Double Lined Oval Handstamps

Double lined oval handstamps were not normally used for postal purposes, but they have been seen used at some post offices, usually in connection with registered mail. It is not known why this occurred and the usage, when it did occur, is not common. They are known used from 1892 to 1909. 

The handstamp consists of two horizontal ovals, one outer and one inner, measuring approximately 30 x 20mm and 22 x 12mm respectively. There are two types. One has 'POST OFFICE' between the ovals around the top and one doesn't. They all have 'QUEENSLAND' round the foot, and a dot stop at each side. In the centre is the date in one line; day, month in three letters, and the year in two digits. These oval handstamps are known struck in black, blue, purple and violet ink

Charters Towers; the words "Post Office" not included

Gladstone; the words "Post Office" are included

The Brisbane General post office has a similar handstamp; between the ovals are the words 'REGISTRATION BRANCH' around the top, 'BRISBANE' round the foot, and a dash at each side. The date line includes a code letter. This oval handstamp was probably used for internal purposes and is only very rarely found postally used

These oval handstamps are known used for these dates at the following post offices:

Brisbane in Black - 1902           

Brisbane in Blue - 1889-1904                
Cairns in Blue - 1892-98
Charters Towers in Blue - 1893
Clermont in Black

Croydon in Blue - 1908

Fortitude Valley - seen by Campbell (on a postage due issue) but not by me    
Gladstone in Violet - 1896 and 1904-06
Longreach in Blue - 1900
Mackay in Black - 1894
Mackay in Blue - 1907
Maryborough in Blue - 1895
Mount Morgan in Blue - 1898-99 and 1905-09
Mount Morgan in Black - 1900-02
Mount Morgan in Purple - 1901

Rockhampton in Blue - 1903 

Rockhampton in Purple - 1906 
South Brisbane  in Blue - 1907
Thursday Island in Black - 1907
Townsville in Black - 1908
Woolloongabba in Blue - 1901-06
Woolloongabba in Purple - 1893-1903