T T: Abbreviation for the French word "Taxe." When applied on a stamp, the stamp is used for Postage Due. When stamped on an envelope, it signifies that Postage Due has been charged. T: U.S. Telegraph. Scott catalog number prefix to identify stamps other than standard postage. TAB: An inscription printed in the margin of a stamp sheet. Tabs are collected attached to the postage stamp. TAGGING: The phosphor coating on a stamp for use by automated mail handling equipment. TALKING STAMPS: Stamps in the form of a miniature record as issued by Bhutan. TARGET CANCEL: A cancel or postmark in round circles shaped like a target. TC: Trial Color (Proof) T C P: Trial color proof TEETH: The projections between perforation holes. TELEGRAPH STAMPS: Labels that resemble stamps issued by telegraph companies in payment of telegram or telegraph fees. TETE-BECHE: A pair of stamps connected together with one stamp right side up, the other upside down. TGS: Tropical Gum Stain(s) THATCHER FERRY BRIDGE: Canal Zone issue of Oct. 12, 1962, famous because of missing bridge. THEMATIC: Collecting of stamps telling a story relating to a certain theme or topic. THEMATIC COLLECTION: Some define this term as a collection of stamps, covers, cancellations and other items related to one specific topic that relates a story. THERMOGAPH CACHET: Cover design made by applying a rubber stamp impression, then powdered and heated; gives a raised and glossy impression. THIN: Removal of paper fibers from the back of a stamp. three sides, as issued by the Post Office. THIRD CLASS MAIL: Includes circulars and printed matter, booklets, catalogs with each piece weighing less than 16 ounces. THREE-DIMENSIONAL STAMP (3D): A ridged plastic used to reproduce images that made them appear three dimensional. TIED: A stamp is considered "tied" when the cancellation is beyond the stamp on the envelope proving the stamp originated on that cover. TIMBRE D'ACCUSER d' RÉCEPTION: (Fr.) Stamp issued as a prepayment fee as an acknowledgment of receipt of a registered package ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT STAMP (A.R.) (Eng.) TIMBRE DE SOUFFLE: Term used on French seals meaning "seals for breath." TIN CAN MAIL: Mail from Niuafo'ou, Tonga would be sealed in an oil drum and "pushed" out to a passing ship by native swimmers. The ship would then pull the drum on board and take the letters inside to the next port for delivery. TIN HAT SET: king Albert portrait stamps of Belgium issued in 1919. TINTED PAPER: Paper that has received a background tint before the paper is printed. TNI: Tiny Natural Inclusion(s) TO PAY LABELS: Term for postage dues in Great Britain TONGS: A "tool" used to handle stamps that looks like a tweezer but has a round or spade tip. TONING: Discoloration on envelopes or stamps caused by exposure to light, heat, humidity, air or a combination of factors. TOP: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing added the word TOP to the blue plate (the vignette) and to the carmine plate (the frame) to help prevent the printing of inverted blue airplane designs. TOPICAL COLLECTION: Some define this term as a collection of stamps, covers, cancellations and other items related to one specific topic. TOPICALS: Collecting of stamps by the topic on the stamps, such as space, animals, sports, etc. TPE: Tiny Paper Enclosure(s) T P O: Traveling post office TR: Tear TRAFFIC LIGHTS: British stamps with dabs of color printed in the sheet margin. TRANSFER: An impression made on the printing plate by the transfer roll, the medium used to transfer the subject from the die to the plate. TRANSIT POSTMARK: The postal marking applied between the sending and receiving post offices. TRANSITION STAMP: A strip of stamps that show a change from one form to another. TRANSPORTS: A U.S. Post Office series of air mail stamps issued in 1941; they all depicted a transport-type aircraft. TREATY PORTS: Chinese ports where foreign nations were permitted trading facilities. Stamps were issued for use in their postal services. TRD: Temporary Rubber Datestamp (Cancellation) TRESSES: Decorative design found on the back flap of some envelopes. TRIAL COLOR PROOFS: Prints made from dies or plates in order to evaluate the final color of a stamp. TRIMMED PERFORATIONS: A stamp with perforations cut away after issuance. TRIPTYCH: Three stamps in a row with an interconnected and related design. TROPICAL GUM: Gum discolored from its original issue by conditions that allowed for fungal growth. TS: Tropical stain(ing) TRUCIAL STATES: Group of Arabian nations. T T: Topical Time, publication of the American Topical Association. TUBE COILS: Canadian term for coil stamps printed at high speed and ending up as wrapped tubes. TWO-CENT REDS: Term used to describe US commemoratives issued between 1927 and 1932. TYPO: Typographed TYPOGRAPHY: Letterpress or surface printing from relief prints.