PERFIN THEMES

The Post Office was against the use of full name perfins since they regarded them as advertising. However this did not stop large a number of firms using their full name.

JAFFE		BASS

Full name perfins would inevitably occupy more space than simple initials and hence only short full name perfins tend to be struck horizontally.

BEAVIS		GARDINER & CO		JARDINE		PEOPLE

One way to cram the name onto a stamp was to arrange for the die to be diagonal.

CENTURY		CHALLINORS		GOTTSCHALKS		OETZMANN
		HITCHINGS LD		HORSELL LEEDS

However, even diagonally some names would not fit, leading to a number of full names being arranged in an arc design.

MINTON		TUTILL LONDON

Another way to cram on the full name was simply to use a much smaller character size. Full complete strikes of these designs can be particularly attractive.

EUROPEAN MAIL				SWANSEA CORPORATION

Alternatively, the name could be abbreviated, such as with "European Mail" illustrated above. However, does this still constitute a "full name" perfin ?

SUTTON READING

Some full name dies still adhered to standard perfin character sizes, despite the fact that one strike of the perfin would barely fit on, and remove a large portion of, the stamp.

NEXT PAGE : Monograms and Fancy Letters