Russian "Brandstempel"
by Rene Hillesum
A very typical postmark is the Dutch so called "Brandstempel". This postmark was used in a testing machine-canceller created by the Dutchman Ir. C.C. van der Valk. The machine was called "Vulcanus". The machine did not use ink to produce a postmark, but the postmark "hardware" was heated by petroleum and was burned into the stamp. The machine was not a great success, and was used only in 's-Gravenhage (The Hague) from 5-8-1901 till 2-11-1901. Too many items were destroyed by burning! For testing, Mr. van der Valk got an original Dutch postmark Scheveningen 2 which het transformed into the typical form for Brandstempel. This postmark Scheveningen 2 (nowadays a suburb of The Hague) was used in its original form only very short. As Brandstempel it has never been really used, but only for testing the machine. The picture shows the Brandstempel on April 30 1901. Also on this postcard there is a Russian postmark of Derechin Grodno G. However I do not have the reference, I guess this is also a transformed original postmark. Has this been really used before in its original state? Most probably van der Valk made tests for the Russian post too, trying to sell his invention.
Added by Ivo Steijn
Very puzzling! I think I've seen another example of what appeared to be a Russian "brandstempel", from an equally unlikely town. I have to say, I am wondering if someone is forging these. I can think of no reason why the Russian post would supply a postmark of a small place like Derechin for a trial, nor why the inventor would pick such a postmark for a trial. I am fairly sure "brandstempels" were never ordered or used officially by any post office in Russia...
Added by Anatoly
A Post office was opened indeed in Derechin, Slonim uezd of Grodno gubernya in Junuary 1896 and udgrated into Post and Telegraph office in Juanuary 1900. But I hardly can imagine why this type of postmark was used in such a small place, - even as a trial?