Henry Archer (1799-1863)
Henry Archer (1799–1863) was the son of an Irish landowner and was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. He was called to the Irish Bar and spent most of his time between North Wales and London.
In railway circles, Archer is known mostly for the Ffestiniog Railway.
Philatelists know Henry Archer as the inventor of the first postage stamp perforating machine, which he patented in 1848, to facilitate stamp separation. Following the successful Prince Consort Essay trials in 1853, he sold his copyright and patents to the Postmaster General for £4,000. In early trials, his alternative Archer Roulette machines failed to work well.
1863 Died. 'On the 2nd March, at Pau, Henry Archer, Esq, the inventor of the machine for perforating postage label stamps.'[1]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Norwich Mercury - Saturday 04 April 1863