Stockholms Postanstalter och Makuleringsstämplar 1636-1910 (Stockholm’s Postal Stations and Cancellations) by Leif Ledmyr. 116 pages, 8 ¼ by 11 ¾ inches, perfect bound, soft covers, in Swedish, self-published, Lidingö, Sweden, 2008. ISBN 978-91-976230-1-8, cost and shipping details from Leif Ledmyr, Jägerstigen 71, 18146 Lidingö, Sweden, or leif.ledmyr@telia.com.

            References to the cancellations of Stockholm prior to this book have been restricted to the 1918 booklet by Astley Levins, the recent exhibits of Göran Heijtz, and the Swedish cancellation handbook of 1952 published by the Swedish Philatelic Federation, and some updates in Facit’s postal history catalog. Ledmyr has compiled a thorough listing of the Stockholm cancels including varieties and new markings for the period 1636 to 1910.

            The first markings are the B (Betalt or paid) and F (Fri or free) markings from the 1600s, and all eight of the B and two of the F that are known are shown and identified. Next are ten different “ribbon” cancels with the word “Stockholm” used during the 18^th century. Continuing with the prestamp period are the many straight line, half-circle, arc cancels, and the rectangular marks that extend into the stamp period. Each marking is identified by dimensions, period of use, and is illustrated. Some examples are shown on complete covers.

            The rest of the book continues this same scheme with circle daters, postage due marks, parcel marks, and many others. A clear illustration of the marking is shown along with identifying features; an example used on a postage stamp and, occasionally, on a cover; the period of use; and the post office location where it was used. Sections of this handbook that discuss markings at a particular post office or station are introduced with details of the street address and period of operation. Several pages are devoted to the special markings used during the 1897 industrial exhibition in Stockholm that was held from May to October.

            The bibliography is separated into references on postal history, post offices and branches, and cancellations. Separate indexes are presented for post offices, the markings listed by number type used in the 1952 cancellation handbook and Facit postal history catalogs, and the identifying wording in particular cancels, all with reference to the pages where they are described.

            Although the text is in Swedish, the illustrations and listings make it easy to identify the markings. One area not covered are the markings used by the Stockholm City (local) post in the 1850s. The book is nicely laid out and the markings are clearly shown. Pages are printed on one side only. Students of the postal history of Stockholm from the 17^th century into the first decade of the 20^th will be amply rewarded by adding this book to their library.

Alan Warren