Gallery

Danzig 3, Schaffner Bahnpost

Another member from England, Pat Rothnie, sends us this interesting card with a handstamp that is rarely seen. This particular handstamp is known to have been in use between 20 Feb. 1878 and 24 Nov. 1885, but its exact function is uncertain.

Post Office Danzig 3 was situated at 11 Thornscher Weg, Danzig, very close to the Legetor railway station. It is possible that mail from this particular post office was given to a train guard (“Schaffner”) for its transfer to the main system of mails at a point further aLong the main line (e.g., at Praust or Dirschau).

Another possible explanation of the handstamp’s use is that mail from Danzig 3 was carried across the city by tram ( since the German word for a tram cond uctor is also “Schaffner”) to the Hohetor railway station. This card was posted between 7 & 8 PM on 14 September, but, since neither the handstamp nor the message on the card show any year identification, this can only be guessed at.

 

Danzig Report   Nr. 50 - January - February - March - 1986, Page 6.