Chapter 3c
How long were the Bridge type postmarks used ?
Introduction
On 29.Dec.1994 the central post in Gaza sent a fax in which the new postmarks, which will enter into use on 1.Jan.1995 , were presented . In this 15 ridge type postmarks were shown and an additional postal franking machine type
( see link of original document) [Link 1]
In addition to the postmarks described in the Press release , two new devices , Gaza -3- and Gaza-4- were introduced at the begining of Jan.1995 at Gaza central office .
( link to postmarks list) [Link 2]
The use of the postmarks
Since the begining of 1995 the Bridge postmarks entered into regular use as delivery (posting) , arrival and transit stamps . In addition they can be found on variety of receipts, forms etc.
Replacement of the Bridge type postmarks with metal ones
The Bridge type postmarks , probably produced in Egypt, were provisional and used for a short period of 2-3 months . At the begining of Feb.1995 , they were gradually replaced by excellent quality made ones , produced in Germany
( link to postmarks list) [Link 3]
At each post office either in Gaza Strip or Jericho the metal postmarks replaced the Bridge type one,
which was never used again ( Besides two exceptions , 5 years later , for philatelic purposes ) .
It is unknown if the Bridge type devices has gone to a central archive or remained at post office backroom .
It can be assumed that there was a delay in the supply of the ordinary metal postmarks ordered in Germany .
Therefore , to reach the formal announced date of 1.Jan.1995 ,
the Egyptian Bridge type postmarks were hurriedly ordered for the Interim period .
The case of Khuza’a post office
Introduction
On 29.Dec.1994 the central post in Gaza sent a fax in which the new postmarks, which will enter into use on 1.Jan.1995 , were presented . In this 15 ridge type postmarks were shown and an additional postal franking machine type( see link of original document) [Link 1]
In addition to the postmarks described in the Press release , two new devices , Gaza -3- and Gaza-4- were introduced at the begining of Jan.1995 at Gaza central office .
( link to postmarks list) [Link 2]
The use of the postmarks
Since the begining of 1995 the Bridge postmarks entered into regular use as delivery (posting) , arrival and transit stamps . In addition they can be found on variety of receipts, forms etc.Replacement of the Bridge type postmarks with metal ones
The Bridge type postmarks , probably produced in Egypt, were provisional and used for a short period of 2-3 months . At the begining of Feb.1995 , they were gradually replaced by excellent quality made ones , produced in Germany( link to postmarks list) [Link 3]
At each post office either in Gaza Strip or Jericho the metal postmarks replaced the Bridge type one,
which was never used again ( Besides two exceptions , 5 years later , for philatelic purposes ) .
It is unknown if the Bridge type devices has gone to a central archive or remained at post office backroom .
It can be assumed that there was a delay in the supply of the ordinary metal postmarks ordered in Germany .
Therefore , to reach the formal announced date of 1.Jan.1995 ,
the Egyptian Bridge type postmarks were hurriedly ordered for the Interim period .
The case of Khuza’a post office
On 18.Jan.1996 a new Bridge type postmark was introduced at the village of Khuza’a in the Gaza Strip .
The probable explanation to this exceptional move , introduction of a Bridge type postmark, is given below .
The metal type postmark prepared in Germany was wrongly spelled : "KZAZAH” instead of Khuza’a
As a result, the wrong spelled device, was replaced after a short time , by the correct spelled version , which was of the Bridge type one .
This is the only and unique case in which a Bridge type postmark became the permanent office device .
It was only replaced ten years later, in 2006, , as many other postmarks, by a new device .