item details
NameHawkins Machine Model F automatic stamp franking machine
ProductionC.R. Hawkins Ltd.; engineer; circa 1929; New Zealand
Automatic Franking Machine Company Limited; manufacturer(s); circa 1929; New Zealand
Automatic Franking Machine Company Limited; manufacturer(s); circa 1929; New Zealand
Classificationstamp boxes, machines
Materialsmetal, glass
DimensionsOverall: 310mm (width), 305mm (height), 245mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH025086
Credit lineThe New Zealand Post Museum Collection, Gift of New Zealand Post Ltd, 2016
Overview
This Hawkins automatic stamp franking machine was the latest technology in the late 1920s, employing a gas meter-like system for stamping and franking business mail quickly and efficiently.
It followed on from Moss franking machines which were at the leading edge of postal technology in the early 20th century. New Zealand engineer Ernest Moss invented 'Moss Machine No. 1' in about 1904, followed quickly by a series of innovative machines until the mid-1920s when C.R. Hawkins took over.
This particular machine only has two impressions (1d and 2d), and was manufactured by The Automatic Franking Machine Company which had been founded by Messrs Moss and Dombrain.