Maryland Line, MD, postmark handstamp

This circular town-date handstamp is typical of a mid-19th century, steel-head postmarker. The solid steel die has a mortice in the center with a socket key and is marked Maryland Line, MD. The mortise only accomodates month and date type, typical of the 1860s and 1870s. The ornate set-screw head and the small-diameter dial are characteristic of pre-Civil War steel handstamps. Larger diameter devices during the mid-19th Century were ordinarily made of wood.