Frama AG of Switzerland were formerly designers and manufacturers of postage franking machines. In 1976 they produced their first postage label vending machine which was used in Switzerland. This (the FE274) had the provision for the three most common postage values which were selected by three buttons and a fourth which allowed for the value of the coinage left in the machine. The FE27P was a later version of this. In Australia Frama machines use paper with a specially printed background design which is changed at regular intervals.

When first introduced, Frama machines had a coin validator designed by Frama. (One of these as a separate unit is already in the Powerhouse collection). In 1990 all Australian Frama machines in use were modified to have a coin validator manufactured in Australia by Aberfeldie which was more reliable. This machine includes this 1990 type.

Seven trial Frama FE27P machines were used at Australian capital city GPOs on trial from 1984. These had a cliche identifying the machine by its postcode. After the successful trial machines were gradually introduced and a series of cliche numbers developed so that individual machines would be identified from their label. It was also necessary to amend the postal act to legitimise the term "postal label" as a full postage stamp so that they could be used on cards to pay Telecom bills. This happened in 1986. The Frama FE27P model was initially introduced for use in self service postal stations (SSPS) which were trialled from 1985. The FE274 provided a value range of 1c to $9.99. In order to cater for parcel postage at SSPS (which had inbuilt postage calculators) the maximum value of the FE27P was set at $10 and later $20. However with the introduction of Retail Post from 1990 and the location of Post Points in newsagencies and post shops in retail malls, the use of SSPS declined. The FE27Pis now used as a replacement for FE274s which need replacing because of vandalism. This machine is therefore significant in that it represents a step forward by having the customer select and print the value at the time of purchase.
This particular machine was used as a spare by Australia Post engineering Victoria and was never actually placed in service.

Postage label vending machine and parts, type FE274, metal, Frama Ag, Switzerland, 1976
-1 Postal vending machine
-2 Plastic disc
-3 Plastic disc
-4 Key

Designer: Frama AG; Switzerland; 1976

See individual part records

96/311/3

1976