Australian Commonwealth Postal Note (One Shilling)

This item is an Australian Commonwealth Postal Note for "One Shilling" with a stated 'Poundage Two Pence'. It is a rectangular document made of thin, pale cream-colored paper, measuring approximately 7 inches by 4 inches. The design features a decorative border with intricate patterns, suggesting an official and secure document. The text is printed in black ink, with some areas featuring a darker, more prominent font, such as 'POSTAL NOTE' and 'COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA'. The serial number 'L547647' is printed twice at the top, along with 'N.S.W.' (presumably indicating New South Wales). There are blank lines for 'To the Postmaster', 'at', and 'Pay', indicating fields to be manually filled. A prominent instruction states, 'AT ANY TIME WITHIN SIX MONTHS FROM THE LAST DAY OF THE MONTH OF ISSUE ON ACCOUNT OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL'. Another line reads 'RECEIVED THE ABOVE NAMED SUM-'. Two circular stamps are visible, one partially obscured but reading 'SWOOD' and what appears to be a date '1958', indicating a post office or issuing location and date. The right circular area is labeled 'STAMP OF PAYING OFFICE'. At the bottom, a fine print instruction states, 'THE PURCHASER MUST FILL IN THE OFFICE OF PAYMENT AND NAME OF PAYEE'. The phrase 'Please turn over' suggests there is additional information on the reverse side. The paper shows significant signs of age and use, including multiple strong creases and folds across its surface, notably a prominent vertical fold down the center and several horizontal folds. There is visible discoloration and dirt accumulation, particularly along the fold lines and edges, contributing to a worn patina. The paper is slightly yellowed with age, and the edges appear somewhat softened. Despite the wear, the printing remains legible. This specific postal note, given the '1958' stamp, dates to the mid-20th century.