Shown below are images of the stamp affixing machines for office use and stamp vending machines for public use. Both of these machines required stamps with straight edges, either on the top and bottom or on both sides to operate the machines. Initially the Bureau perforated sheets in only one direction and then cut them into strips. These strips were then hand pasted into rolls and sold as a roll of coiled stamps.

The process of pasting together the strips was labor intensive and coils were not cheap to produce. An example of where two strips of stamps were pasted together is shown above. The advent of the rotary press saved the day.

The blades in the both the first experimental machines were much to be desired and usually meant separating the stamps meant a torn stamp. To aid separation various perforations were used. The producers of the machines purchased sheets or coils of these stamps themselves and perforated them in their own unique style (click here for a list of styles), each with the objective of making the separation easier.

SIDEWAYS COILS

Due to the popularity of stamp affixing machines, an example is shown above, stamps with straight edges that fed these machines were becoming popular. These stamps were known as coils. The coils with straight edges at the top were perfect for these machines and the Bureau did several experimental printings to meet the demand.

ENDWAYS COILS

Stamp vending machines were just being introduced to the public, an example of a Schermak machine is shown above. Strips of stamps with straight edges at the sides were made for these machines and the Bureau did several experimental printings to meet the demand.

Photo essay on India mounted on card. 303-E1