USS Oklahoma handstamp

The National Postal Museum has two hand-held cancellation devices from the USS Oklahoma. This traditional Navy three-bar cancel device still bears the date “Dec 6, 1941 PM,” the day before the ship capsized and sank early Sunday morning during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It shows evidence of water damage, and possibly even ash, hallmarks of its tragic past.

"OKLAHOMA / U.S.S. / NOV / 28 / P.M ./ LONG BEACH / CALIF" handstamp; rubber and metal head attached to wooden handle. Corrosion may indicate this was recovered from wreck at Pearl Harbor.

Museum ID: 1992.2002.401