One of the rarest stamps in the world--ignored by the public when it was issued because it seemed to be simply a traditional kind of CVP--there are only seven examples of this first design, the first webenabled stamp ever issued. With only twenty-eight stamps available, it is important to distinguish on the basis of condition. The stamps were poorly stored by non-philatelists. The result is that only about 10 stamps do not showing adhesive toning. Avoid purchasing toned stamps, as these will only tone further.

Initially, as shown by the software essay in Figure 2, the USPS logo was proposed, but USPS rejected it (only USPS-generated material may bear the USPS logo). There are also test dummies bearing this logo which were printed to show to USPS officials--who promptly vetoed the design. Then the stars were proposed—in the software essay shown in Figure 3—before the adoption of the final form. There are two test dummies for the NPF stamp; one is Ebay Item 2972665799. These test dummies say, "You paid $1.36" in the lower right selvage.

Interestingly, and unlike later Neopost stamps, the first design was printed in blue ink which could be photocopied; later designs were printed in a blue ink which, for security reasons, photocopies only very faintly. All sheets are on the first paper (Figure 4). The fluorescent "N" (infra) is on all sheets. The First Design sheets have a feature which distinguishes them from all other Neopost four-stamp sheets: they are slightly longer. One of the sheets (which has two stamps missing--where are the covers?) has a contemporary inscription on the backing in blue felt pen--"This is one of the first stamps. Gift from Risha[?]." This is a rare example of a sheet apparently signed by the original purchaser (sheets signed by their original purchasers command a premium). The sheet has light printing, the result of a too-low setting of the heat (remember that all light printing on Neopost sheets results from this too-low setting, NOT from fading). Since that was corrected, this may be the earliest known sheet of webenabled stamps, and it is the only one with an inscription during the 34-cent rate. The USPS maintained a policy that all test, essay, proof, blank and other such preparatory material, had to remain with Neopost, and Neopost itself kept strict account of its blanks, dummies and essays, so these webenabled stamps are among the few areas of CVP where material of this sort is valuable. USPS changed its Neopost policy to allow for circulation of blank sheets if they have been handstamped void. Before that policy was announced, however, examples of the blank sheets were released in order to illustrate this catalogue--which is what provoked the USPS policy. These blank sheets appear throughout the text, and are the only blank material available without the handstamp; hence they have assumed an unexpected place, as some of the rarest Neopost items. To simplify matters for collectors, I have signed all authorized test, blank, essay and dummy material--ignore the rest, as they are unauthorized and are always subject to seizure by USPS. There are several thousand of each type of voided sheet; an example of a complete set can be viewed at Ebay item 2939785733. There is one blank label for this First Design outside Neopost (Figure 5). It is published in the Meter Stamp Society Bulletin, No. 257 (Fall 2002), p. 10.

1. $1100. First Design. The "Risha" sheet with two left stamps missing. This is probably the first sheet of webenabled stamps ever printed. No toning but small diagonal dent in upper left corner far from stamps and slight denting in left selvage and backing paper (from stamp removal). Stamps superb with the faint printing characteristic of the earliest printings.

2. $800. The blank sheet published in the Bulletin. Slight toning along the top and bottom selvage but stamps superb. Signed "Cerizet" on reverse bottom in light pencil. Card with Cerizet notes accompanies, on which he indicates that the sheet was severed from the roll by C. Giles, who designed the stamp.

2.2 THE BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, MACHINE, MAY 22, 2001-JUNE 29, 2002 (MACHINE #6)

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