Mr. ZIP .. 50 Use Correct Zip Code Labels .. Stamp Ephemera

Fifty Mr ZIP Labels With Attached Paper Tab

These make great scrapbook decorations and also can be used in jewelry and other crafts.

About this lot:
ZIP codes were introduced by the Post Office in 1963. ZIP was an acronym for Zone Improvement Plan. The 5 digit zip code allowed the Post Office to sort mail more efficiently which improved delivery time. Two digit state abbreviations were also introduced at the same time.

After initial reluctance by mailers the Post Office came up with the cartoon character MR ZIP to encourage mailers to be sure to add the Zip Code to help speed up delivery. Mr Zip is characterized as a mail carrier "zipping" along with his mail bag to remind mailers that using Zip Codes sped up delivery of the mail. He was printed on nearly every sheet of stamps between 1964-1986 in the selvage. He came in about 4 different poses and his color was usually the same as the major color of the stamp issued. Collectors often saved the block of 4 stamps next to Mr Zip which were referred to as "ZIP" blocks.