PUEBLA

Puebla was assigned the control number "4". All of the stamps delivered to this main office will have a "4" and a two digit year imprinted, generally reading down the right-hand side of the stamp.

Here is an interesting letter that has a lot going for it. First it is a piece that was used late during the 1868 issue. Also, the stamp is overprinted with a "1" and "72" and thirdly "Mexico" making it valid for use by the Mexico City post office. However before it could be used there, a "shake up" in the postal system of Mexico in the 1870-72 time-frame created a variety known as a "habilitado". Habilitados were stamps that were previously destined for use in one office and later reissued for use in another office by having that office's district name applied. Notice the district name "PUEBLA" (only the "PU" is visible) at 3 o'clock on the right (top as pictured) side of the stamp. The stamp is cancelled with the PUEBLA DILIGENCIA (stagecoach line) oval and used on that service.