The Postcode, a Local and Routing Code for the Transport of Mail Items

Abstract

As early as last century code numbers were used for the purpose of identifying post towns. In 1853 it was for the first time that the Taxis Postal Administration introduced circular stamps with code numbers which were based on a specific system of numbering the individual post towns [1]. Organizational measure and the addition of new postal establishments soon called for the extension of the stamp code numbers so that, as a result, the original concept was no longer recognizable after a while. However, this concept began to fall into oblivion when the Confederation of the Rhine was established which meant the end of the Reichspost (postal administration of the German Reich), and was forgotten once and for all when Prussia took over the Taxis Postal System on 1 July 1867.