Burélage, Burelé
A pattern that forms part of a stamp design, mainly used as a protective underprint before the stamps are printed.
Chalky, or Chalk-Surfaced Paper
This is a paper which has been coated on the printing side with a solution of chalk and gum; it
Bureau Print
Particular to America, these stamps were precancelled at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing before delivery to the Post Office.
Airmail
A general term to denote letters and postal items carried by air. The cost is usually more than the surface
Engine Turned
Intricate traceries forming background patterns for stamps are engraved by means of a rose-engine or geometrical lathe.
Double Transfer
A true double transfer is rare in stamp lithography, but apparent or partial doubling of the image on the stone
Dickinson Paper
Named after its inventor, this paper, used for the Mulready and other envelopes, and in rare cases for adhesive stamps,
Air Label
Labels inscribed Par Avion or equivalent, which means by air. France had the first example in black on red paper
Cylinder Number
British stamp sheets printed by rotary photogravure from cylindrical plates bear small figures in the lower left margin, below the
Corner Block
A block of stamps with margins from the corner of a sheet, of interest mainly when the stamps from that
Advertising Cover
Envelope, which advertises a commercial product.
ABNC, ABNCo.
American Bank Note Company
Make-ready
Before printing from a plate, a proof is taken on an impression sheet from which portions which print too fully
Machine Cancellation
A postmark and cancelling mark applied by a rotary die driven by electricity; the cancelling portion is often used for
Locals
Stamps whose franking power is circumscribed, within a town, or district, or limited to a particular route. Where issued by