Interesting cancellations on North Borneo stamps (1)

For time being, these cancellations on North Borneo stamps remain a mystery to me. It is a first for me to come across an oval handstamp, this reminds me of Jamaica's cog-wheeled TRD and some of the security markings used by Chartered Bank of India, Australia, & China.


Visible 'C' 

Upon some 'Google-ing' and drawing reference from Michel Houde's extensive website, it does look like Chin Ho & Co, Singapore however it is impossible to conclude anything from just one visible alphabet. 



Next is this piece, a single ring oval handstamp with 'B. P. / PAGAT..' as the visible half on the stamp. I uploaded this piece on a Facebook group of North Borneo stamps enthusiasts hoping to find an answer too. It was also pointed out that there was a portion of a bar cancel, which suggests it is more likely to be of CTO.




Three copies of a fiscally used stamp. A triple oval handstamp of The Chartered Bank, Jesselton in violet. THE CHARTERED BANK/ Incorporated in England by Royal Charter 1853/ JESSELTON




Another one! I believe this might be Sandakan Ice & Aerated Water Co.




Obtained this quite recently. On the stamp shows a faint mark of Kong Hiap Hin, a tobbaco distributor in Gaya Street, Jesselton.



Lastly, what is better than a handstamp? A hand-drawn cancellation. 




Knowing and seeing security markings, or private handstamps on North Borneo stamps makes me feel excited since it is an uncharted territory unlike those of Straits Settlements. Very little records of North Borneo companies and their respective company stamps makes it a challenge. Altogether, it makes it more worthwhile to collect and perhaps study security markings and private handstamps specifically on North Borneo stamps. 

Additionally, magistrate court and other fiscally used handstamps are equally as interesting. Sadly, I do not own any copies - until then, I will keep all you updated. 

Thank you for dropping by! 

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