affixing machine

{{Short description|Machine that affixes postage stamps}}

File:Multipost Model T.jpgAn Affixing Machine is a machine that affixes postage stamps to an envelope, postcard or wrapper.George P. Howard, The Stamp Machines and Coiled Stamps (H. L. Lindquist, 1943) Affixing machines first appeared in the 1850s{{Cite web|url=https://stampauctionnetwork.com/f/f11741.cfm|title=Spink Shreves Galleries Sale - 117 Page 41|website=stampauctionnetwork.com|access-date=2019-02-05}} but were not widely used until the early 20th century.{{Cite web|url=http://www.subwaystamp.com/GUIDE-TO-US-VENDING-AND-AFFIXING-MACHINE-PERFS-1907-1927/productinfo/RBI14/|title=GUIDE TO US VENDING AND AFFIXING MACHINE PERFS 1907-1927-Subway Stamp Shop Inc.|website=www.subwaystamp.com|access-date=2019-02-05|archive-date=2020-09-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925133952/https://www.subwaystamp.com/GUIDE-TO-US-VENDING-AND-AFFIXING-MACHINE-PERFS-1907-1927/productinfo/RBI14/|url-status=dead}} Stamp affixing machines were brought about by the need to mechanically affix stamps for bulk processing of mail.{{Cite web|url=https://cpscards.com/live-stamps/|title=Live Stamps: Make Your Next Mailing Personal|date=2016-11-03|website=CPS Cards|access-date=2019-02-05}} A secondary reason for the machines was to make the theft of stamps more difficult{{Cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/pr/perfinsoc/articals/Feb2003/Feb2003.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127204633/http://www.angelfire.com/pr/perfinsoc/articals/Feb2003/Feb2003.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 27, 2007|title=An Incomplete History Of Stamp Affixing Machines|website=Angelfire|access-date=2019-02-05}} for employees with access to a large inventory of coils. The first widespread machine was created in 1884 by Engle Frankmussler,{{Cite web|url=http://www.frankingmachine.co.uk/what-is-a-franking-machine/|title=What is a Franking Machine, The History Of Franking|website=FrankingMachine.co.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-02-05}} a Norwegian, who created the ‘Postage Stamp Affixing Machine’ as it was then called, was a crank-operated machine that was effective but vulnerable to tampering. [https://companycompare.co.uk/what-is-a-franking-machine/ What Is A Franking Machine?: What are franking machines used for?] Retrieved 2018-08-08.