handback service at local us post offices

[nadams3]

Does anyone know where to find the regulation that allows postal clerks to hand cancel envelopes and hand back without going thru the mailstream?  I used to be able to do this without much trouble but with new clerks, it seems to get harder to do lately.  i had the postal manual location at one time but it seems to have changed over the years and is no longer valid in the the same paragraph that i used to show the clerks.     thanks nadams

[malolo]

Her's a news release for a small old town post office where it is mentioned that Handback is possible for the special event.

http://timesbulletin.com/Content/News/News/Article/Van-Wert-Post-Office-marks-its-175th/2/4/183747

"This special postmark will be available until Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. It bears the date of Nov. 9, 2013. Hand-back service is available at the post office counter to anyone who presents a postal card, postcard or envelope with first class postage applied. An address is not required on the envelope for hand-back service. With an address the item may be mailed after receiving the special postmark."

And from a LInn's article where the colelctor wanted a "handback" item with a meter "stamp".

http://www.linns.com/en/insights/us-stamps-and-postal-history/2014/03/new-reduced-us-domestic-letter...

Maybe printing parts of this article will help you at your local post office.

[malolo]

Her's a better answer with the regualtions quoted. From Linn's November 2015. Try at your local post office.

http://www.linns.com/en/insights/us-stamps-and-postal-history/2015/11/confusing-regulations-stymie-p...

[davidsaksmemphis]

You can download a .PDF copy of the latest Postal Operations Manual here:

http://www.apwu.org/sites/apwu/files/resource-files/POM%209%20Postal%20Operations%20Manual%20%5Bupda...

Go to Section 2 "Philately" and find Subsection 23 "Philatelic Postamrks", then paragraph 231.4 "Hand-Back and Mail-Back Service".

You'll find much updated information to assist you and answer all of your questions regarding the USPS hand-back policy.

[nadams3]

This is exactly what I was looking for in the postal manual.  I have made copies to take with me to the post office to show the clerks when I want something canceled and handed back. Part of my hobby is to give new born babies a cover cancelled on their birthday along with a copy of newspaper with the news of the day they were born.  many thanks for the info,