Stamp Glossary "M".

   Machine Cancellation  A mark applied by an automatic machines as opposed to handstamping, on the stamps to denote usage and prevent re-use.

  Maltese Cross  Term used (but erroneously) to describe the 1840 obliteration of Great Britain. It is actually an eight-pointed cross formed by four triangles, their tops meeting in the center, their bases indented-the top points should not overlap. 

  Marginal Guide Marks  Lines, dots, arrows and other marks in the margins of sheets of stamps use as guides by the printer in perforating and trimming the printed sheets.

  Marginal Inscriptions  see also Imprints

  Metered Mail  Mail that is automatically franked by a machine.  The impression, which is a combined �postage stamp and postmark�, marks the amount of postage paid and the date of posting, while the automatic machine �meters� or records the number of letters and the total postage. 

  Millesime  Numerals recording the year of printing certain stamps of France and Colonies-�1�,�2�, etc. (the last digit of the year of issue), usually printed in the gutter margins between panes.

  Miniature Sheet  A small sheet containing a single stamp, pair, block or set of stamps, with wide, inscribed and/or decorative margins, issued as a commemorative souvenir for collectors.  Also known as souvenir sheet 

  Mint  Stamp as originally issued, unused and with full gum.

  Mourning Stamps  Stamps issued during national bereavement, either special issues printed in black or existing stamps having an added black border.

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