Cachet Maker John N Lawrence

John Noble Lawrence was from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, born in 1889 and primarily raised by his mother. In May 1910 he enlisted in the navy, and quickly became rated as a pharmacist-mate. From 1918-1922 he was a warrant officer, but then reverted back to chief pharmacist. Early in his career he saw duty in the Philippines, and in the mid-1930's was at Shanghai, China.

It appears he became a collector during the 1930's, and while in China with the 4th Regiment USMC, created a number of colorful and highly sought after covers. He is listed as an affiliate member of USCS (#696) in 1936. Lawrence retired from the navy in 1939 as a CPHM, but went back into the service during WWII and once again became a warrant officer. He lived at San Diego, and was stationed at the Naval Hospital there during the war. His name is also seen on various philatelic covers into the mid-1940's.

John Lawrence was married to Agnes Small prior to 1920, but they did not have children. Agnes passed away at San Diego in 1952, and John died in 1962.

(quick research by Lloyd Ferrell, Sept. 2021)

Cachets should be listed in chronological order based on earliest known usage. Use the postmark date or best guess. This applies to add-on cachets as well.

John N. Lawrence Page 1
John N. Lawrence Page 2   (Patriotic Covers)
John N. Lawrence Page 3   (Self Created Postmarks from Shanghai)

 

Thumbnail Link To Cachet Close-Up Image	Thumbnail Link To Full Cover Front Image	Thumbnail Link To Postmark or Back Image	Postmark Date Postmark Type Killer Bar Text Ship --------- Category

 

			1932-10-27 Non-Postal Marking Anchor and U.S.N. Naval Ammunition Depot Hawthorne NV
			Navy Day

Fancy "Received" cancel on the back along with Lawrence's address,

 

N/A			1934-10-18 Locy Type 3 (BC-BBT) "HELLO / BARBADOS" USS Tuscaloosa CA-37
			Shakedown Cruise

The USS Tuscaloosa was on her shakedown cruise when this cover was postmarked. The cachet was to be used for Fleet Review in May 1934. Lawrence's initial (J.N.L.) can be seen on the back of this cover.

 

N/A			1934-10-27 Locy Type 5hks "NANKING / CHINA" USS Monocacy PR-2
			Navy Day

The sailor in the cachet is believed to be John Lawrence. Lawrence's rubberstamp marking can be seen on the back of this cover.

 

			1935-01-31 Locy Type 6efu "Yangtze Patrol Branch" USS Monocacy PR-5
			N/A

John N. Lawrence's marking is on the back.

 

N/A		N/A	1935-02-04 Locy Type 5hks "NANKING / CHINA" USS Monocacy PR-2
			Chinese New Year

Note:

 

			1935-08-06 Locy Type 3 (BC-BBT) "HSIAKWAN / CHINA" USS Panay PR-5
			N/A

Sponsored by Deane C. (DC) Bartley, R/S address on back. John N. Lawrence's marking is also on the back.

 

N/A		N/A	1936-01-01
			N/A

Note: Advertising card for John Lawrence's cover servicing.

 

N/A			1936-03-14 Locy Type 3 "U.S. MARINES / IN CHINA" 4th Regiment USMC Shanghai China
			Cachet comemorates the loss of USS Fulton PG-49

Cachet artist is C. Guy Cross

 

		N/A	1936-05-30 Locy Type 3 (TBT) "U.S. MARINES / IN CHINA" 4th Regiment U.S.M.C. Shanghai China
			Honoring the 4th Regiment

Cachet by Norwood B. Scatchard

 

N/A		N/A	1936-10-27 Locy Type 3 (AC-TTT) "NAVY DAY / SHANGHAI" USS Asheville PG-21
			Navy Day

Note:

 

N/A			1936-12-25 Locy Type 3 "BUY U.S. / GOV'T BONDS" U.S.N. Purchasing Office, Shanghai China 1937-01-01 Locy Type 3 4th Regiment U.S.M.C., Shanghai China
			Christmas and New Year greetings

Backside of the cover shows Lawrence's Regimental Hospital marking.

 

			1938-10-27 Locy Type 9v Locy Type RCVD Naval Hospital Washington DC
			Navy Day

Cachet by Richard Buchwald

 

			1938-12-25 Locy Type 9v Locy Type SLP (40x5) Naval Hospital Washington DC
			Christmas Day

Notes:

 

N/A		N/A	1945-01-15 Locy Type 7z
			Outgoing mail from Lawrence

USCG Cachet by Walter G. Crosby

 

N/A		N/A	1945-05-08 USPO Slogan Machine Postmark "Naval Hospital Branch" San Diego CA
			Outgoing mail from Lawrence

Army & Navy YMCA envelope, notice the handwritten note "Germany Surrenders"

 

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