item details
NameHawkins Rotex Machine Model G automatic stamp franking machine
ProductionC.R. Hawkins Ltd.; engineer; circa 1931; New Zealand
Classificationstamp boxes, machines
Materialsaluminium, glass, wood
DimensionsOverall: 215mm (width), 175mm (height), 185mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH025087
Credit lineThe New Zealand Post Museum Collection, Gift of New Zealand Post Ltd, 2016
Overview
This Hawkins Rotex automatic stamp franking machine was the latest technology in the early 1930s, providing a slogan along with a date stamp and franking. It could give impressions of 1/2d, 1d, 2d, 6d, and 1/-.
It followed on from Moss franking machines which were at the leading edge of postal technology in the early 20th century, enabling the quick and efficient stamping of large volumes of mail for businesses.
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.