an office, applied before use rather than on posting.