Not on display

This object consists of 5 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Post franking machine

Post Franking Machine
1972-1973 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Up to four million operations without a single fault: that is the level of reliability on test which all franking machines may have to meet in order to be approved by different postal authorities around the world. In addition the meters on the machines must be tamper-proof to prevent pilfering; operation must be simple enough for the office junior to use the machine without making expensive mistakes; and the cost of the machines must be low enough to make obvious the economic advantage of franking as compared with stamp-licking. The award-winning Roneo-Neopost machines combine all these requirements.

The basic meter unit is particularly easy to use. Any figure between 1/2 p and £9.99 1/2 is simply set with the four easy-to-read dials on top of the meter; if a value in excess of 99p is dialled an orange warning button lights and has to be depressed for each franking, thus preventing expensive errors. Some 40 countries have approved the system.

Postal franking machines, designed and made by Roneo-Neopost Ltd (consultant industrial designer; H A Nieboer); from £210-£420.

Design Journal, COID Awards 1972, London, March 1972, pp.29-34

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 5 parts.

  • Bracket
  • Cardboard Box
  • Plastic Box
  • Carrying Case
  • Franking Machine
TitlePost franking machine (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Steel and plastic
Brief description
Roneo-Neopost post franking machine, designed by Roneo-Neopost Ltd with consulting designer H.A. Nieboer, Model 405 and serial number RV4000. Part of a range that was awarded a Design Council Consumer Award in 1972.
Physical description
Post franking machine, rectangular, made of pressed, powder coated steel and injection moulded plastic
Dimensions
  • Printing metering head height: 6in (Note: Taken from the register.)
  • Printing metering head width: 9.88in (Note: Taken from the register.)
  • Printing metering head depth: 5.5in (Note: Taken from the register.)
  • Body height: 7.75in (Note: Taken from the register.)
  • Body width: 15.75in (Note: Taken from the register.)
  • Body depth: 14in (Note: Taken from the register)
Style
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
neopost 505 / CREDIT (On the front fascia)
Credit line
Given by the manufacturer
Object history
Historical significance: Winner of the Design Cenrtre Award in 1972.
Summary
Up to four million operations without a single fault: that is the level of reliability on test which all franking machines may have to meet in order to be approved by different postal authorities around the world. In addition the meters on the machines must be tamper-proof to prevent pilfering; operation must be simple enough for the office junior to use the machine without making expensive mistakes; and the cost of the machines must be low enough to make obvious the economic advantage of franking as compared with stamp-licking. The award-winning Roneo-Neopost machines combine all these requirements.

The basic meter unit is particularly easy to use. Any figure between 1/2 p and £9.99 1/2 is simply set with the four easy-to-read dials on top of the meter; if a value in excess of 99p is dialled an orange warning button lights and has to be depressed for each franking, thus preventing expensive errors. Some 40 countries have approved the system.

Postal franking machines, designed and made by Roneo-Neopost Ltd (consultant industrial designer; H A Nieboer); from £210-£420.

Design Journal, COID Awards 1972, London, March 1972, pp.29-34
Collection
Accession number
CIRC.454:1 to 5-1973

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Record createdApril 28, 2011
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