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 |
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1932-10-27 |
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Navy Day |
Fancy "Received" cancel on the back along with Lawrence's address,
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N/A |
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1934-10-18 |
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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.
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N/A |
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1934-10-27 |
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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.
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1935-01-31 |
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N/A |
John N. Lawrence's marking is on the back.
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N/A |
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N/A |
1935-02-04 |
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Chinese New Year |
Note:
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1935-08-06 |
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N/A |
Sponsored by Deane C. (DC) Bartley, R/S address on back. John N. Lawrence's marking is also on the back.
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N/A |
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N/A |
1936-01-01 |
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N/A |
Note: Advertising card for John Lawrence's cover servicing.
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N/A |
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1936-03-14 |
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Cachet comemorates the loss of |
Cachet artist is C. Guy Cross
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N/A |
1936-05-30 |
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Honoring the 4th Regiment |
Cachet by Norwood B. Scatchard
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N/A |
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N/A |
1936-10-27 |
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Navy Day |
Note:
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N/A |
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1936-12-25 |
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Christmas and New Year greetings |
Backside of the cover shows Lawrence's Regimental Hospital marking.
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1938-10-27 |
Cachet by Richard Buchwald
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1938-12-25 |
Notes:
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N/A |
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N/A |
1945-01-15 |
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Outgoing mail from Lawrence |
USCG Cachet by Walter G. Crosby
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N/A |
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N/A |
1945-05-08 |
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Outgoing mail from Lawrence |
Army & Navy YMCA envelope, notice the handwritten note "Germany Surrenders"
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