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Curiosity Corner #321 The Bridger and Kay guage.
http://cjoint.com/data/eqefD7GMV6.htm The description on the gauge states that; "This gauge has been designed with two purposes in mind. 1. To measure the diameter of a full or part of a circular cancellation. 2. To give an easy form of reference for the letters or figures in a cancellation, thus enabling material (postmarks) to be compared by correspondence." The gauge was evidently designed by Bridger and Kay Ltd, 86 Strand, London . The price on the protective cover was 7/6d, hence it may be some years ago that this particular item was produced. Its availability at this time is uncertain. The instructions for the use of the gauge are as follows: "In use the two thick lines are placed so that their intersection is over the cancellation to be measured, the concentric circles being used as a guide. It will be noted that the two sets of circles have different diameters in order to simplify this operation. The gauge consists of two sets each of five concentric circles. These circles are each of such a radius so as to allow an exact number of mm in each circumference and an exact number of mm in each of the 16 equal sections of the circumference, which are lettered A to P. (The diameters of the concentric circles are not of great importance for these circles are only used for guidance. The thick cross lines being used to read the off diameters.) These thick cross lines of the gauge are each graduated in mm and half mm measuring from the centre. (When measuring under and over inked cancellations, allowances have to be made. In practice it is better to take the measurements of the diameter, at the centre of the inked line forming the circumference of the circle.) Oval cancellations may also be measured but care has to be taken to find the centre; in measuring oval cancellations, width is given before neight. Positional references of letters and figures may be taken from a cancellation with the aid of check letters placed around the circumference. Placing the gauge so that the top dead centres of the cancellation and the gauge coincide, a letter in the circumference which is for example 2mm along section B, will be given the reference number 2B. It will be noted that the sections of the circumference are each graduated in full mm, the height of any letter around the circumference may be measured by turning the gauge and using the thick cross lines." This type of gauge should be of particular interest to postal historians and postmark collectors. As stated earlier, the original designers were Bridger and Kay of London. Enquiries for supply should be directed to that firm. However if that firm no longer exists, I have experimented and a reasonable facsimile could be produced on overhead projector cellophane material. The approximate cost of producing the facsimile would be $2. I would be interested to learn if this cancellation gauge is still available, and the address if it is, for the benefit of other philatelists. Acknowledgement: "Australian Stamp News" Feb 1989 Author Mr. Bernie Doherty Waratah. NSW |
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