WORLDWIDE STAMPS AND POSTAL HISTORY continued...

The use of this handstamp arose with the development of a paquebot convention set forth by the UPU in 1891. According to Smith, "the convention prescribed that letters franked with stamps of the country whose flag the ship sailed, or of the country of the previous port of call, were to be accepted as validly prepaid if brought to the port post office by the purser." It then required the use of this handstamp to indicate this form of service and an early precursor to the "Paquebot" cancels. (Image)

A few European countries which called at Egyptian ports, those such as Austria, Germany, France and Italy, maintained post offices aboard their ships. German steamships and naval vessels operated through the Suez Canal, carrying mail and people/soldiers to and from the Far East. This particular example came from a naval vessel and is often not found as a combination postcard. (Image)