Rückstempel

Rückstempel, literally “return stamp,” is a term used in postal contexts to describe a postmark applied to a mail item when it is returned to the sender. It signifies that delivery could not be completed and the item has been routed back through the postal system.

Function and appearance

A Rückstempel records the return of undeliverable mail. The postmark typically includes the returning post office and the date of the return, and may also indicate a reason for non-delivery (such as unknown recipient or moved). The mark can appear on the front of the envelope or, in some systems, on the back. Designs and wording vary by country and era; some examples use terms like “Rücksendung” or similar variants.

Role in postal practice

In many German-speaking and related postal administrations, undeliverable letters receive a Rückstempel as part of the return process, either in addition to or instead of standard delivery cancellations. The stamp helps document the item’s return path and timing within postal records.

Philatelic significance

For stamp and postal history collectors, Rückstempel are of interest because they illuminate routing practices, dates, and regional procedures. Studying these postmarks can reveal information about a piece’s journey, the frequency of returns, and historical postal workflows.

Notes

The term is primarily used in German-speaking contexts, and while the general concept exists elsewhere, the exact appearance and phrasing depend on national postal practices.