The Sudan Study Group has undertaken a major project to re-classify the postal cancellations (date stamps) of the civilians post offices and postal agencies in the Sudan from 1867-2005. The work started several years ago and when complete will result in a publication to replace the book published by Edward Stagg in 1974 entitled Sudan: The Post Markings, 1867-1970.
Stagg recorded over 270 Post Offices and Postal Agencies, however research, including information obtained from the Sudanese authorities, indicates that every true figure is nearer 270 although by 2005 only approximately 200 Post Office Agencies remained open.
A list of recorded post offices and postal agencies is available to members of the Group. Originally it was intended to illustrate every cancellation used by each post office and postal agency. However that method has proved impossible and a new system of classifying cancels by type and applying it to each office has been devised.
The new system is based upon the physical characteristics of groups of cancellations identified without reference to name of office/agency, dimensions, date and purpose. Therefore they fall into the following groups:
