Scott catalog editors seek info on computer-vended test stamps

Philatelic Foreword by Jay Bigalke

Every time I find myself flipping through the Computer Vended Postage Stamps section of the Scott Specialized Catalog of United States Stamps and Covers, specifically the Machine Set-Up and Test Labels section, I scratch my head because I feel like there are items missing.

It’s likely some are missing, and it’s equally likely they exist. Since 2014 there has been a “Test Vend, Void, Test Vend” print that would go above the design of whatever label was added to the machine.

These test labels are for the benefit of the person loading them into the machine to make sure they print correctly. Once printed, the instructions are to then destroy these test labels, but as one can see by browsing this section of the catalog, this doesn’t happen all the time.

I have been successful in the past when walking by a wastebasket near the self-service kiosks in a post office and have spotted test labels discarded there. Some dumpster diving then commences, and an interesting postal artifact becomes mine.

I’m sure others have had similar experiences.

That brings me to the ask. If there are any collectors of computer-vended postage stamp items, please review the items that are in the catalog’s Test Stamps section. If you have one that isn’t pictured there, please reach out to us as we would like to examine the stamp, scan it, and then return it to you.

Shown nearby is the 2020 Christmas Stocking label with “void” printed over it (Scott CVPT27). There have been a couple of new label designs since then, so I would guess some test labels should be floating around out there. And also look for the labels with a “diagnostic print” marking. A few of those are also listed in the Machine Set-Up and Test Labels section.

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