A postage meter is a device that produces an imprint that is a substitute for both the postmark and postage stamp.
The PB code identifies the meter manufacturer: Pitney Bowes
The letter O before a meter classification indicates that meter text includes “U.S. OFFICIAL MAIL.”
Code PB1
The USCS Postmark Catalog lists only one ship, USS Midway (CV-41), as having used a Meter PB1 postmark.
Code PB2
Code PB3
Code PB4
The following postmark is classified in the USCS Postmark Catalog as Meter PB4 (#5444976) ZIP 34091
Note that this PB4 postmark shows some elements of PB3, some elements of PB4, and some unique elements. It has the same style of meter identifier (ie, “PB” plus “METER” and meter number) and the same style of wavy lines and postage amount as a PB3. However, the “U.S. POSTAGE” text is at the bottom of the postage amount box like a PB4. This example is not clean enough to determine if the amount of space between the eagle and the dial is closer to a PB3 or PB4. Finally, there is a line above “U.S. POSTAGE” which is not seen in any of the examples in the USCS Postmark Catalog.
Code PB5
The following postmark is classified in the USCS Postmark Catalog as Meter PB5 (#PB8516242) ZIP 96663 (USS Denver).
The following postmark is classified in the USCS Postmark Catalog as Meter PB5 (#PB8690309) ZIP 96678-1187 (USS Shiloh)
This is a variation of PB5 in which the ships name and hull number appear to the left of the meter.
Code PB6
The following postmark is classified in the USCS Postmark Catalog as Meter PB6 (#0001939570) ZIP 34091 (USS Hue City)
Pitney-Bowes meter with a stylized eagle and a quick release (QR) code.
The following postmark is classified in the USCS Postmark Catalog as Meter PB6(F) (#0001939541) ZIP 09524 (USS Harry S. Truman)
This is a variation of PB6 in which the American flag appears to the left of the meter. Adding a pictorial feature to the meter adds the “F” (Fancy) to the coding.
Code OPB1
Code OPB2
USCS Postmark Catalog Illustration.